NINDS Central Pain Syndrome Information Page
What is Central Pain Syndrome?
Central pain syndrome is a neurological condition caused by damage to or dysfunction
of the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain, brainstem, and spinal
cord. This syndrome can be caused by stroke, multiple sclerosis, tumors, epilepsy, brain
or spinal cord trauma, or Parkinson's disease. The character of the pain associated with
this syndrome differs widely among individuals partly because of the variety of potential
causes. Central pain syndrome may affect a large portion of the body or may be more
restricted to specific areas, such as hands or feet. The extent of pain is usually related to
the cause of the CNS injury or damage. Pain is typically constant, may be moderate to
severe in intensity, and is often made worse by touch, movement, emotions, and
temperature changes, usually cold temperatures. Individuals experience one or more
types of pain sensations, the most prominent being burning. Mingled with the burning
may be sensations of "pins and needles;" pressing, lacerating, or aching pain; and brief,
intolerable bursts of sharp pain similar to the pain caused by a dental probe on an
exposed nerve. Individuals may have numbness in the areas affected by the pain. The
burning and loss of touch sensations are usually most severe on the distant parts of the
body, such as the feet or hands. Central pain syndrome often begins shortly after the
causative injury or damage, but may be delayed by months or even years, especially if it
is related to post-stroke pain.
Is there any treatment?
Pain medications often provide some reduction of pain, but not complete relief of pain,
for those affected by central pain syndrome. Tricyclic antidepressants such as
nortriptyline or anticonvulsants such as neurontin (gabapentin) can be useful. Lowering
stress levels appears to reduce pain.
What is the prognosis?
Central pain syndrome is not a fatal disorder, but the syndrome causes disabling chronic
pain and suffering among the majority of individuals who have it.
What research is being done?
The NINDS vigorously pursues a research program seeking new treatments for chronic
pain and nervous system damage. The goals of this research are to develop ways to
more effectively treat and potentially reverse debilitating conditions such as central pain
syndrome.
Organizations
American Chronic Pain Association
(ACPA)
P.O. Box 850
Rocklin, CA 95677-0850
ACPA@pacbell.net
http://www.theacpa.org
Tel: 916-632-0922 800-533-3231
Fax: 916-632-3208
American Pain Foundation
201 North Charles Street
Suite 710
Baltimore, MD 21201-4111
info@painfoundation.org
http://www.painfoundation.org
Tel: 888-615-PAIN (7246) 410-783-7292
Fax: 410-385-1832
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National Chronic Pain Outreach
Association (NCPOA)
P.O. Box 274
Millboro, VA 24460
ncpoa@cfw.com
http://www.chronicpain.org
Tel: 540-862-9437
Fax: 540-862-9485
National Foundation for the Treatment
of Pain
P.O. Box 70045
Houston, TX 77270
markgordon@paincare.org
http://www.paincare.org
Tel: 713-862-9332
Fax: 713-862-9346
Prepared by:
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not
necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of
Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment
or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician
who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.
All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit
to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.
Last updated February 09, 2005
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