Central Neuropathic Pain

Central neuropathic pain results from a lesion or disease affecting the central somatosensory nervous system. Common examples include pain after stroke, spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis. Patients may experience burning, electric or aching pain, abnormal sensitivity to touch or temperature, numbness and other sensory disturbances.

Assessment requires a compatible neurological history and examination, with investigations directed at the underlying neurological disorder. Management is multimodal and may include rehabilitation, treatment of the neurological condition, neuropathic pain medicines and psychological or functional support. Selected refractory cases may be considered for specialist neuromodulation or other interventional treatment.