Pain Management: Central Pain Syndrome

Central pain syndrome is a neurological condition caused by dysfunction that specifically affects the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain, brainstem, and spinal cord.

The disorder occurs in people who have -- or who have experienced -- strokes, multiple sclerosis, limb amputations, brain injuries, or spinal cord injuries and may develop months or years after injury or damage to the CNS.

What Are the Symptoms of Central Pain Syndrome?

Central pain syndrome is characterized by a mixture of pain sensations, the most prominent being a constant burning. The steady burning sensation is sometimes increased by light touch. Pain also increases in the presence of temperature changes, most often cold temperatures. A loss of sensation can occur in affected areas, most prominently on distant parts of the body, such as the hands and feet. There may be brief, intolerable bursts of sharp pain on occasion.

How Is Central Pain Syndrome Treated?

Pain medications often provide little or no relief for those affected by central pain syndrome; however, some antidepressants and anticonvulsants can be useful in treating central pain syndrome. Doctors recommend people with the condition be sedated and the nervous system kept quiet and as free from stress as possible.

Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Pain Management Department.