If you have chronic pain that started after a stroke, spinal cord injury or a condition like multiple sclerosis, you may wonder why your pain continues even after your body has healed. Central pain syndrome (CPS) is a type of nerve pain caused by changes in the brain and spinal cord that affect how your body senses pain.
At Banner Health, our neurology team of specialists understands the challenges of living with chronic pain. We use a personalized approach to help identify the cause of your pain and create a treatment plan focused on improving comfort, function and quality of life.
Central pain syndrome is a rare condition caused by damage to the brain, brainstem or spinal cord, which are parts of the central nervous system. CPS is also called central neuropathic pain or central pain.
The central nervous system usually receives, processes and interprets pain signals from the body. When these parts are injured or affected by illness, they may not do this correctly. Instead of understanding sensations properly, the injured nervous system might send pain messages even when there is no new injury.
Several conditions can lead to central pain syndrome, including:
Not everyone with these conditions develops CPS. Researchers are still learning why some people experience chronic pain while others do not.
Some people develop chronic nerve pain after a stroke, especially when the stroke affects parts of the brain responsible for processing sensation and pain. This condition is sometimes called central post-stroke pain.
Symptoms can start soon after a stroke or show up months later. The pain usually happens on the same side of the body that was weakened or changed by the stroke.
Learn more about stroke care at Banner Health.
MS damages the protective covering around nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. These changes can affect how pain signals move through the nervous system.
Learn more about multiple sclerosis care at Banner Health.
A spinal cord injury can permanently change how pain signals move between the body and the brain. Pain might happen below the injury, near where the injury is or in areas that feel less sensation.
Learn more about spinal cord injury care at Banner Health.
Symptoms can vary from person to person. They might affect a small part of the body, one side or larger areas. Symptoms can start right after an injury or may appear weeks, months or even years later.
Pain may become worse with:
Central pain syndrome can be hard to identify because its symptoms are similar to those of other pain conditions. Burning, tingling, numbness and shooting pain can be caused by many different issues.
Your health care provider might check for other conditions such as:
By ruling out these problems, your care team can figure out if your pain is due to brain or spinal cord damage or if it’s caused by something else.
There is no single test that can confirm CPS. Instead, your health care provider will look at your symptoms, medical history and whether you’ve had any conditions that affect your brain or spinal cord. They will also do a neurological exam to check your strength, sensation, reflexes and movement.
Your provider might suggest more tests to find out what’s causing your symptoms or to better understand your condition. These tests may include:
Treating central pain syndrome can be difficult. Many people feel better when they use a combination of therapies. The best plan for you depends on what causes your pain, your symptoms, your overall health and how pain affects your daily life.
Different types of medications can help calm overactive pain signals in the brain and spinal cord. Your provider might suggest:
Since central pain syndrome is caused by changes in the nervous system, common painkillers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen often don’t help much.
Depending on your needs, your care plan might include:
If your pain is severe and doesn’t get better with other treatments, your provider might suggest advanced options such as:
These advanced treatments are usually considered only after other treatments have failed. Your care team will talk to you about benefits and risks to see if one of these therapies is right for you.
Living with chronic pain can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Because CPS isn't always visible to others, some people feel their symptoms are misunderstood or dismissed. It's important to know that your pain is real and support is available.
While there may not be a cure for central pain, many people find that treatment and self-care can help them feel better, move more easily and enjoy a higher quality of life.
Your care team can help you:
Managing central pain often takes time. Your care team can help you find the combination of treatments and strategies that work best for you.
Talk to your doctor or provider if you have ongoing burning, stabbing, shooting or sensitivity-related pain after a stroke, spinal cord injury, TBI, MS flare or another nervous system condition.
You might want to see a neurology or pain management expert if:
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have:
These signs could be a medical emergency and need immediate attention.
Living with ongoing nerve pain can be hard but you don't have to face it alone. Banner Health provides comprehensive care for central pain syndrome through our neurology, pain management and Banner Brain & Spine programs.
Our team of specialists works together to find out what’s causing your symptoms and create a custom plan to help you feel more comfortable, improve your daily life and stay active. Whether your nerve pain is new or has been a problem for years, we are here to help you find answers and explore the best treatment options.
It is long-lasting pain caused by damage to the brain or spinal cord. It can happen after a stroke or as part of multiple sclerosis, a spinal cord injury, a traumatic brain injury or other conditions affecting the central nervous system.
It may feel like burning, stabbing, aching, shooting, tingling or extreme sensitivity to touch, heat or cold.
No, they are different. Central pain is a type of nerve pain that starts in the brain or spinal cord, while peripheral neuropathy starts in nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.
Yes. Some people develop long-term nerve pain after a stroke, especially if the stroke affected areas involved in sensing pain.
Doctors usually diagnose it based on the symptoms, medical history, a neurological exam and past brain or spinal cord injuries or diseases. Tests may be done to rule out other causes.
Yes. Treatment can help reduce pain and improve daily functions. Options include medicines for nerve pain, physical or occupational therapy, pain management, rehabilitation and mental health support.
Some people get better over time, while others have long-term symptoms. Treatment focuses on managing pain, improving function and supporting quality of life.
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