Pain after stroke: A review

• Published in: Revue neurologique Vol. 174; no. 10; pp. 671 - 674
• Main Authors: Delpont, B., Blanc, C., Osseby, G.V., Hervieu-Bègue, M., Giroud, M., Béjot, Y.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: France Elsevier Masson SAS 01.12.2018
• Subjects: Central post-stroke pain; Complex regional pain; Complex Regional Pain Syndromes - diagnosis; Complex Regional Pain Syndromes - etiology; Complex Regional Pain Syndromes - therapy; Headache - diagnosis; Headache - etiology; Headache - therapy; Humans; Pain; Pain - diagnosis; Pain - etiology; Pain Management - methods; Risk Factors; Shoulder; Shoulder Pain - diagnosis; Shoulder Pain - etiology; Shoulder Pain - therapy; Stroke; Stroke - complications; Stroke - diagnosis; Stroke - therapy; Stroke; Pain; Central post-stroke pain; Complex regional pain; Shoulder
• ISSN: 0035-3787
• DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2017.11.011

Pain after stroke (PAS) is a common clinical problem that is both underdiagnosed and undertreated. Yet, it induces depression and cognitive troubles, and impairs quality of life. To provide tools for practitioners, this report describes the most common PAS syndromes, including central post-stroke pain, spasticity and contractures, shoulder pain and complex regional pain syndromes, as well as headache and chondrocalcinosis, along with their risk factors, their prevention and their specific treatments. In addition, to ensure that the compulsory post-stroke clinical assessment in France is optimal, it is recommended that clinicians be trained in how to diagnose and treat PAS, and even to prevent it by early identification of at-risk patients, with the aim to improve patients’ motor and cognitive functions and quality of life.