A Study of Clinical, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and Somatosensory-Evoked Potential in Central Post-Stroke Pain

Abstract

This study evaluates the clinical spectrum of central post-stroke pain (CPSP) and correlates it with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and somatosensory-evoked potential (SEP) changes. Thirty-one consecutive CPSP patients whose median age was 51 years were evaluated and subjected to quantitative sensory testing and median and tibial SEPs. Cranial MRI abnormalities were noted and correlated with clinical and SEP abnormalities. The majority of patients (n = 21) developed CPSP within 3 months of stroke, and CPSP was the presenting symptom in 7 patients. Five patients had focal symptoms and 26 had hemibody symptoms with or without facial involvement. Pain threshold was reduced in 12, and 3 did not have pain perception. Allodynia was present in 11, static in 4, dynamic in 5, and cold in 7 patients. Temporal summation was present in 14, punctate hyperalgesia in 11, and cold hyperalgesia in 3 patients. Cranial MRI revealed infarction in 23 and intracerebral hemorrhage in 8 patients; 16 had thalamic and 15 extrathalamic lesions. SEP was abnormal in 15 of 22 (68.2%) patients. There was no difference in symptoms and severity of CPSP, quantitative sensory testing, and SEP abnormalities in thalamic and extrathalamic stroke. CPSP is a poorly recognized entity that can interfere with rehabilitation, reduce the quality of life, and interfere with the activities of daily living and recreational activities. This report concludes that the symptoms and severity of CPSP in thalamic and extrathalamic stroke do not differ significantly.