Understanding central post-stroke pain.

Almost a century ago, two French neurologists described an unusual pain syndrome following stroke. This so-called "thalamic" pain of Dejerine-Roussy exists today, affecting approximately 30,000 survivors of stroke in the United States (US) alone. Lesions involving the neospinothalamocortical tract are thought to cause thalamic pain, but the exact pathogenesis is unclear. Pharmacotherapeutic and surgical approaches offer pain relief in selected patients. Although definitive relief of central post-stroke pain (CPSP) may not be achievable for all at this time, intelligent and informed examination of the full range of options offers every sufferer a real potential for relief and mastery of pain. It is hoped that information provided herein will foster "intelligent caring" and facilitate informed decision making by consumers and caregivers alike.