Modern Medicine

Pain After Stroke Challenges in assessment and management

Pain following stroke is very common and can develop in the months after stroke onset, making GPs often the first
and vital point of contact for patients. As stroke can result in communication and sensory changes, assessment and
diagnosis can be complex and a high index of suspicion with careful history and examination is required. Peripheral
sources of post-stroke pain are more common than central post-stroke pain, although both can be present
simultaneously. Central post-stroke pain as a diagnosis of exclusion helps reduce the risk of missing peripheral
causes of pain. Individual patient risks and goals must be considered when planning investigations and management
of post-stroke pain.

Modern Medicine – September 2017