Hi, does anyone have central post stroke pain which feels like a burning sensation? I had a brain stem stroke 8 months ago and feeling burning on my left side especially my back and arm, the pain never goes away.
Hi Hien,
Thank you for contacting the Stroke Foundation. I am sorry to hear about your stroke and that you are experiencing pain.
It sounds like the pain that you're experiencing might be neuropathic or nerve pain, particularly if your left side was the one that was affected by the stroke. If you haven’t spoken to your GP about this, we strongly encourage you to. It might also be worth going back to see your neurologist.
Post stroke pain is common for many stroke survivors and finding the right treatment that works for you can take time. Have you tried any medication for this pain? You can find more information about pain management after stroke here. As you scroll down that page you will find a link to our fact sheet on pain after stroke and our podcast.
If the pain has been bothering you for some time, it might be worth getting a referral to a pain management clinic where you can access a multi-disciplinary team of health professionals for their input. Your GP can refer you. To find your nearest pain management clinic go to Pain Australia. From here you can select your state and location, and search for pain specialists within your area.
Some people also find that mindfulness is a great way to manage pain, there is good evidence for Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programs in assisting with pain management. This is mentioned on Pain Australia’s website, along with other alternative treatment methods. You can view them here.
You’re also very welcome to call us on StrokeLine 1800 787 653 to discuss. We have health professionals who can chat in more depth over the phone.
Best wishes,
Meredith (StrokeLine)