Dysesthesia

Hi Marguerida,

Sensory changes after stroke can be common and sometimes these sensory changes result in or are perceived by the brain as pain. It can become chronic and continue to significantly impact on function if not well managed. You may have heard terms like central pain syndrome, post stroke pain or neuropathic pain as well as dysesthesia. Pain after stroke can be complex and difficult to fully treat. Pain management and sensory retraining are two options to look at minimising the impact of the pain on your life.

Being assessed by a multi-disciplinary team (physio, occupational therapist, psychologist, doctor, nurse, dietitian) is recommended where not just medication is considered but also talking therapy, mindfulness/meditation, nutrition and exercise etc. You may find our fact sheet on pain after stroke helpful here.

You can find a list of pain management clinics here. You may also like to read an old article on pain management in our StrokeConnect newsletter here.

Here are some other useful resources:

Pain Australia

Chronic Pain Australia

Neuroscience Research Australia

Australian Pain Management Association

NOI Group - have some great resources, including their Explain Pain book and graded motor imagery resources.

Professor Leeanne Carey is known for her research in the area of sensory retraining that you may like to investigate here and here. 

If you need further advice, information or assistance please call us on StrokeLine on 1800 787 653 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.

Best wishes,

Simone (Occupational Therapist for StrokeLine)

Hi Marguerida,

It's Simone again. Here are two more links to resources and conversations on enableme.

http://enableme.org.au/resources/pain-management

http://enableme.org.au/Community/Forums/View-topic?id=b5e941c7-cfe6-49a6-b81d-04ec87fae467

Thank you for all that information - I suspect we'll be needing to follow this up. :(

Hi Kay,

Our pleasure.

Please call StrokeLine if you wish to discuss further on 1800 787 653 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).

Simone