NINDS

Central pain syndrome is a neurological condition caused by damage to or dysfunction of the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain, brainstem, and spinal cord. This syndrome can be caused by stroke, multiple sclerosis, tumors, epilepsy, brain or spinal cord trauma, or Parkinson's disease. The character of the pain associated with this syndrome differs widely among individuals partly because of the variety of potential causes. Central pain syndrome may affect a large portion of the body or may be more restricted to specific areas, such as hands or feet. The extent of pain is usually related to the cause of the CNS injury or damage. Pain is typically constant, may be moderate to severe in intensity, and is often made worse by touch, movement, emotions, and temperature changes, usually cold temperatures. Individuals experience one or more types of pain sensations, the most prominent being burning. Mingled with the burning may be sensations of "pins and needles;" pressing, lacerating, or aching pain; and brief, intolerable bursts of sharp pain similar to the pain caused by a dental probe on an exposed nerve. Individuals may have numbness in the areas affected by the pain. The burning and loss of touch sensations are usually most severe on the distant parts of the body, such as the feet or hands. Central pain syndrome often begins shortly after the causative injury or damage, but may be delayed by months or even years, especially if it is related to post-stroke pain.

MalaCards based summary

Central Pain Syndrome, also known as thalamic hyperesthetic anesthesia, is related to sturge-weber syndrome and paine syndrome, and has symptoms including pain, not elsewhere classified, acute onset pain and chronic pain. An important gene associated with Central Pain Syndrome is CACNA1G (Calcium Voltage-Gated Channel Subunit Alpha1 G). The drug Analgesics has been mentioned in the context of this disorder. Affiliated tissues include brain, spinal cord and cortex.

NIH Rare Diseases

Central pain syndrome (CPS) is a rare neurological disorder caused by damage to or dysfunction of the pain-conducting pathways of the central nervous system (in the brain, brainstem, and spinal cord). Symptoms of CPS can vary greatly from one person to another, partly because the cause may differ. Primary symptoms are pain and loss of sensation, usually in the face, arms, and/or legs. Pain or discomfort may be felt after being touched, or even in the absence of a trigger. The pain may worsen by exposure to heat or cold and by emotional distress. CPS is usually associated with stroke, multiple sclerosis, tumors, epilepsy, brain or spinal cord trauma, or Parkinson's disease. Treatment typically includes pain medications, but complete relief of pain may not be possible. Tricyclic antidepressants or anticonvulsants can sometimes be useful. Lowering stress levels appears to reduce pain. Many different names have been used for this disorder, including Dejerine-Roussy syndrome, thalamic pain syndrome, central post-stroke syndrome and others. The current name acknowledges that damage to various areas of the central nervous system can cause central pain, and that a stroke is not necessarily the cause. When CPS is due to a stroke, it may be referred to as the more specific term "central post-stroke pain." Last updated: 4/10/2017