#Damaged nerve endings in feet skin

However, we now know this condition can be the result of damage to many other areas of the brain as well. It was formerly thought that central poststroke pain was solely due to injury to the thalamus, an area deep within the brain. In the case of a stroke, this nerve pain is the result of tissue damage within the brain.

the brain or spinal cord) are injured from a serious event like stroke, traumatic brain injury, or spinal cord injury. This type of pain is chronic and can still be present even if the survivor has diminished sensation in those areas of the body.Ĭentral neuropathy occurs when the central nervous system (i.e.

#Damaged nerve endings in feet skin

For example, a gentle breeze across the skin can feel like razor blades or intense burning. In addition to these painful symptoms, central neuropathy can increase sensitivity to tactile stimulation. Although research on CPSP has grown in recent years, evidence for the pathology and treatment of this type of nerve pain after stroke is still limited.Ĭentral neuropathy is typically characterized by a burning sensation, pins-and-needles sensation, or intense stabbing or searing pain. This type of nerve pain is commonly referred to as central poststroke pain (CPSP) and affects around 1-8% of stroke survivors. Causes of Central Neuropathy After StrokeĬentral neuropathy is caused by dysfunction of the central nervous system. To help further explain the link between stroke and nerve pain, we will discuss the cause of central neuropathy in the next section. Since a stroke is also known as a “brain attack,” you can see how the two conditions may be linked. That’s because this type of neuropathy stems from damage to the central nervous system, which includes the brain.Ĭentral neuropathy often affects the same areas of the body as the stroke itself and can be debilitating for survivors. If you have central neuropathy, the second type of neuropathic pain, then the stroke may have caused it. Examples of causes of peripheral neuropathy include a traumatic injury, diabetes, or an infection. This condition is caused by damage to peripheral nerves and nerve endings rather than the brain. Peripheral neuropathy feels like pain or numbness in one area of the body and typically affects the hands and feet, although it can occur elsewhere. This means this specific type of nerve pain was not caused by the stroke, but rather by damage to the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. Peripheral neuropathy, the first type of neuropathy, is a co-occurring condition that stems from localized nerve damage. This means that the cause and symptoms an individual may experience depends on the type of neuropathy, such as peripheral or central. Many people wonder if a stroke can cause neuropathy, and the answer is “it depends.” Also referred to as nerve pain, neuropathy can present in different forms. To help you better understand nerve pain after stroke, this article will review the causes of neuropathy, different types, and treatment options. Before you consider treatment, it’s important to understand the different types of neuropathy after stroke and to discuss your treatment options with your healthcare team. Neuropathy after stroke can be tricky to diagnose and can present in a variety of ways. This type of chronic pain condition can be frustrating for survivors, but fortunately there are ways to treat it. Among these secondary effects is nerve pain, or neuropathy.

Stroke is a serious, life-changing injury that can result in a wide variety of secondary effects.