WSC 2022 | Lack of awareness of post-stroke pain

Pain is a common complication after stroke that impairs stroke recovery and quality of life, and remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. Numerous post-stroke pain syndromes have been defined, including central post-stroke pain, complex regional pain syndrome, musculoskeletal pain, and spasticity-related pain. Several factors prevent optimal diagnosis and treatment. A lack of understanding or awareness by many practitioners means post-stroke pain can often be overlooked. Symptom variability, concurrent medical issues, or impaired cognition/communication after stroke can all contribute to this. Additionally, many patients lack access to specialist care. Abhijit Das, MBBS, MD, DM, MRCP, The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK, highlights the need for consensus treatment guidelines and improved awareness of post-stroke pain syndromes and their treatment options. This interview took place at the World Stroke Congress 2022 in Singapore.