Neuropathy? - Stroke Message Board

amcs1164 · 09-01-2004, 12:39 PM

I don't know if I spelled that right or not. My cousin (male, 51yrs) had a stroke following neck surgery a few months ago. It has affected his right side and his speech. He was progressing pretty good, gaining strength in his rt. arm, speech therapy going well, etc. Then he started loosing strength in his arm, what had been at 80% fell to about 30%. Speech still doing good. He has been having lots of pain, to the point of barely being able to stand it. He says he can't stand to be touched. His primary care dr. told him that he was suffering from "neuropathy", said it was a common side effect of stroke. My understanding is that he also said it wouldn't go away, I hope I misunderstood. He prescribed antidepressant, and gave an injection of Prednisolone. This was yesterday. We are looking for any information anyone might have on something that may help him with this pain, he is handling everything else okay, the speech and physical therapy, keeping as busy as he can around the house, etc. and just generally trying to cope as best as he can, but the pain gets overwhelming at times. Thank you for any input you can give. It is greatly appreciated.

Jack51 · 09-09-2004, 09:14 AM

Hi there. So sorry about your cousin. Neuropathy, as I have read, can be caused by strokes. In your cousin's case I would think that that would be the cause. Peripheral neuropathy, happens in the arms and legs, and has many causes. Diabetes, statin medications, and vascular disorders. The numb, sometimes achy pain I have on my left side is not from the stroke, to me is not neuropathy. I have PN in both of my legs and it is an undescribeable feeling. Burning, tingling and numb is my best description. This pn was caused by statins, and poor circulation. One medicine that may be of great help is neurontin. It has only been approved by the fda for anti-seizure use, but there are many that take it for neuropathy. I think that it is possible for your cousin's neuropathy to improve over time, just like his speech did. Good luck

feelbad · 09-30-2004, 06:52 AM

It could also be what is called central pain syndrome or posterior thalamic syndrome.It is caused by damage to the thalamus in the brain or any damage to the thalamic tract in the spinal cord.i developed this syndrome after damage to the thalamic tract during a spinal cord surgery.I would do some reasearch on this syndrome and see if it fits the situation.It is a rather vicious and excruciatingly painful syndrome.it feels like a your nerves are just raw,even a light breeze over the area can cause severe pain flare ups.Good luck,marcia