Central Post-Stroke Pain: Frequency, Clinical Characteristics, and Associated Factors

Central post-stroke pain (CPSP) is a frequently underrecognized complication that contributes to long-term disability among stroke survivors. This study aimed to determine the frequency of CPSP and to describe its clinical characteristics and associated factors among stroke patients treated at Arifin Achmad General Hospital. A cross-sectional design was employed and included adult stroke patients with diagnoses confirmed by neuroimaging. CPSP was diagnosed based on the clinical criteria proposed by Klit et al., and neuropathic pain was assessed using the Indonesian version of the Douleur Neuropathique 4 questionnaire. Pain intensity was evaluated using the Numeric Rating Scale. Among 270 patients, 44 were identified with CPSP. Age and lesion site were significantly associated with CPSP. The median onset of pain was three months after stroke, with most patients reporting continuous, moderate pain affecting the face, trunk, and limbs. Burning pain and paresthesias were the most frequently reported, and hypoesthesia to pinprick was the most common sensory finding. Greater clinical awareness and systematic assessment are essential to improve recognition and management of CPSP in stroke survivors.