Some fortunate stroke survivors with chronic pain have experienced spontaneous remission; the pain disappears for no apparent reason. But for many, there is a long and arduous recovery period that entails re-learning the simple tasks of daily living such as eating, dressing, or even speaking as well as trying to accommodate the pain. Identifying the type or source of the pain determines the recommended treatment. For joint pain: Movement, and sometimes heat, can be helpful in relieving discomfort. A physical therapist can teach mobility exercises for a paralyzed limb to you and a family member, minimalizing frozen joint syndrome and the pain related to it. For neuropathic pain: Sympathetic nerve blocks Trial neuromodulation Spinal cord stimulation can sometimes be helpful For muscle spasticity: Physical therapy may be used to alleviate or prevent muscle spasticity, or atrophy. Passive movement of a paralyzed limb is essential to prevent painful "freezing" of the surrounding tissues and to allow easy movement if and when voluntary motor strength returns. Botox and simple local anesthetic injections may be used to block overactive nerve impulses and in turn inhibit excessive muscle contractions. Oral medication such as Baclofen may be prescribed to treat the general effects of spasticity. Complementary treatments such as nutritional therapy, acupuncture, and hypnosis may be useful. For severe refractory cases, implant technology such as pumps/catheters for intraspinal and spinal cord/dorsal column stimulation can be considered Copyright © 2010 PainCare Centers, Inc
Posted on: Wed, 31 Jul 2013 00:07:57 +0000
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