ABSTRACT

Stroke is the third most common cause of death and the first cause of disability worldwide. Central post-stroke pain (CPSP) resulting from the dysfunction or primary lesion of the central nervous system after stroke is a common syndrome.

A total of 75 (31 female and 44 male) patients with ischemic stroke were included in the study. Of the patients, 28 (12 women and 16 men) experienced central pain within 1 year after ischemic stroke.

The pain assessment of the patients was performed using the Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) pain scale and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) and EQ-5D VAS life quality assessment conducted in the group with central pain indicated a statistically significant correlation in the quality of life (QoL) in both measurements as the VAS levelincreased (p≤0.001 and p≤0.001, respectively). Similarly, it was identified that the QoL (EQ-5D and EQ-5D VAS) was lower in the group with LANSS≥12 thaninthe group with LANSS<12 (p≤0.006 and p≤0.016, respectively). Statistically significant data were obtained in the group with CPSP as the VAS score increased and in cases with LANSS≥12 according to the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (p≤0.001 and p≤0.002, respectively). When the groups with the Epworth score between <11 and ≥11 were compared, the daytime sleepiness ratio was found to be significantly higher in the group with LANSS≥12 (p≤0.018). A positive significant correlation was detected between the VAS score and the daytime sleepiness ratio (p≤0.001).

The present studydemonstrated that CPSP had a clearly negative effect on the QoL of patients with stroke. It is important for the literature to emphasize that it is possible to improve the comfort of patients with a correct diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders, depression, and anxiety accompanying CPSP.

Keywords: Central post-stroke pain, leeds assessment of neuropathic symptoms and signs, visual analog scale, quality of life, sleep disorder