The treatment for Thalamic Syndrome is geared towards pain-relief, for which the following measures may be considered:
- Administration of opioids: Although effective, the relief lasts only for 4-24hrs; as a result, they pose a high risk for addiction
- Tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) antidepressants are effective for short durations
- Use of anticonvulsants
- Topical local anaesthetic patches
How is thalamic pain syndrome diagnosed and treated?
Then, the physician may diagnose thalamic pain syndrome with greater certainty if there’s no other explanation for the presence of pain. However, they must support this diagnosis through neuroimaging studies. After assuring the survival of an individual, the first line of treatment is symptomatic.
How do you fix a damaged thalamus?
1 Physical Therapy. If your brain injury damaged your thalamus, you might experience problems coordinating movements — a condition called apraxia. 2 Sensory Reeducation Exercises. You can also treat sensory issues by rewiring the brain. ... 3 Speech and Cognitive Therapy. ... 4 Deep Brain Stimulation. ...
Can deep brain stimulation help with thalamic damage?
Finally, thalamic damage often leads to tremors. If your tremors are severe, a doctor might recommend deep brain stimulation. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective treatment for post-traumatic tremors. DBS uses surgically implanted electrodes to send high-frequency signals to the thalamus.
What kind of Doctor treats thalamic pain syndrome (HPS)?
Given the complicated nature of thalamic pain syndrome, evaluation and treatment often require an interdisciplinary team that may consist of a neurologist, pain medicine specialist, or a neurosurgeon. Prognosis remains guarded.
How is thalamic stroke treated?
How is it treated?Clot-dissolving medication to restore blood blow to your thalamus.Clot removal procedure using a catheter for larger clots.
What are the symptoms of thalamic syndrome?
Symptoms of Thalamic StrokesWeakness on one side of the body.Issues with vision.Difficulty swallowing.Loss of memory.Burning.Confusion.Problems thinking or with judgment.Feelings of agitation.More items...•
Does central pain syndrome go away?
In most cases, central pain syndrome remains a lifelong condition. Central pain syndrome can be limited to a specific area of the body such as the hands or feet or may be widespread over a large portion of the body.
What is thalamic hand?
Abstract. Thalamic hemorrhage or infarction is one of the common causes of stroke. People who suffer from this type of cerebrovascular disease may develop thalamic syndrome which includes sensory disturbance, motor deficit and psychological problems.
What happens when there is damage to the thalamus?
Damage to a portion of the thalamus is associated with risk of coma. Damage in a portion of the thalamus can lead to sensory changes in a body part. Damage here can also cause movement disorders, lack of movement (motor disturbances).
Can you survive a thalamic stroke?
After a thalamic stroke, it's common for survivors to experience sensory issues such as numbness, tingling, pins-and-needles sensations, or pain. Sometimes the brain can adapt and regain the ability to process sensory information through a therapy called sensory retraining.
How do neurologists treat nerve pain?
Multimodal therapy (including medicines, physical therapy, psychological counseling and sometimes surgery) is usually required to treat neuropathic pain. Medicines commonly prescribed for neuropathic pain include anti-seizure drugs such as: Gabapentin (Neurontin®).
Who treats central pain syndrome?
A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in disorders of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. They're usually skilled in treating chronic pain. You may have to see several neurologists before deciding which one can help you manage your pain.
How long does central pain syndrome last?
Monitor the patient for signs and symptoms of centralized pain such as allodynia or hyperalgesia. Pain typically lasts for greater than three months. There is possibly a genetic component to the pain, as well as an environmental component.
What is thalamic pain?
Thalamic pain syndrome or central post-stroke pain can occur when there are disruptions of one of the pathways of the brain that affects the sensation of temperature. There can be burning or tingling pain. Also, significant discomfort with temperature changes is a concern for thalamic pain syndrome following a stroke.
What causes thalamic stroke?
What causes thalamic stroke? Like other types of stroke, thalamic stroke can be caused by a blood clot blocking blood flow to the thalamus (ischemic). Or it can be caused by bleeding from a blood vessel in the thalamus (hemorrhagic).
What causes thalamic hemorrhage?
It usually is caused by a blood clot or bleed within the brain. A thalamic stroke is a specific type of stroke that blocks blood flow to the region of the brain known as the thalamus. The thalamus is an important structure that sends sensory information from the body to the brain.
What are the treatment options for thalamic pain?
Pharmacological options include neuropathic pain medications and opioid analgesics. More invasive treatment options include deep brain stimulation, surgery, and neuromodulation. Given the complicated nature of thalamic pain syndrome, evaluation and treatment often require an interdisciplinary team that may consist of a neurologist, ...
What is thalamic pain syndrome?
Thalamic pain syndrome is a term used interchangeably with centralized neuropathic pain. There is limited research complete for thalamic pain syndrome. There should be suspicion for thalamic pain syndrome in patients with a history of chronic and centralized pain and comorbid history of CVA.
How long does it take for thalamus pain to go away after stroke?
A patient with a history of a CVA of the thalamus may not experience significant pain until months or years after their stroke. Thalamic pain syndrome is now more commonly known as central post-stroke pain, while historically, it was known as Dejerine–Roussy syndrome.
Is thalamic pain a type of central post stroke pain?
All cases of thalamic pain syndrome are a type of central post-stroke pain. However, not all cases of central post-stroke pain are thalamic in origin. A more accurate and broad definition of central post-stroke would be pain secondary to injury of the spinothalamic tract. Thalamic pain syndrome is a term used interchangeably with centralized ...
What is thalamic pain syndrome?
Thalamic pain syndrome is a clinical condition that usually manifests with chronic pain and other sensory disturbances. Today’s article will discuss thalamic pain syndrome. Although you may not be aware of it, the thalamus is one of the most studied brain structures. This is because it performs many important functions.
What causes thalamic pain?
Some lesions of the thalamus are of a different nature though, such as those of metabolic or neoplastic origin, which also cause thalamic pain syndrome. Furthermore, some factors may predispose a person to cerebral infarction and increase their probabilities of thalamic pain syndrome, such as: Cardiac arrhythmias. Arterial hypertension.
Why is the thalamus important?
Although you may not be aware of it, the thalamus is one of the most studied brain structures. This is because it performs many important functions. In addition, the thalamus is a crossroads of neural pathways. Furthermore, a lesion in this structure can lead to a thalamic syndrome, a clinical picture of a low frequency ...
When was Thalamic Pain Syndrome first described?
Thalamic pain syndrome, also known as Déjerine-Roussy syndrome, was first described in 1903. Its main characteristics are various signs and symptoms. Tingling sensations and numbness in parts of the body, loss of tactile sensation or hypersensitivity to environmental stimuli, total or partial paralysis, and involuntary movements among them.
Why is there no irrigation in the thalamus?
This lack of irrigation could be due to the blockage or rupture of a vessel that nourishes the thalamus.
What is the first line of treatment for a symptomatic symptotic disorder?
Regarding the pharmacotherapy approach, the most frequently used drugs are: Opioids. Antidepressants.
Is thalamic pain syndrome male or female?
Thalamic pain syndrome is equally likely to occur in males and females. In general terms, some of the most serious complications of thalamic pain syndrome are related to quality of life.
How long does it take to recover from a thalamic stroke?
Following a thalamic stroke, full recovery can take anywhere from a week or two to several months. Depending on how severe the stroke was and how quickly it was treated, you may have some permanent symptoms.
What are the symptoms of a thalamic stroke?
Thalamic stroke symptoms vary depending on the part of the thalamus that’s affected. However, some general symptoms of a thalamic stroke include: thalamic pain, also called central pain syndrome, which involves burning or freezing sensations in addition to intense pain, usually in the head, arms, or legs.
How to treat a hemorrhagic stroke?
Treating a hemorrhagic stroke focuses on finding and treating the source of bleeding. Once the bleeding has stopped, other treatments include: stopping medications that can thin your blood. medication to reduce high blood pressure. surgery to prevent blood from flowing out of the ruptured vessel.
What type of therapy is used to help with stroke?
Common types include: physical therapy to compensate for any physical disabilities, such as not being able to use one of your hands, or to rebuild strength in stroke-damaged limbs. occupational therapy to help you perform everyday tasks more easily. speech therapy to help you regain lost speech abilities.
What to do if you have a stroke and blood clot?
If your stroke was due to a blood clot, your doctor may prescribe blood thinners to prevent future clots. Similarly, they might also prescribe blood pressure medications if you have high blood pressure.
How to treat thalamic damage?
There are many different ways to accomplish this. The following are some treatments that can help you overcome the effects of damage to the thalamus: 1. Physical Therapy.
What are the side effects of thalamic damage?
Some of the most common side effects of thalamic damage include: Sensory issues such as tingling, numbness, hypersensitivity, Chronic pain. Vision loss or light sensitivity. Motor impairments. Tremors.
What is the role of the thalamus in the brain?
Besides signals from sensory systems, other information travels within the brain itself, which the thalamus also plays a role in. At times, the thalamus even assists with cognitive processes as well, such as memory and emotion. One of the main processes that the thalamus controls is the regulation of consciousness and sleep.
What happens when the thalamus is damaged?
Damage to the Thalamus: Understanding the Side Effects and Recovery Process. When a brain injury affects the thalamus, it can lead to sensory and/or cognitive side effects. This article will share symptoms and treatment to help you understand the ways in which thalamus damage can affect your everyday life.
How to treat sensory issues?
You can also treat sensory issues by rewiring the brain. The best type of therapy to help you accomplish this is sensory reeducation exercises. Sensory reeducation, also known as sensory retraining, is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that teaches the brain how to process sensation again.
Can speech therapy help with memory loss?
Others display apathy and memory problems. To treat these issues, it’s crucial to begin speech therapy as soon as possible. Most speech therapists are familiar with the cognitive effects of brain injury as well. Therefore, they can teach you strategies to improve your memory, language, word-finding skills, and behaviors.
Can thalamus damage cause behavioral problems?
While thalamus damage primarily causes sensory problems, it can also lead to behavioral and cognitive changes. For example, many patients with a thalamus injury have incorrect speech patterns and can struggle to find the right words. Others display apathy and memory problems.
What is the prognosis of thalamic syndrome?
The prognosis of Thalamic Syndrome depends upon the severity of the condition, and more importantly on the extent of the brain stroke. Often, lifelong management of pain through medications may be required.
What is Thalamic Syndrome?
Approved by: Maulik P. Purohit MD, MPH. Thalamic Syndrome is an uncommon neurological condition that results from a brain stroke. It affects the thalamus of the brain. The condition generally occurs in older individuals.
What are the risk factors for thalamic syndrome?
The following are some risk factors for Thalamic Syndrome: Increased blood pressure (hypertension) Elevated blood cholesterol levels (hypercholesterolemia) Old age. Blood clotting disorders. Irregular heart rhythm: This can cause formation of blood clots in the heart, which may travel to the brain resulting in a stroke.
What is the damage to the thalamus?
When there is a damage to the thalamus, usually involving deeper small vessels (such as the thalamogeniculate artery), there is an altered response to the sensations received by it. This is mostly manifested as a severe pain in the extremities and loss of ‘position sense’.
How long does thalassemia last?
The treatment for Thalamic Syndrome is geared towards pain-relief, for which the following measures may be considered: Administration of opioids: Although effective, the relief lasts only for 4-24hrs; as a result, they pose a high risk for addiction.
What part of the brain is responsible for touch, pain, and temperature?
The condition generally occurs in older individuals. The thalamus is a part of mid-brain that acts as a relay station for sensations, such as touch, pain, and temperature, which are carried by the different tracts of the spinal cord. The thalamus, after receiving these sensations, integrates and transmits them to the appropriate part ...
Is Thalamic Syndrome sexually predilection?
Thalamic Syndrome occurs in older individuals, who are at risk for, or have already had a brain stroke. There is no sexual predilection with respect to occurrence of the condition. Individuals of all races and ethnic groups may be affected.
About The Thalamus
Generally, the thalamus is responsible for transporting sensory information from the body through the brain. The five main functional components of the thalamus are:
Causes of Thalamic Strokes
There are two different causes of strokes: a blood clot blocking off blood flow (ischemic) or bleeding of a blood vessel in the thalamus (hemorrhagic).
Symptoms of Thalamic Strokes
Depending on where the thalamus is damaged, you might experience any of these symptoms:
Treatment Options for Strokes
To diagnose your stroke as a thalamic stroke, your medical provider will conduct the following imaging studies: