The Pain Management Program at the UTHealth Houston Institute for Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease provides clinical care and research related to pain after stroke.
30 – 50% of stroke survivors are reported to suffer from post-stroke pain, however, it is often underdiagnosed, undertreated, or undiagnosed and untreated all together because of the care required for their other complex medical needs. Untreated pain after stroke inhibits the ability for stroke survivors to participate in critical rehabilitation programs, and leads to loss of function, worsened depression, cognitive decline, and adds to the risk of second stroke.
Pain after stroke happens because of different causes and not all post-stroke pain has similar symptoms. There are different types of pain reported after stroke, including shoulder pain (HSP), central post-stroke pain, spasticity and contracture related pain, complex regional pain syndrome (Type I or II), neuralgia, or headache. The onset of pain after stroke also varies, with patients experiencing pain days after a stroke and some not experiencing pain until months or even a year or more after stroke.
Our interdisciplinary team uses its expertise to assess and treat post-stroke pain. Our experience and knowledge fuel our research which aims to identify patients at risk for developing pain and to discover effective treatments to manage post-stroke pain. We strive to help stroke survivors improve function and enable their participation in critical rehabilitation.
CALLING ALL GIRL SCOUTS! Girl Scouts get SMART with the Stomp Out Stroke Patch! This program is working to inspire a new generation of young women who are strong in both brain and body. We want young women to be owners of their own brain health and become health leaders of tomorrow. Together with the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, we have developed this Girl Scout patch initiative to encourage young girls to learn about stroke, brain health and promote healthy brain behaviors.
Girl Scouts will complete 3 hours of stroke and brain health education including learning about stroke, brain anatomy, brain function, brain health and promoting healthy behaviors. Through this knowledge, we will increase stroke awareness in the community and empower young women to share this knowledge with their friends and family to increase stroke awareness and promote brain healthy behaviors. While the Girl Scouts are having fun with these activities, accompanying adults will be able to learn about stroke, brain health and receive free health screenings. Date and curriculum will be provided at a later date.
Girl Scouts will complete 3 hours of stroke and brain health education. Including 5 required stations and choosing 4 of 9 optional stations to attend to earn the Stomp Out Stroke patch.
All Girl Scout Troops will enjoy:
At the end of the program, you will receive your Stomp Out Stroke patch. All Girl Scout Troops are invited to stay after their program to enjoy family friendly performances, activities, games, music and giveaways!