ModuleDraft

Pain after stroke (shoulder, nerve pain, headaches) — basics + what to ask

A patient-friendly overview of common post-stroke pain patterns (shoulder pain, spasticity pain, central/nerve pain, headaches) and how to ask for help. No medication changes or dosing advice.

Recovery & RehabCaregiver, SurvivorIntermediate16 minStandard (9–12)

Educational only

Educational only — pain evaluation and treatment must be guided by clinicians.

Get help now

Seek urgent help for sudden severe headache, new neurologic symptoms, chest pain, or uncontrolled pain after injury/fall.

Key takeaways

  • Identify common post-stroke pain types
  • Use a simple pain diary template
  • Ask clinicians targeted questions to guide evaluation and treatment

Pain types

  • Shoulder/mechanical
  • Spasticity-related
  • Nerve/central pain
  • Headaches

What helps

  • Positioning
  • Therapy
  • Sleep
  • Mood support

Scripts

  • Pain report
  • Referral request

Practice check

What you’ll practice

These questions are untimed. After you answer all of them, you’ll see your score and a clear next lesson or reference step.

0 of 2 answered

Question 1

1. Pain after stroke is common and treatable; it should be discussed with the rehab team.

Question 2

2. A helpful pain report includes…

References

  1. Tier 1
    AHA/ASA Stroke Rehabilitation & Recovery Guideline (2016) (pain/spasticity rehab concepts)
  2. Tier 4
    NINDS: Stroke overview (general recovery)