Cold temperatures regularly make the burning pain worse in certain body parts.
Individuals may have reduced sensitivity to touch in the areas affected by the pain, as if the part is 'falling asleep'.
The burning and loss of sense of touch are usually, but not always, most severe on the distant parts of the body, such as the feet or hands, spreading until it is in some cases felt from head to toe.
[7] A diagnosis of central pain syndrome is based upon identification of characteristic symptoms, a detailed patient history, a thorough clinical evaluation and a variety of specialized tests.
Tricyclic antidepressants such as nortriptyline or anticonvulsants such as neurontin (gabapentin) can be useful, but also provide incomplete relief.