22nd August 2024

A 50-year-old woman is seen in clinic six months following her stroke. She had suffered from a stroke

A 50-year-old woman is seen in clinic six months following her stroke. She had suffered from a stroke which had resulted in left hand weakness and numbness over the left side of her body. She had recovered well and was using her hand well. However, she reports that the numbness had changed in her hand and she often felt a burning sensation in her hand lasting for a few minutes after she used it and it was causing her significant distress. She has a background of hypertension and diabetes and is on appropriate medications. She is now using paracetamol regularly but finds that this does not help. On examination, she has minimal residual weakness of her left hand but touching her hand results in large amounts of pain, settling after 30 seconds. What is the most appropriate first line medication to trial after discussion of potential side effects?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.