Peripheral Nerve Stimulation in Postoperative Analgesia: A Narrative Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewRecent research has shown the effectiveness of peripheral nerve stimulators (PNS) in managing chronic pain conditions. Ongoing studies aim to explore its potential application in treating acute postoperative pain states. The purpose of this systematic review is to assess the role of PNS in providing relief for postoperative pain.Recent FindingsClinical studies investigating the use of peripheral nerve stimulators (PNS) for analgesia following various surgeries, such as total knee arthroplasty, anterior cruciate ligament repair, ankle arthroplasty, rotator cuff repair, hallux valgus correction, and ...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - April 20, 2024 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Durable Effects of Acupuncture for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
AbstractPurpose of ReviewKnee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a degenerative joint disease which can result in chronic pain and disability. The current interventions available for KOA often fail to provide long-lasting effects, highlighting the need for new treatment options that can offer durable benefits. Previous studies have suggested the efficacy of acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) with its durability remaining uncertain. In this review, we aimed to investigate the durability of the efficacy after completion of treatment.Recent FindingsWe performed thorough searches of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Cen...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - April 18, 2024 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Focused Update on Migraine and Vertigo Comorbidity
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo provide an update on comorbidity of vestibular symptoms and migraine.Recent FindingsMultisensory processing and integration is a key concept for understanding mixed presentation of migraine and vestibular symptoms. Here, we discuss how vestibular migraine should be distinguished from a secondary migraine phenomenon in which migraine symptoms may coincide with or triggered by another vestibular disorder. We also have some updates on the diagnostic criteria of vestibular migraine, its pathophysiology, and common approaches used for its treatment.SummaryAs a common clinical presentation of migraine...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - April 18, 2024 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Therapeutic Patient Education as Part of the Physiotherapy Management of Adults with Headache: A Scoping Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewPhysiotherapy interventions for headache mostly include exercise and manual therapy. Yet, the complex nature of headache, sometimes characterized by symptoms of facilitated central pain mechanisms, demands an individualized approach in which therapeutic patient education could be supportive. This scoping review aimed to summarize the position of therapeutic patient education within the physiotherapy management of adults with headache. PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched. The search-query comprised terminology relating to “headache”, “education”, and “physiotherapy”....
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - April 13, 2024 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Cannabinoids for Acute Pain Management: Approaches and Rationale
AbstractPurpose of the ReviewAcute pain management remains a challenge and postoperative pain is often undermanaged despite many available treatment options, also including cannabinoids.Recent FindingsIn the light of the opioid epidemic, there has been growing interest in alternative care bundles for pain management, including cannabinoids as potential treatment to decrease opioid prescribing. Despite the lack of solid evidence on the efficacy of cannabinoids, their use among patients with pain, including those using opioids, is currently increasing. This use is supported by data suggesting that cannabinoids could poten...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - April 12, 2024 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Spinal Cord Stimulation Waveforms for the Treatment of Chronic Pain
AbstractPurpose of ReviewSince the advent of spinal cord stimulation (SCS), advances in technology have allowed for improvement and treatment of various conditions, especially chronic pain. Additionally, as the system has developed, the ability to provide different stimulation waveforms for patients to treat different conditions has improved. The purpose and objective of the paper is to discuss basics of waveforms and present the most up-to-date literature and research studies on the different types of waveforms that currently exist. During our literature search, we came across over sixty articles that discuss the various ...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - April 12, 2024 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Virtual Reality in Acute and Chronic Pain Medicine: An Updated Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review critically analyzes the recent literature on virtual reality ’s (VR) use in acute and chronic pain management, offering insights into its efficacy, applications, and limitations.Recent FindingsRecent studies, including meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials, have demonstrated VR ’s effectiveness in reducing pain intensity in various acute pain scenarios, such as procedural/acute pain and in chronic pain conditions. The role of factors such as immersion and presence in enhancing VR’s efficacy has been emphasized. Further benefits have been identified in the use of VR for as...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - April 8, 2024 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Triptans in the Acute Migraine Management of Children and Adolescents: An Update
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo summarize recent findings regarding triptan use in the acute treatment of pediatric migraine.Recent FindingsPrevalence of pediatric migraine is rising. The American Headache Society and American Academy of Neurology updated guidelines to provide evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of acute migraine in youth. In the setting of a dearth of new randomized controlled trials (RCTs), we review current guidelines, triptan use in the emergency department, and an era of secondary analyses.SummaryMeasuring the efficacy of triptans in pediatric migraine has been challenged by high placebo resp...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - April 6, 2024 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension After Abrupt Cessation of Medication: A Case Report of Abrupt Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonist Cessation and Review of the Literature
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this review is two-fold: (1) to discuss a case report of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) after abrupt cessation of a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist with resultant rapid weight gain and (2) to review the literature regarding the potential role of GLP-1 receptor agonists in the treatment of IIH as well as potential pitfalls.Recent FindingsGLP-1 receptor agonists have become widely used to treat obesity. Obesity is a known risk factor for the development of IIH, though the precise pathophysiology is unclear. GLP-1 receptor agonists may help treat IIH by prom...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - April 4, 2024 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Neuropsychiatric Effects Associated with Opioid-Based Management for Palliative Care Patients
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe abundance of opioids administered in the palliative care setting that was once considered a standard of care is at present necessitating that providers evaluate patients for unintentional and deleterious symptomology related to aberrant opioid use and addiction. Polypharmacy with opioids is dynamic in affecting patients neurologically, and increased amounts of prescriptions have had inimical effects, not only for the individual, but also for their families and healthcare providers. The purpose of this review is to widen the perspective of opioid consequences and bring awareness to the numerous ...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - April 2, 2024 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Diabetic Neuropathy: Pathophysiology Review
In conclusion, this review article aims to shed light on the pathophysiology of diabetic neuropathy, its far-reaching consequences, and the evolving strategies for prevention and management. In understanding the mechanisms of diabetic neuropathy and the ongoing research in this area, healthcare professionals can better serve patients with diabetes, ultimately improving well-being and reducing complications. (Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports)
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - April 1, 2024 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Assessing Risk Factors and Comorbidities in the Treatment of Chronic Pain: A Narrative Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewChronic pain affects a significant portion of the population globally, making it a leading cause of disability. Understanding the multifaceted nature of chronic pain, its various types, and the intricate relationship it shares with risk factors, comorbidities, and mental health issues like depression and anxiety is critical for comprehensive patient care. Factors such as socioeconomic status (SES), age, gender, and obesity collectively add layers of complexity to chronic pain experiences and pose management challenges.Recent FindingsLow SES presents barriers to effective pain care, while gender dif...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - April 1, 2024 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Transitional Pain Service: An Update
AbstractPurpose of ReviewChronic Postsurgical Pain (CPSP) and the risk for long-term opioid dependency are known complications following major surgery. The idea of Transitional Pain Service (TPS) has been introduced as an interdisciplinary setting to manage pain in the perioperative continuum. We expand on the basic framework and principles of TPS and summarize the current evidence of the TPS and possible interventions to adress postoperative pain. Areas o f future work in TPS-related research are discussed.Recent FindingsSeveral studies support the effectiveness of TPS in reducing opioid consumption in the perioperati...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - March 26, 2024 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Comparison of the Efficacy of Different Radiofrequency Techniques for the Treatment of Lumbar Facet Joint Pain: Combined with Anatomy
This article reviews the differences in the efficacy of the above four RF techniques, clarifies that the differences are mainly due to the inability to precisely localize the medial branch of the posterior branch of the spinal nerve, analyzes the reasons for the inability to precisely localize the posterior branch of the spinal nerve in conjunction with anatomy, and proposes that the development of RF technology for lumbar facet pain requires more in-depth anatomical, imaging, and clinical studies. (Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports)
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - March 25, 2024 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
IPACK Block Efficacy for Acute Pain Management after Total Knee Replacement: A Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewPatients often experience a significant degree of knee pain following total knee replacement (TKR). To alleviate this pain, nerve blocks may be performed such as the adductor canal block (ACB). However, ACBs are unable to relieve pain originating from the posterior region of the knee. A new type of nerve block known as the IPACK block may be used in conjunction with ACBs as it is designed to inhibit nerve branches innervating this area. In this article, we examine the rationale behind the IPACK procedure, how it is performed, and clinical trials examining its efficacy.Recent Findings5 of the 7 clin...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - March 23, 2024 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
