Ultrasound-Guided Peripheral Nerve Blocks: A Practical Review for Acute Cancer-Related Pain
AbstractPurpose of ReviewUltrasound-guided regional techniques, including catheter-based approaches, are a subset of interventional therapies that have gained interest as an option for managing acute cancer-related pain. The authors sought to review the available published evidence and to discuss practical recommendations for expanding access to such therapies.Recent FindingsIn a MEDLINE/Pubmed search of ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blocks and peripheral nerve catheters for specific anatomic targets, a total of 28 case reports and case series were identified. Included studies described improved analgesia and reduced ...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - September 27, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy and Its Merit in the Treatment of Female Urogenital Pain
AbstractPurpose of ReviewFemale urogenital pain (FUGP) affects many women and is often a diagnosis of exclusion. The long path to a diagnosis and subsequent treatment frequently leads to suffering on the individual ’s behalf (Obstet. Gynecol. 121: 645–50, 2013). Additionally, this delay in diagnosis and thus treatment places stress on the US medical system (Obstet. Gynecol. 121: 645–50, 2013). There is a lack of knowledge regarding the scope of pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) across the medical comm unity that may prevent physicians from referring patients (J Urol. 193:1545–53, 2015; Sex Med Rev., 2021). PFPT ...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - September 16, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections: Pharmacological and Clinical Considerations in Pain Management
AbstractPurpose of ReviewRegenerative medicine through interventional pain procedures is evolving with data demonstrating efficacy for a number of pain states in recent years. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), defined as a sample of plasma with a platelet concentration 3 to 5 times greater than the physiologic platelet concentration found in healthy whole blood, releases bioactive proteins which can restore anatomical function in degenerative states. PRP is dense in growth factors, such as platelet-derived growth factor, transforming growth factor-beta1, basic fibroblastic growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, and e...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - September 10, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Advances in Non-Invasive Neuromodulation
AbstractPurpose of ReviewPain medicine is rapidly expanding. The gap in treatment for patients with chronic pain in between traditional conservative therapy and major invasive surgery is closing. Neuromodulation is one therapeutic area that has continued to show promise for treatment of chronic pain. Our aim is to review updates in non-invasive neuromodulation (NIN) techniques as an adjunct for various chronic pain conditions.Recent FindingsOverall, the literature suggests that NIN techniques such as tCDS, TMS, TENS, tVNS, and HIFUS/LIFUS have utility in treating various types of chronic pain and have a promising future.Su...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - September 8, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Regenerative Medicine: Pharmacological Considerations and Clinical Role in Pain Management
AbstractPurpose of ReviewLow back pain affects at least 80% of individuals at some point in their lifetime and is the fifth most common reason for physician visits in the USA. Treatment of an acute episode of LBP generally includes rest, activity modification, physical therapy, NSAIDs, and patient education.Recent FindingsA small percentage of patients will develop chronic pain lasting > 6 months duration. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is one of the main pillars of regenerative medicine, as its release of bioactive proteins supports the aim of RM of restoring the anatomical function in degenerative conditions. Mesen...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - September 8, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Dermatologic Symptoms and Syndromes Associated with Headache
AbstractPurpose of ReviewHeadache disorders are often accompanied by associated symptoms involving organ systems other than the central and peripheral nervous system, including the integumentary, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal system. However, skin changes or conditions are not commonly associated with headache disorders. Recognition of possible etiologies of headache in patients with bruising, rash, or neurocutaneous disorders can help guide workup and management. The purpose of this article is to review the various dermatologic presentations associated with headache.Recent FindingsMultiple review articles and retros...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - September 6, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Real-World Patient Experience of CGRP-Targeting Therapy for Migraine: a Narrative Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo summarize available calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-targeting therapies for migraine and discuss their use in real-world populations.BackgroundCGRP has long been a topic of interest in migraine pathophysiology, with new therapies targeting CGRP since 2018 for both the preventive and acute treatment of migraine.MethodsWe searched PubMed using keywords including “migraine,” “CGRP,” “real-world,” “erenumab,” “galcanezumab,” “fremanezumab,” “eptinezumab,” “ubrogepant,” “rimegepant,” and “atogepant.” We reviewed all pertinent studies and summarized main ...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - September 5, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
The Role of the Autonomic Nervous System in Headache: Biomarkers and Treatment
AbstractPurpose of ReviewIn this review, the role of the autonomic nervous system in tension-type headache and migraine is reviewed.Recent FindingsA pathophysiological model for tension-type headache is proposed that is compatible with most physiological and behavioral literature.SummaryA treatment protocol is described that follows from this model. For migraine, incorporating autonomic factors into the pathophysiology offers rationales for behavioral interventions that have been shown to be useful in migraine treatment and a biofeedback protocol is proposed. (Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports)
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - September 5, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Giant Cell Arteritis: A Case-Based Narrative Review of the Literature
AbstractPurpose of ReviewGiant cell arteritis (GCA) is a chronic, inflammatory condition, primarily affecting the medium and larger arteries. The purpose of this narrative review is to describe GCA in the context of headache and facial pain, based on a case and the available current literature. Understanding the etiology, pathophysiology, the associated conditions, and the differential diagnoses is important in managing GCA.Recent FindingsIn a patient presenting with unilateral facial/head pain with disturbances of vision, GCA should be considered in the differential diagnosis. There is an association of GCA with several c...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - September 3, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Psychiatric Comorbidities Associated with Persistent Postoperative Opioid Use
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review outlines the psychiatric comorbidities associated with persistent opioid use in the postoperative period. We finish our analysis with evidence-based, patient-centered interventions that can be rendered in the perioperative setting to decrease postoperative opioid requirements.Recent FindingsOpioids are overprescribed in the USA, especially in the postoperative setting. Excess opioids can result in diversion and contribute to the ongoing opioid epidemic. Mental health and substance use disorders can contribute to persistent postoperative opioid use. Adequately managing these disorders pr...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - August 12, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Advances in Pain Medicine: a Review of New Technologies
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis narrative review highlights the interventional musculoskeletal techniques that have evolved in recent years.Recent FindingsThe recent progress in pain medicine technologies presented here represents the ideal treatment of the pain patient which is to provide personalized care. Advances in pain physiology research and pain management technologies support each other concurrently.SummaryAs new technologies give rise to new perspectives and understanding of pain, new research inspires the development of new technologies (Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports)
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - July 29, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
CGRP-Targeted Therapy for Episodic and Chronic Cluster Headache
AbstractPurpose of ReviewChronic cluster headache (CH) substantially affects patients ’ quality of life, and treatment remains challenging. The current article reviewed controlled studies for new treatment options targeting calcitonin gene–related peptide (CGRP) or its receptors in CH and discussed the current gaps and future directions for the treatment of chronic CH.Recent FindingsTwo anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies (i.e., galcanezumab and fremanezumab) completed randomized-control trials for efficacy for the preventive treatment of episodic and chronic CH. Galcanezumab was effective for preventing episodic CH but no...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - July 26, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Post-thoracotomy Pain Syndrome
This article reviews PTPS demographics, diagnosis, pathophysiology, surgical and anesthetic techniques, and their role in preventing PTPS along with updated treatment options.Recent FindingsPost-thoracotomy pain syndrome (PTPS) can be incapacitating. The neuropathic type pain of PTPS is along the incision site and persists at least 2 months postoperatively. There is a wide reported range of prevalence of PTPS. There are several risk factors that have been identified including surgical technique and younger age. Several surgical and anesthetic techniques have been trialed to reduce pain after thoracotomy. Multimodal pain ...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - July 11, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Recent Advances and Future Directions in Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization for Chronic Subdural Hematomas
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this review is to present a brief background on chronic subdural hematomas (cSDH), middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization, and its role in decreasing recurrence of cSDH. A review of the most up-to-date literature should demonstrate the efficacy of this procedure.Recent FindingsThe latest data shows that MMA embolization is a safe procedure, with low complication rates and low recurrence rates. While cSDH managed with surgical evacuation can have a recurrence rate upwards of 30%, MMA embolization alone or as an adjunct to surgery decreases recurrence to less than 5% in most studie...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - July 8, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Infusion Therapy in the Treatment of Neuropathic Pain
This article is a systematic review of recent publications regarding epidemiologic, pathophysiologic, diagnostic, and therapeutic advancements in the treatment of neuropathic pain using intravenous infusion therapy. Special consideration will be given to relevant and practically used agents and available information on outcomes.Recent FindingsIndividuals with neuropathic pain from various etiologies (e.g. trigeminal neuralgia, post-herpetic neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy) often find short-term relief from infusion therapies. However, it is difficult to generalize the findings of these studies to form a standard treatment r...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - July 6, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
