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
Interventional Treatment Modalities for Chronic Abdominal and Pelvic Visceral Pain
This article specifically reviews the interventional treatment options for pain resulting from visceral abdominal and pelvic pain.Recent FindingsSympathetic nerve blocks are the main interventional option for the treatment of chronic abdominal and pelvic visceral pain. Initially, nerve blocks are performed, and subsequently, neurolytic injections (alcohol or phenol) are longer term options. This review describes different techniques for sympathetic blockade. Neuromodulation is a potential option via dorsal column stimulation or dorsal root ganglion stimulation. Finally, intrathecal drug delivery is sometimes appropriate fo...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - July 5, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Self-Reported Efficacy of Treatments in Cluster Headache: a Systematic Review of Survey Studies
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe use and efficacy of various substances in the treatment of CH have been studied in several retrospective surveys. The aim of the study is to systematically review published survey studies to evaluate the reported efficacies of both established and unconventional substances in abortive and prophylactic treatment of both episodic and chronic CH, specifically assessing the consistency of the results.Recent FindingsNo systematic review have been conducted of these studies previously. A systematic literature search with a set of search terms was conducted on PubMed. Retrospective surveys that quanti...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - June 27, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Challenges in Utilizing Telehealth for Chronic Pain
AbstractPurpose of ReviewChronic pain in the USA has presented with higher prevalence rates among women, older adults, those unemployed, living in poverty, living in rural environments, and adults with public health insurance. The COVID-19 pandemic has heavily played into the biopsychosocial model of pain. Consequently, greater impacts have affected patients with mood disorders, opioid abuse, and chronic pain. Concurrently, telemedicine has become a popular vehicle during the COVID-19 pandemic in continuing to provide quality patient care. The purpose of this article is to review the benefits and challenges related to the ...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - June 25, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Cardiovascular Disease and Migraine: Are the New Treatments Safe?
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe authors present data on cardiovascular safety for the new acute and preventive migraine treatments including ditans, gepants, and calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibodies (CGRP mAbs) alongside older medications like triptans and ergotamines.Recent FindingsThe authors conclude that there are no cardiovascular safety concerns for lasmiditan, and that it could be used in those with cardiovascular disease. In fact, the literature even suggests that triptans are safer in cardiovascular disease than their contraindications may suggest. At this time, there is insufficient evidence that ge...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - June 25, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
The Impact of Smoking on the Development and Severity of Chronic Pain
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this review is to examine the impact of smoking and its role on the development of chronic pain and provide a critical review of recent literature.Recent FindingsRecent studies demonstrate the bidirectional and dependent relationship between smoking and chronic pain. Those who are in pain have a more difficult time in the cessation of smoking as well as an increased sensitivity to pain during abstinence, lower confidence, and higher relapse rates. The fear of pain and the anxiety and depression that abstinence causes results in a grim outcome for long-term cessation.SummaryThe depend...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - June 22, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Neuropathic Pain Associated with COVID-19: a Systematic Review of Case Reports
The objective of this systematic review is to discuss the case-reports having neuropathic pain during and after COVID-19 infection.Recent FindingsCase reports that has described about patients getting neuropathy or neuropathic pain around the disease either immediately or late post COVID were included. The data was extracted and qualitatively synthesised. Literature was searched and 939 articles were found. 12 articles were screened as per the eligibility criteria and finally, 6 case reports on neuropathic pain in Covid-19 were selected from the database and manual search and finalised for analysis. 2 cases of herpes zoste...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - June 22, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine in Pain Management
AbstractPurpose of ReviewPain presents a unique challenge due to the complexity of the biological pathways involved in the pain perception, the growing concern regarding the use of opioid analgesics, and the limited availability of optimal treatment options. The use of biomaterials and regenerative medicine in pain management is being actively explored and showing exciting progress in improving the efficacy of conventional pharmacotherapy and as novel non-pharmacological therapy for chronic pain caused by degenerative diseases. In this paper we review current clinical applications, and promising research in the use of biom...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - June 21, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Evidence-Based Treatment of Painful Diabetic Neuropathy: a Systematic Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewPainful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) manifests with pain typically in the distal lower extremities and can be challenging to treat. The authors appraised the literature for evidence on conservative, pharmacological, and neuromodulation treatment options for PDN.Recent FindingsIntensive glycemic control with insulin in patients with type 1 diabetes may be associated with lower odds of distal symmetric polyneuropathy compared to patients who receive conventional insulin therapy. First-line pharmacologic therapy for PDN includes gabapentinoids (pregabalin and gabapentin) and duloxetine. Additional pharma...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - June 18, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
