Neuromodulation Interventions for the Treatment of Painful Diabetic Neuropathy: a Systematic Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewPainful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) is a prevalent and debilitating condition, characterized by severe burning, tingling, and lancinating pain usually located in the distal lower extremities. In addition to manifesting with severe pain, PDN may also be associated with poor quality of life and sleep, mood disorders, burns, falls, and social withdrawal. The authors appraised the current body of literature for evidence on neuromodulation interventions for PDN.Recent FindingsIn patients with refractory PDN unresponsive to conventional medical management (glucose optimization and oral analgesic medication...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - February 28, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Sex Differences in Chronic Migraine: Focusing on Clinical Features, Pathophysiology, and Treatments
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review provides an update on sex differences in chronic migraine (CM), with a focus on clinical characteristics, pathophysiology, and treatments.Recent FindingsApproximately 6.8 –7.8% of all migraineurs have CM, with an estimated prevalence of 1.4–2.2% in the general population. The economic burden caused by CM, including medical costs and lost working ability, is threefold higher than that caused by episodic migraine (EM). Notably, the prevalence of migraine is affecte d by age and sex. Female migraineurs with CM experience higher levels of headache-related disability, including longer he...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - February 26, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Correction to: Intrathecal Baclofen Monotherapy and Polyanalgesia for Treating Chronic Pain in Patients with Severe Spasticity
(Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports)
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - February 26, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Behavioral Management of Episodic Migraine: Maintaining a Healthy Consistent Lifestyle
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo describe the most recent findings related to lifestyle behaviors and migraine.Recent FindingsAn individualized conceptualization of how lifestyle factors impact migraine activity has increased our understanding of the role of behavioral interventions for episodic migraine. Healthy diets of several types have been associated with migraine attack reduction, whereas disruptions in diet like skipping meals are associated with migraine attack onset. Both aerobic activity and lower intensity yoga interventions show promise for migraine prevention. Sleep disruption has been associated with migraine day...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - February 25, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Perioperative Breast Analgesia: a Systematic Review of the Evidence for Perioperative Analgesic Medications
We present a review of the evidence for these pharmacologic interventions. A literature search of the MEDLINE database was performed via PubMed with combined terms related to breast surgery, anesthesia, and analgesia. Articles were limited to randomized controlled trial (RCT) design, adult patients undergoing elective surgery on the breast (not including biopsy), and pharmacologic interventions only. Article titles and abstracts were screened, and risk of bias assessments were performed.Recent FindingsThe search strategy initially captured 7254 articles of which 60 articles met the full inclusion criteria. Articles were or...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - February 23, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Resting State Electrophysiological Cortical Activity: A Brain Signature Candidate for Patients with Migraine
AbstractPurpose of ReviewStudies on event-related evoked potentials have indicated that altered cortical processing of sensory stimuli is associated with migraine. However, the results depend on the experimental method and patients. Electrophysiology of resting state cortical activity has revealed compelling results regarding the pathophysiology of migraine. This review summarized the available information related to patients with episodic and chronic migraine to determine whether certain features can be used as signatures for migraine.Recent FindingsA recent study examined differences in resting state functional connectiv...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - February 19, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Managing Headache Disorders Associated with Tuberous Sclerosis and Neurofibromatosis
This article aims to familiarize adult and pediatric neurologists with common features of these disorders and headache specific evaluation and management.Recent FindingsNon-malignant intracranial tumors in TSC include cortical tubers (glioneuronal hamartomas), subependymal nodules or subependymal giant-cell astrocytomas (SEGA). Headache disorders in TSC are largely secondary and can cause headaches due to increased intracranial pressure, mass effect, obstructive hydrocephalus, or hemorrhage. Neurosurgical intervention is typically required for management of large SEGAs; however, in patients with increased surgical risk, ne...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - February 18, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Opioid Use Disorder and Racial/Ethnic Health Disparities: Prevention and Management
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review aims to summarize risks and disparities associated with the prevalence and treatment of opioid use disorder in the perioperative and long-term setting, as well as evidence-based treatment and prevention targeted toward specific vulnerable populations.Recent FindingThere are significant demographic disparities in pain management and development and management of OUD in the chronic and surgical setting. While White patients traditionally receive more pain management, they are also at higher risk of developing OUD. Hispanic and Latin populations have the largest proportion of youth with OU...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - February 18, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Tramadol Use in Perioperative Care and Current Controversies
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe aim of this review is to discuss the use of tramadol in the perioperative period. There is no doubt that tramadol has revolutionized pain treatment, making it important to understand the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in order to provide patients with the safest and most effective analgesia.Recent FindingsTramadol is a centrally acting synthetic analgesic with a multimode of action used to help treat moderate to severe pain. Pharmacologically, the unique opioid acts as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, while its metabolite, O-desmethyltramadol, acts on the μ-opioid receptor...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - February 18, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Thunderclap Headache in Children and Adolescents
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis work aimed to review the epidemiology, clinical criteria, and primary and secondary diagnoses of pediatric thunderclap headache and to compare to adult thunderclap headache.Recent FindingsThunderclap headache among children aged 6 –18 years are rare; this headache presented in 0.08% of the patients admitted to a pediatric emergency department in a tertiary pediatric center. In that recent single-center study, thunderclap was a headache of grade 10 on the pain scale and conferred a benign course. Contrary to adults, in chil dren, most thunderclap headaches are due to either a primary thunder...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - February 15, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Correction to: Dorsal Column Stimulation and Cannabinoids in the Treatment of Chronic Nociceptive and Neuropathic Pain: a Review of the Clinical and Pre-clinical Data
(Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports)
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - February 15, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Devices for Episodic Migraine: Past, Present, and Future
AbstractPurpose of ReviewHistorically, therapies for migraine have generally involved pharmacological treatments using non-selective or selective analgesics and preventive treatments. However, for many patients these treatments are not effective, while others prefer to use non-pharmacological-based therapies. To fill this need, over the last 15 years, neuromodulatory devices have entered the market for migraine treatment. Here, we will review the most recent findings for the use of these devices in the treatment of migraine.Recent FindingsNon-invasive vagus nerve stimulation and spring-pulse transcranial magnetic stimula...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - February 11, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Minimally Invasive Sacroiliac Fusion —a Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewSacroiliac dysfunction is an important cause of low back pain with significant impact on quality of life and daily activities. Minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusion (MIS SI fusion) is an effective treatment for patients who failed non-surgical strategies. The purpose of this article is to review the clinical outcomes and complications of this surgical technique.Recent FindingsFor patients with SI joint dysfunction, MIS SI fusion reduced pain and disability as measured by Visual Analog Scale and Oswestry Index and improved quality of life as measured by Short-Form 36 and EuroQol-5D questionnair...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - February 9, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Preventing the Progression of Episodic Migraine to Chronic Migraine with Acute Treatment Optimization
We present updated clinical trial efficacy endpoints from the American Headache Society (AHS) and the FDA and review the evidence for acute migraine treatments currently available in clinical practice. (Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports)
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - February 8, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
A Review of Laser Therapy and Low-Intensity Ultrasound for Chronic Pain States
AbstractPurpose of ReviewChronic pain management therapies have expanded quickly over the past decade. In particular, the use of laser therapy and ultrasound in the management of chronic pain has risen in recent years. Understanding the uses of these types of therapies can better equip chronic pain specialists for managing complicated chronic pain syndromes. The purpose of this review was to summarize the current literature regarding laser radiation and ultrasound therapy used for managing chronic pain syndromes.Recent FindingsIn summary, there is stronger evidence supporting the usage of laser therapy for managing chronic...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - February 8, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
