Recent Advances in Management of Neuropathic, Nociceptive, and Chronic Pain: A Narrative Review with Focus on Nanomedicine, Gene Therapy, Stem Cell Therapy, and Newer Therapeutic Options
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis manuscript summarizes novel clinical and interventional approaches in the management of chronic, nociceptive, and neuropathic pain.Recent FindingsPain can be defined as a feeling of physical or emotional distress caused by an external stimulus. Pain can be grouped into distinct types according to characteristics including neuropathic pain, which is a pain caused by disease or lesion in the sensory nervous system; nociceptive pain, which is pain that can be sharp, aching, or throbbing and is caused by injury to bodily tissues; and chronic pain, which is long lasting or persisting beyond 6 mon...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - February 22, 2024 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Applications of Cryoneurolysis in Chronic Pain Management: a Review of the Current Literature
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this review is to evaluate and summarize the literature investigating cryoneurolysis in the treatment of various chronic pain pathologies.Recent FindingsThere is an increasing amount of interest in the use of cryoneurolysis in chronic pain, and various studies have investigated its use in lumbar facet joint pain, SI joint pain, post-thoracotomy syndrome, temporomandibular joint pain, chronic knee pain, phantom limb pain, neuropathic pain, and abdominal pain.SummaryNumerous retrospective studies and a more limited number of prospective, sham-controlled prospective studies suggest the ...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - February 19, 2024 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Primary Headache Associated with Sexual Activity: A Review of the Literature
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review summarizes the evolution in diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of primary headache associated with sexual activity (PHASA).Recent FindingsDespite increased access to patient information and advances in imaging, the pathophysiology of PHASA remains not fully understood. There are many secondary headaches that may present with headache during sexual activity, and a thorough workup is indicated to rule out potentially life-threatening etiologies. Many recent case series discuss the efficacy of known treatments of PHASA, as well as suggest other potential therapies for this condition incl...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - February 17, 2024 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Subsume Pediatric Headaches in Psychiatric Disorders? Critiques on Delphic Nosology, Diagnostic Conundrums, and Variability in the Interventions
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTension-type headache (TTH) continues to be the most prevalent type of headache across all age groups worldwide, and the global burden of migraine and TTH together account for 7% of all-cause years lived with disability (YLDs). TTH has been shown to have a prevalence of up to 80% in several studies and presents a wide range and high variability in clinical settings. The aim of this review is to identify gaps in diagnostics, nosology, and variability in the treatment of children and adolescents who present with headaches without an identifiable etiology.Recent FindingsMigraine and TTH have been deba...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - February 17, 2024 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Influences of Genetic and Environmental Factors on Chronic Migraine: A Narrative Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewIn this narrative review, we aim to summarize recent insights into the complex interplay between environmental and genetic factors affecting the etiology, development, and progression of chronic migraine (CM).Recent FindingsEnvironmental factors such as stress, sleep dysfunction, fasting, hormonal changes, weather patterns, dietary compounds, and sensory stimuli are critical triggers that can contribute to the evolution of episodic migraine into CM. These triggers are particularly influential in genetically predisposed individuals. Concurrently, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have revealed ...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - February 16, 2024 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Whether Weather Matters with Migraine
AbstractPurpose of ReviewMany patients with migraine report their attacks are triggered by various weather anomalies. Studies have shown mixed results regarding the association of migraine to weather changes. The purpose of the current review is to compile the most up-to-date research studies on how weather may affect migraine. In addition, we explore the association between weather and other inflammatory disease states as well as neurotransmitters.Recent FindingsMigraine attacks can be related to weather variables such as barometric pressure, humidity, and wind. However, the results of recent studies are inconsistent; wea...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - February 15, 2024 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Treatment Disparities in Hispanic Patients with Chronic Pain: An Evidence-Based Narrative Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this narrative review is to summarize healthcare disparities experienced by Hispanic and Latino/Latinx patients with chronic pain, evaluate the existing literature exploring the specific therapeutic inequities affecting this patient population, and identify gaps in the literature requiring future study.Recent FindingsHispanic and Latino/Latinx patients experience disparities in chronic pain management. They are less likely to be prescribed pharmacologic therapies, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioids. Hispanic and Latino/Latinx patients are also less likely to ...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - February 15, 2024 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Pain Medicine
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review explores the current applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of pain medicine with a focus on machine learning.Recent FindingsUtilizing a literature search conducted through the PubMed database, several current trends were identified, including the use of AI as a tool for diagnostics, predicting pain progression, predicting treatment response, and performance of therapy and pain management. Results of these studies show promise for the improvement of patient outcomes.SummaryCurrent gaps in the research and subsequent directions for future study involve AI in optimizing...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - February 12, 2024 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
The Gut Microbiota and Chronic Pain
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo examine the effects and interactions between gut microbia and chronic pain.Recent FindingsThe gut microbiome has been an area of interest in both the scientific and general audience due to a growing body of evidence suggesting its influence in a variety of health and disease states. Communication between the central nervous system (CNS) and gut microbiome is said to be bidirectional, in what is referred to as the gut-brain axis.SummaryChronic pain is a prevalent costly personal and public health burden and so, there is a vested interest in devising safe and efficacious treatments. Numerous studi...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - February 12, 2024 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
The Diagnostic Value of Carnett ’s Test with Chronic Abdominal Pain: A Narrative Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewChronic abdominal wall pain is a poorly recognized cause of chronic abdominal pain, and patients frequently go misdiagnosed despite a battery of medical tests. The Carnett ’s test is a diagnostic tool used to distinguish between abdominal wall pain and visceral pain. This review synthesizes the current literature on the Carnett’s test, merges the viewpoints of diverse writers, and evaluates and reports on the Carnett’s test’s applicability.Recent FindingsSeveral clinical investigations have established the usefulness of the Carnett ’s test in the diagnosis of chronic abdominal wall pain. ...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - February 10, 2024 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Cervical Spinal Cord Stimulation for Failed Neck Surgery Syndrome
AbstractPurpose of ReviewCervical spine pain with or without radicular symptoms is a common condition leading to high utilization of the healthcare system with over 10 million medical visits per year. Many patients undergo surgical interventions and unfortunately are still left with neck and upper extremity pain, sometimes referred to as “Failed Neck Surgery Syndrome.” When these options fail, cervical spinal cord stimulation can be a useful tool to decrease pain and suffering as well as reduce prescription medication use.Recent FindingsSpinal cord stimulation is a well-established therapy for chronic back and leg pain...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - February 3, 2024 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Infrapatellar Branch of the Saphenous Nerve: Therapeutic Approaches to Chronic Knee Pain
This article investigated therapeutic approaches to pain derived from the IPS. Common approaches included radiofrequency ablation, neuroma excisions, Schwannoma excision, nerve blocks, surgical exploration, surgical release of an entrapped nerve, cryoablation, and peripheral nerve stimulation. Pain scores, duration of pain relief, adverse events, and secondary outcomes were all included in this review.SummaryA subset of the patient population experiences chronic pain deriving from the IPS that is refractory to conservative treatment measures. This review aims to evaluate the etiologies and therapeutic approaches for chroni...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - January 31, 2024 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Complementary and Integrative Medicine for the Treatment of Trigeminal Neuralgia and Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalalgia
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTrigeminal neuralgia (TN) and trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TACs) are both painful diseases which directly impact the branches of the trigeminal nerve, which supply the face. Patients who have experienced adverse effects, have not responded to mainstream treatments, or have a personal preference for nonmedication options, often turn to complementary and integrative medicine (CIM). The aim of this review is to discuss the efficacy and safety of CIM therapies available for the treatment of TN and TACs.Recent FindingsNot only are there limited therapeutic options for TN and TAC patients, but also...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - January 29, 2024 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Utility of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Chronic Daily Headache Prophylaxis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
The objective was to determine the utility of rTMS for immediate post-treatment and sustained CDH prophylaxis.Recent FindingsAll procedures were conducted per PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest databases were searched for controlled clinical trials that have tested the efficacy of rTMS on populations with CDH. DerSimonian-Laird random-effects meta-analyses were performed using the ‘meta’ package in R to examine the post- vs. pre-rTMS changes in standardized headache intensity and frequency compared to sham-control conditions. Thirteen trials were included with a combined study population of...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - January 26, 2024 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Trigeminal Postherpetic Neuralgia: From Pathophysiology to Treatment
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTrigeminal postherpetic neuralgia (TG-PHN) is a neuropathic pain condition complicating herpes zoster (HZ) attributed to the trigeminal nerve. It poses significant challenges due to its persistent and debilitating nature. This review explores the clinical characteristics of TG-PHN, analyzes its pathophysiological underpinnings, and addresses existent and potential therapies.Recent FindingsTG-PHN is one of the most common and complex PHN locations. It has distinguishing clinical and pathophysiological characteristics, starting with viral triggered injuries to the trigeminal ganglion (TG) and periphe...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - January 23, 2024 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
