A Role for Visual Art Therapy in the Management of Migraine
AbstractPurpose of ReviewMigraine is a disabling disorder that adversely affects the whole person and requires multimodal management. Through a brief historical overview of migraine as a subject for visual art, benefits reported from art therapy used in the management of other types of chronic pain, and a summary of the limited research involving art therapy for migraine, we aim to provide support for art therapy ’s potential role in the management of migraine.Recent FindingsAs art therapy has been shown to be effective in the management of other chronic pain conditions, providing insight into the individual ’s pain ex...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - January 16, 2024 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Categorizing Sports-Related Concussion Disparities by Key Domains of Social Determinants of Health
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo explore recently published data on disparities in concussion and best categorize these data into domains of social determinants of health (SDOH).Recent FindingsDisparities in concussion cover a range of SDOH domains. Questions on disparities in concussion remain. Interventions to reduce these disparities and inequities are needed.SummarySocial determinants of health may play a significant role in disparities and inequities in sports related concussion. There is interplay and overlap in SDOH domains that affect concussion outcomes. It is possible that an increase in SDOH may affect concussion dis...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - January 16, 2024 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Efficacy and Safety of Ketamine-Dexmedetomidine Versus Ketamine-Propofol Combination for Periprocedural Sedation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe combination of ketamine with propofol and dexmedetomidine has gained popularity for sedation and general anesthesia in different populations. In our meta-nalysis, we helped the anesthesiologists to know the efficiency and the efficacy of both combinations in adult and pediatric patients.MethodsWe searched PubMed, CENTRAL, Web of Science, and Scopus from inception to August 1, 2023. Our outcome parameters for efficacy were recovery time, pain score, and physician satisfaction while for safety were the related cardiorespiratory, neurological, and gastrointestinal adverse events.Recent FindingsTwe...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - January 12, 2024 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Acupuncture Versus Oral Medications for Acute/Subacute Non-Specific Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
AbstractPurpose of ReviewPharmacologic intervention do not always achieve benefits in the treatment of acute/subacute non-specific low back pain (NSLBP). We assessed efficacy and safety of acupuncture for acute/subacute NSLBP as alternative treatment.Recent FindingsWe searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Epistemonikos, CNKI, Wan Fang Database, VIP database, CBMLD, CSTJ, clinical trials, EUCTR, World WHO ICTRP, and ChiCTR for randomized controlled trials, cross-over studies, and cohort studies of NSLBP treated by acupuncture versus oral medication from inception to 23th April 2022. A total of 6...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - January 8, 2024 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Telehealth and Virtual Reality Technologies in Chronic Pain Management: A Narrative Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review provides medical practitioners with an overview of the present and emergent roles of telehealth and associated virtual reality (VR) applications in chronic pain (CP) management, particularly in the post-COVID-19 healthcare landscape.Recent FindingsAccumulated evidence points to the efficacy of now well-established telehealth modalities, such as videoconferencing, short messaging service (SMS), and mobile health (mHealth) applications in complementing remote CP care. More recently, and although still in early phases of clinical implementation, a wide range of VR-based interventions have ...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - January 4, 2024 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Cervical Spinal Cord Stimulation: A Review
The objective is to evaluate the current evidence, identify knowledge gaps, and collate data to inform clinical decision-making and suggest future research avenues. The review covers indications, contraindications, surgical and anesthetic approaches, trials, efficacy, and complications of cSCS.Recent FindingsRecent advancements highlight the evolving role of cSCS in chronic pain management. New neuromodulation techniques involve optimal placement of leads based on the pain ’s innervation level, maximizing therapeutic outcomes. Contemporary studies underscore the broadening benefits of cSCS, including enhanced functional ...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - December 26, 2023 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Treatment Options for Posttraumatic Headache: A Current Review of the Literature
AbstractPurpose of ReviewWe evaluate evidence-based treatments for posttraumatic headache (PTH), a secondary headache disorder resulting from traumatic brain injury (TBI), comprising nearly 4% of all symptomatic headache disorders. Utilizing recent publications, we aim to inform clinicians of current treatment methods.Recent FindingsThere is limited research on PTH treatment. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) of metoclopramide with diphenhydramine for acute PTH found that the treatment group (N = 81) experienced more significant pain improvement than placebo by 1.4 points. For persistent PTH, an open-label study of ...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - December 22, 2023 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Transitional Pain Service: Optimizing Complex Surgical Patients
This article explores the benefits and barriers of transitional pain services and describes the development of a TPS at our institution.Recent FindingsEvidence from a few institutions that have adopted TPS has shown decreased postsurgical opioid consumption for patients on chronic opioids and decreased incidence of chronic postsurgical opioid use for opioid-na ïve patients. The development of a transitional pain service may improve outcomes for these complex patients by providing longitudinal and multidisciplinary perioperative pain care.SummaryIn this article, we describe the implementation of a TPS at a tertiary medical...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - December 20, 2023 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
A Guide for Physicians Serving as an Expert Witness for Personal Injury Cases and Other Litigations
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo provide a guide for physicians serving as an expert witness in all kinds of cases.Recent FindingsDifferent societies proposed different guidelines for physicians serving as an expert witness. We wanted to summarize all recommendations in our article to provide a comprehensive guide to all physicians from different specialties. There is some overlap in recommendations, and it is important for physicians from different specialties to be aware of all recommendations proposed.SummaryIt is very important for any health care provider who serves as an expert witness for personal injury or other cases t...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - December 20, 2023 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Current Review of Regenerative Medicine Therapies for Spine-Related Pain
AbstractPurpose of ReviewPersistent spinal pain syndromes are pervasive and lead to functional impairment, increased healthcare utilization, potential disability, and high societal costs. Spinal (cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacroiliac joint) pain includes mechanical, degenerative, inflammatory, oncologic, and infectious etiologies. Regenerative medicine is a novel biotechnology targeting mechanical, degenerative, and inflammatory conditions believed to cause pain. Preparations including platelet-rich plasma, mesenchymal stem cells (adipose tissue and bone marrow aspirate concentrates), and growth factors are derived fr...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - December 19, 2023 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Treating the Uninsured and Underinsured with Migraine in the USA
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo define, describe, and identify potential solutions for health disparities in the uninsured and underinsured with migraine in the USA.Recent FindingsUninsured and underinsured patients with migraine experience health disparities in diagnosis and treatment of migraine. Migraine patients have higher healthcare costs and higher employment disability, which contribute to a higher likelihood of uninsured or underinsured status. Uninsured or underinsured status, combined with factors such as race, socioeconomic status, geographic location, and care location, are correlated with delays in or decreased m...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - December 14, 2023 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Phytocannabinoids for the Treatment of Neuropathic Pain: A Scoping Review of Randomised Controlled Trials Published Between 2012 and 2023
AbstractPurpose of ReviewNeuropathic pain (NP) remains a challenge to treat, with 50% of patients experiencing limited efficacy from current treatments. Medicinal cannabis, which contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD) and other minor cannabinoids, is garnering attention as an alternative treatment for NP. This paper reviews the clinical evidence for phytocannabinoid treatment of NP.Recent FindingsSeventeen randomised controlled trials (RCT) were identified for inclusion in this review. Of these, ten studies using phytocannabinoid preparations containing THC alone had the most evidence for pain relief. Four ...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - December 14, 2023 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Ominous Causes of Headache
This article delves into the sinister causes of headaches, underscoring the importance of a meticulous clinical approach, especially when presented with red flags.Recent FindingsHeadaches, one of the most common complaints in clinical practice, span a spectrum from benign tension-type episodes to harbingers of life-threatening conditions. For the seasoned physician, differentiating between these extremes is paramount.SummaryHeadache etiologies covered in this article will include subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), cervical artery dissection, cerebral venous thrombosis, meningitis, obstructive hydrocephalus, and brain tumor. (S...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - December 13, 2023 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Unraveling the MSG-Headache Controversy: an Updated Literature Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo review the evidence and role of monosodium glutamate (MSG) as a headache and migraine trigger.Recent FindingsMSG is a common food additive, has widely been linked as a trigger of headache, as well as other symptoms. However, the evidence for MSG as a causative agent for headache is debated. Various clinical trials over the past several decades have reported conflicting results, with studies suggesting that MSG does and does not increase the incidence of headache. However, the dosages of MSG exposure are often inconsistent across studies, with many studies administering a dose significantly highe...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - December 11, 2023 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
Visual Snow: Updates and Narrative Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewVisual snow (VS) involves visualization of innumerable dots throughout the visual field, sometimes resembling “TV static.” Patients who experience this symptom may also have additional visual symptoms (e.g., photophobia, palinopsia, floaters, and nyctalopia) with a pattern now defined as visual snow syndrome (VSS). This manuscript describes both VS and VSS in detail and provides an updated review on the clinical features, pathophysiology, and optimal management strategies for these symptoms.Recent FindingsVS/VSS may be primary or secondary to a variety of etiologies, including ophthalmologic or...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - December 11, 2023 Category: Neurology Source Type: research
