Annals of emergency medicine
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Review Meta Analysis
Effectiveness of Peripheral Nerve Blocks for the Treatment of Primary Headache Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Primary headache disorders are prevalent and account for 2% of all emergency department visits. Current treatment options are effective; however, time to pain relief is suboptimal. Alternatives such as peripheral nerve blocks have shown promising results. The objective of this systematic review is to examine the effectiveness of peripheral nerve blocks for timely pain relief. ⋯ Our review shows peripheral nerve blocks are effective as a rapid treatment option when compared to placebo; however, we were unable to assess effectiveness against standard treatment. Emergency physicians should consider peripheral nerve blocks as an adjunct therapy for patients with primary headache disorders.
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External aortic compression has been investigated as a treatment for non-compressible truncal haemorrhage in trauma patients. We sought to systematically gather and tabulate the available evidence around external aortic compression. We were specifically interested in its ability to achieve hemostasis and aid in resuscitation of traumatic arrest and severe shock and to consider physiological changes and adverse effects. ⋯ Application for more than 60 minutes appears to cause increasingly problematic complications. In conclusion we find that the role of external aortic compression warrants further research. The intervention may have a role as a bridge to definitive treatment of noncompressible truncal haemorrahge.