The Clinical journal of pain
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This study aimed to estimate risk factors associated with recurrence after radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFT) of the Gasserian ganglion among a large sample of patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN) during a long-term follow-up. ⋯ Our results indicated the patients with a higher risk for recurrence after RFT for the treatment of TN. In addition, our findings might provide support for clinical decision-making before the RFT procedure.
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Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a painful condition of a limb characterized by a constellation of symptoms. Little is known about the clinical features of pediatric CRPS, with fewer than a dozen studies published to date. The aim of this study was to explore the clinical course of pediatric CRPS, with emphasis on clinical features and disease outcomes. A secondary aim was to discern differences in clinical features of pediatric CRPS with and without related movement disorders, and between children who had a favorable and unfavorable outcome. ⋯ In this cohort, pediatric CRPS was most common in girls around the age of 12, usually in the lower extremity, and most experienced a favorable outcome. Further research is needed to better understand the prognosis and relapse rate of pediatric CRPS.
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Various academic factors are known to influence pain and somatic symptoms in adolescents, but the roles of academic goal orientation, school motivational climate, and school engagement are unknown. This study examined how these understudied academic factors are associated with adolescent pain and somatic symptoms and whether sex moderates the relations. ⋯ This study demonstrates that adolescents from a high-achieving community report more somatic symptoms and pain when they are less engaged in school and when their academic focus is on grades and outperforming peers. Results suggest that de-emphasizing competition and performance outcomes may support physical well-being in adolescents.
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Nonadherence to prescribed pain medication is common in chronic noncancer pain patients. Beliefs about pain medication have been reported to be associated with nonadherence behavior in cross-sectional studies. The aim of this study was to prospectively investigate the relationship between patients' beliefs about pain medication and their medication adherence and treatment outcome. ⋯ Attitudes and concerns toward pain medication are associated with adherence patterns and outcome parameters. To improve medication adherence and therapy outcome, patient beliefs about pain medication should be taken into account by providing tailored education, adequate follow-up, or alternate therapy.