European journal of pain : EJP
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Measuring pain intensity in patients unable to communicate is a challenge on general wards. Observation-based pain scoring tools have been used for patients with dementia or in critically ill intensive care unit (ICU) patients. However, there is no established or validated assessment tool for non-ICU patients without dementia related cognitive deficiencies who cannot communicate. The "Behavioural Pain Scale Non-Intubated" (BPS-NI) and the "Pain Assessment In Advanced Dementia-German" (PAINAD-G) are potential tools to fill this gap. ⋯ Measuring the pain intensity in patients unable to communicate is a common challenge on general wards. This study assessed reliability and applicability BPS-NI and the PAINAD-G in a general ward setting. Furthermore, it provides cut-off values in order to estimate pain intensity and support analgesic response.
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Most studies investigating the prognosis of low back pain (LBP) enrol people presenting for care, rather than all people who have an episode of LBP. We aimed to describe the prognosis of an acute episode of LBP in a community inception cohort. ⋯ This study found most episodes of LBP recover rapidly and more quickly than typically reported for clinical populations. The worst pain during the episode was typically moderate to high despite the rapid recovery for most people. Approximately 40% of the participants who experienced an episode of LBP sought care.
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A major concern with cannabis-based medicines and medical cannabis (CbM) is the risk of abuse and dependence. The face validity of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) criteria for cannabis dependence in patients prescribed CbM for chronic pain has not been assessed. ⋯ A collaboration of psychiatrists and pain physicians is required to define criteria and develop instruments to capture abuse and dependence of CbMs in chronic pain patients.
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selfBACK provides individually tailored self-management support for low back pain (LBP) via an artificial intelligence-based smartphone app. We explore whether those with depressive/stress symptoms can benefit from this technology. ⋯ The selfBACK app can improve outcomes even in those with high levels of depressive/stress symptoms and could be recommended for patients with LBP.
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The primary aim of this observational study was to determine the incidence of trigeminal neuralgia in a county in central Sweden. The secondary aim was to investigate TN characteristic including the affected side and nerve branches. ⋯ Trigeminal neuralgia incidence was estimated to 5.5 per 100 000 person-years. The incidence was higher for females and increased with older age.