Pain physician
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Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is distinguished by sudden and involuntary spasms of the facial muscles, predominantly on one side of the face. Microvascular decompression (MVD) is an efficacious surgical technique for treating HFS; however, MVD may occasionally lead to noteworthy postoperative complications. Previously, we reported the successful utilization of an innovative awake computed tomography-guided percutaneous puncture of the stylomastoid foramen for administering radiofrequency ablation (RFA) therapy in the treatment of HFS. ⋯ The short-term outcome was found to be comparable between the 2 treatment modalities. Notably, RFA demonstrates both safety and efficacy as a method for managing primary HFS; however, the procedure may lead to mild facial paralysis. In situations during which surgery is contraindicated, especially among elderly or high-risk surgical patients, percutaneous facial nerve RFA at the stylomastoid foramen may be considered as an alternative therapeutic approach.
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Several studies have suggested favorable results with endoscope-assisted microvascular decompression (EA-MVD) for treating patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN); however, supporting evidence is limited. ⋯ M-MVD and EA-MVD achieved similar analgesic effects for TN; however, EA-MVD allowed observation of more probable offending vessels with good flexible operative visualization.
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Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a common and significant cause of disability globally. In their lifetime, 70% to 80% of adults will have low back discomfort at some point. Even though CLBP is a very disabling disorder, information about its prevalence and associated factors is sparse in the literature. ⋯ Chronic low back pain, prevalence, health concerns, risk factors, public health.
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Observational Study
Infrared Thermography: Clinical Value for Diagnosing Persistent Somatoform Pain Disorders?
Patients with persistent somatoform pain disorder (PSPD) are not uncommon. Still, the disease diagnosis relies primarily on structured interviews, with no objective indicators yet available to aid in the diagnosis. This has led to low diagnostic rates and overconsumption of health care resources for the disorder. Although there is a large body of research to improve the diagnosis of the condition, there are currently no objective indicators available for diagnosis. ⋯ Persistent somatoform pain disorder, PSPD, thermal imaging, infrared thermography, IRT, image texture characteristics, psychometric variables, image analysis.
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Radiofrequency thermocoagulation of genicular nerves is an effective treatment for chronic pain due to knee osteoarthritis. The procedure can be performed under fluoroscopic or ultrasonographic guidance. ⋯ The final position of the needle tip in radiofrequency thermocoagulation of genicular nerves can exist at the one-third anterior of the bone shaft, without a need for further advancing the needle to the posterior portion. Although performed more distally compared to fluoroscopy guidance, ultrasound-guided genicular nerve radiofrequency thermocoagulation still provides effective analgesia.