Current pain and headache reports
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Curr Pain Headache Rep · Dec 2024
Review Comparative StudyOverview and Comparison of Interscalene Block Techniques for Brachial Plexus Pain Management.
Peripheral nerve blocks are performed using local anesthetics that are commonly performed prior to surgery to either be the sole anesthetic and/or for postoperative pain management. Interscalene blocks are a specific type of nerve block that targets the superior and middle trunks of the brachial plexus inhibiting transmission of pain signals from the upper extremities to the central nervous system making them useful in mitigating pain following surgeries involving the shoulder, upper arm, and elbow. ⋯ Previously, interscalene blocks were performed with a nerve stimulator, which is an instrument designed to generate a twitch in surrounding muscles to verify the anesthetic block was placed in the correct location. However, this approach with a nerve stimulator alone is being done less frequently as physicians now often employ ultrasound either by itself or in conjunction with a nerve stimulator to in the block. Several clinical studies have shown that the use of ultrasound leads to improved safety and effectiveness of the interscalene block as compared to performing the block using a nerve stimulator alone. Clinical studies comparing interscalene blocks done with ultrasound versus ultrasound in conjunction with a nerve stimulator have shown the combination to be slightly safer and more efficacious with reduced side effects, though the difference in these metrics between the two is small. Interscalene blocks are highly effective for postoperative pain related to shoulder and upper extremity surgeries. Ultrasound guided blocks are more effective with reduced adverse effects when compared to nerve stimulation alone. The combination of both ultrasound and nerve stimulation allows for increased efficacy and decreaed side effects in limited clinical investigations. Therefore, more studies are needed to further compare and determine best practice interscalene techniques for shoulder and upper extremity surgeries.
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Curr Pain Headache Rep · Dec 2024
ReviewPredicting the Severity of Acute Pain after Cesarean Delivery: A Narrative Review.
Cesarean delivery is one of the most common surgical procedures performed worldwide. Approximately 28-78% of the patients have reported experiencing severe pain after Cesarean delivery, which is associated with adverse outcomes. Current analgesic management strategies employ a one-size-fits-all approach, which may not be suitable for all post-Cesarean patients. Our ongoing research and the purpose of this review are focusing on preoperative risk assessment to identify patients at risk of severe pain or needing higher doses of opioid or other analgesics. ⋯ Recent clinical investigations have found that by utilizing the demographic and psychological evaluations, screening tests, quantitative sensory testing, and assessment of response to local anesthetic infiltration, clinicians were potentially able to stratify the risks for severe post-cesarean pain. Several modalities demonstrated significant correlations with pain outcomes, although most of these correlations were weak to modest. Since consensus statement regarding predicting post-CD pain control are still lacking, these correlations can be clinically helpful. It is possible to identify patients at high risk of developing severe acute pain after cesarean section by preoperative demographic data, screening questionnaires, or other tools. Further studies are needed to identify additional variables or screening tools for more accurate prediction and investigate whether personalized analgesic regimens can lead to improved analgesic outcomes.
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Curr Pain Headache Rep · Dec 2024
ReviewThe Utilization of Blockchain for Data Security for the Chronic Pain Physician.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the surge in medical data utilization, notably impacting chronic pain management given its enormous economist cost. While the collection and use of data enhances research and care quality, data exchange risks compromising integrity and privacy, exemplified by the Change Healthcare cyberattack. Here, we review the potential of blockchain for the utilization for cybersecurity in the healthcare system with an emphasis on the field of chronic pain. ⋯ Blockchain technology emerges as a potential solution, offering decentralized, secure, and immutable data management. Blockchain ensures transparency, integrity, and data privacy, which is crucial in healthcare. Smart contracts may offer automated, secure management of implantable neuromodulation devices such as spinal cord stimulators and intrathecal pumps. Blockchain's potential in pharmaceutical supply chain integrity is exemplified in preliminary efforts ensuring that the medication retrieved by the patient is indeed the intended medication. Despite limitations such as speed of transactions, blockchain presents innovative avenues for healthcare security and quality improvement, necessitating further development for widespread implementation. Blockchain's applicability is not only applicable to chronic pain management, but can be used in medicine as a whole.
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Curr Pain Headache Rep · Dec 2024
ReviewIs Chronic Tendon Pain Caused by Neuropathy? Exciting Breakthroughs may Direct Potential Treatment.
Tendinopathy significantly impacts the quality of life and imposes a high economic burden, accounting for a large proportion of sports and musculoskeletal injuries. Traditionally considered a collagen-related inflammatory disorder, emerging evidence suggests a critical role of neuropathic processes in chronic tendon pain. ⋯ Chronic tendon pain may be predominantly neuropathic, driven by pathologic neuronal ingrowth from paratenon into the tendon proper. Interventions that accurately target and disrupt these nerve pathways could revolutionize the treatment of tendinopathy. Further research is required to validate these findings and refine treatment modalities to ensure safety and efficacy.
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Curr Pain Headache Rep · Dec 2024
Review Meta AnalysisPharmacoacupuncture for the Treatment of Frozen Shoulder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
Pharmacoacupuncture (PA) is an alternative injection therapy for a broad range of conditions. This meta-analysis evaluates the effectiveness and safety of PA in treating frozen shoulder (FS) and aims to standardise PA characteristics in clinical practice. ⋯ PROSPERO (CRD42023445708).