Current pain and headache reports
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Curr Pain Headache Rep · Sep 2024
ReviewArtificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality in Headache Disorder Diagnosis, Classification, and Management.
This review provides an overview of the current and future role of artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) in addressing the complexities inherent to the diagnosis, classification, and management of headache disorders. ⋯ Through machine learning and natural language processing approaches, AI offers unprecedented opportunities to identify patterns within complex and voluminous datasets, including brain imaging data. This technology has demonstrated promise in optimizing diagnostic approaches to headache disorders and automating their classification, an attribute particularly beneficial for non-specialist providers. Furthermore, AI can enhance headache disorder management by enabling the forecasting of acute events of interest, such as migraine headaches or medication overuse, and by guiding treatment selection based on insights from predictive modeling. Additionally, AI may facilitate the streamlining of treatment efficacy monitoring and enable the automation of real-time treatment parameter adjustments. VR technology, on the other hand, offers controllable and immersive experiences, thus providing a unique avenue for the investigation of the sensory-perceptual symptomatology associated with certain headache disorders. Moreover, recent studies suggest that VR, combined with biofeedback, may serve as a viable adjunct to conventional treatment. Addressing challenges to the widespread adoption of AI and VR in headache medicine, including reimbursement policies and data privacy concerns, mandates collaborative efforts from stakeholders to enable the equitable, safe, and effective utilization of these technologies in advancing headache disorder care. This review highlights the potential of AI and VR to support precise diagnostics, automate classification, and enhance management strategies for headache disorders.
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Curr Pain Headache Rep · Sep 2024
ReviewCurrent Review of Regenerative Medicine Therapies for Spine-Related Pain.
Persistent spinal pain syndromes are pervasive and lead to functional impairment, increased healthcare utilization, potential disability, and high societal costs. Spinal (cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacroiliac joint) pain includes mechanical, degenerative, inflammatory, oncologic, and infectious etiologies. Regenerative medicine is a novel biotechnology targeting mechanical, degenerative, and inflammatory conditions believed to cause pain. Preparations including platelet-rich plasma, mesenchymal stem cells (adipose tissue and bone marrow aspirate concentrates), and growth factors are derived from an autologous donor. The goal of intervention through guided injection of the regenerative media is to reduce inflammation and reverse the degenerative cascade in hopes of restoring normal cellular composition (physiologic homeostasis) and anatomical function to improve pain and function. The authors review limited research supporting the use of platelet-rich plasma injections for facet joint arthropathy and sacroiliac joint pain compared to traditional steroid treatments, as well as the use of platelet rich plasma or mesenchymal stem cells for lumbar discogenic and radicular pain. ⋯ Current evidence to support regenerative medicine for spine-related pain is limited. Although several studies demonstrated a reduction in pain, many of these studies had a small number of participants and were case series or prospective trials. Regenerative medicine treatments lack evidence for the treatment of spine-related pain. Large randomized controlled trials are needed with consistent study protocols to make further recommendations.
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Curr Pain Headache Rep · Sep 2024
ReviewEmerging Medications and Strategies in Acute Pain Management: Evolving Role of Novel Sodium and Calcium Channel Blockers, Peptide-Based Pharmacologic Drugs, and Non-Medicinal Methods.
The present investigation evaluated integration of novel medication technology to enhance treatment options, while improving patient outcomes in acute pain management. In this regard, we focused on determining the role of development and utilization of cutting-edge pharmaceutical advancements, such as targeted drug delivery systems, as well as non-pharmacologic interventions in addressing acute pain states. Further research in this area is warranted related to the need for increased patient comfort and reduced adverse effects. ⋯ Recent innovations and techniques are discussed including pharmacologic drugs targeting sodium and calcium channels, peptide-based pharmacologic drugs, and non-medicinal methods of alleviating pain such as soothing music or virtual reality. The present investigation included review of current literature on the application of these innovative technologies, analyzing mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, and clinical effectiveness. Our study also investigated the potential benefits in terms of pain relief, reduced side effects, and improved patient adherence. The research critically examines the challenges and considerations associated with implementing these technologies in acute pain management, considering factors like cost, accessibility, and regulatory aspects. Additionally, case studies and clinical trials are highlighted which demonstrate practical implications of these novel medication technologies in real-world scenarios. The findings aim to provide healthcare professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the evolving landscape in acute pain management while guiding future research and clinical practices toward optimizing their use in enhancing patient care.
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Curr Pain Headache Rep · Sep 2024
ReviewThe Role of Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence in Cognitive Pain Therapy: A Narrative Review.
This review investigates the roles of artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) in enhancing cognitive pain therapy for chronic pain management. The work assesses current research, outlines benefits and limitations and examines their potential integration into existing pain management methods. ⋯ Advances in VR have shown promise in chronic pain management through immersive cognitive therapy exercises, with evidence supporting VR's effectiveness in symptom reduction. AI's personalization of treatment plans and its support for mental health through AI-driven avatars are emerging trends. The integration of AI in hybrid programs indicates a future with real-time adaptive technology tailored to individual needs in chronic pain management. Incorporating AI and VR into chronic pain cognitive therapy represents a promising approach to enhance management by leveraging VR's immersive experiences and AI's personalized tactics, aiming to improve patient engagement and outcomes. Nonetheless, further empirical studies are needed to standardized methodologies, compare these technologies to traditional therapies and fully realize their clinical potential.
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Curr Pain Headache Rep · Sep 2024
ReviewDevice-Related Complications Associated with Cylindrical Lead Spinal Cord Stimulator Implants: A Comprehensive Review.
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an increasingly utilized therapy for the treatment of neuropathic pain conditions. Though minimally invasive and reversable, there are several important device-related complications that physicians should be aware of before offering this therapy to patients. The aim of this review is to synthesize recent studies in device-related SCS complications pertaining to cylindrical lead implantation and to discuss etiologies, symptoms and presentations, diagnostic evaluation, clinical implications, and treatment options. ⋯ Device-related complications are more common than biologic complications. Device-related complications covered in this review include lead migration, lead fracture, lead disconnection, generator failure, loss of charge, generator flipping, hardware related pain, and paresthesia intolerance. The use of SCS continues to be an effective option for neuropathic pain conditions. Consideration of complications prior to moving forward with SCS trials and implantation is a vital part of patient management and device selection. Knowledge of these complications can provide physicians and other healthcare professionals the ability to maximize patient outcomes.