Articles: neuropathic-pain.
-
Review Meta Analysis
Peripheral Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for Neuropathies: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
The main objective of this review is to demonstrate the use of Peripheral Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (PENS), together with its most up-to-date protocols, for the treatment of neuropathies. ⋯ PENS requires nurse education on electrode/needle placement and patient instruction, with documentation of key parameters. This review emphasizes the need for further research to establish standardized protocols and optimal application parameters for different neuropathic pain conditions.
-
Observational Study
Evaluating Spinal Cord Stimulation as a Therapeutic Strategy for Postmastectomy Pain Syndrome: A Retrospective Observational Study.
Postmastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) is a chronic condition that significantly impacts breast cancer survivors, marked by persistent neuropathic pain that is often unresponsive to conventional therapies. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has emerged as a promising intervention for managing this type of pain. This study aimed to assess the clinical efficacy of SCS in managing PMPS and identify patient-specific factors impacting treatment outcomes. ⋯ SCS is an effective treatment for PMPS, with age, BMI, psychologic treatments, and prior radiotherapy being significant predictors of outcomes. Tailoring treatment plans to these factors can potentially enhance pain management for patients with PMPS.
-
Non-invasive neuromodulation techniques (NIN), such as transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), have been extensively researched for their potential to alleviate pain by reversing neuroplastic changes associated with neuropathic pain (NP), a prevalent and complex condition. However, treating NP remains challenging due to the numerous variables involved, such as different techniques, dosages and aetiologies. It is necessary to provide insights for clinicians and public healthcare managers to support clinical decision-making. This umbrella review aims to consolidate existing evidence on the effectiveness of various NIN in managing chronic NP. ⋯ This paper consolidates the evidence regarding non-invasive neuromodulation for the treatment of neuropathic pain, including differentiating the most effective techniques based on the aetiology of pain, and provides clinicians with easy access to this critical information. It also highlights key aspects that require further research in the field of non-invasive neuromodulation and neuropathic pain.
-
As the incidence and survival rates of patients with cancer continues to grow, an increasing number of people are living with comorbidities, which often manifests as cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP). The majority of patients with CIBP report poor pain control from currently available analgesics. A conotoxin, Contulakin-G (CGX), has been demonstrated to be an antinociceptive agent in postsurgical and neuropathic pain states via a neurotensin receptor 2 (NTSR2)-mediated pathway. ⋯ Moreover, at antinociceptive doses, CGX had no impact on motor behavior in rodents with CIBP. Finally, RNAScope and immunoblotting analysis revealed expression of NTSR2 in both dorsal and ventral horns, while Cav2.3 was minimally expressed in the ventral horn, possibly explaining the sensory selectivity of CGX. Together, these findings support advancing CGX as a potential therapeutic for cancer pain.