Articles: neuralgia.
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Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a recognized management option for patients with refractory neuropathic pain. Despite randomized controlled trials reporting the effectiveness of SCS, there is a lack of long-term data reflecting usual SCS practice. The aim of this study is to present the long-term outcomes of a cohort of patients from a single centre undertaking SCS with devices from a single manufacturer. ⋯ Patients with neuropathic pain undertaking SCS experience long-term reductions in pain intensity and increases in health utility and associated QALY gains. The findings from this study associated with the increased longevity of rechargeable SCS devices suggest that the cost-effectiveness of SCS may become increasingly favourable when compared with conventional medical management.
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Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are commonly used for various psychiatric conditions and neuropathic pain syndromes. SNRIs inhibit the reuptake of serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE); however, NE reuptake inhibition is thought to be the primary mediator for their analgesic effect. ⋯ The varying selectivity for 5-HT and NE among the SNRIs may help explain the therapeutic dosing required for neuropathic pain as well as dose-related adverse effects. It is important to understand the pharmacologic differences among SNRIs, in addition to the data from clinical trials, to guide their safe and effective use.
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Musculoskelet Sci Pract · Aug 2017
Comparative StudyThe diagnostic accuracy and test-retest reliability of the Dutch PainDETECT and the DN4 screening tools for neuropathic pain in patients with suspected cervical or lumbar radiculopathy.
It is important to identify neuropathic pain early to guide treatment decisions and prevent chronicity. There is lack of evidence whether the Dutch painDETECT questionnaire and Douleure Neuropathique en 4 questions (DN4) can adequately assess neuropathic pain. ⋯ Diagnosis, Level 1B.
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This study set out to identify the neuropathic component of pain experienced by burning mouth syndrome (BMS) patients evaluated using painDETECT, a diagnostic tool that could easily be introduced into clinical practice. ⋯ The present study suggests that almost a third of BMS patients present neuropathic pain, which is strongly associated with the intensity of pain measured using VAS. These data could provide the basis for further research.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effect of Repetitive Intracutaneous Injections with Local Anesthetics and Steroids for Acute Thoracic Herpes Zoster and Incidence of Postherpetic Neuralgia.
Treatment of established postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is difficult and often disappointing. In this study, we assessed the efficacy of repetitive intracutaneous injections with local anesthetics and steroids in acute thoracic herpes zoster (HZ) pain, herpetic eruption, and incidence of PHN. ⋯ Repetitive intracutaneous injections with local anesthetics and steroids along with standard treatment significantly reduce the duration of pain and herpetic eruption and incidence of PHN.