Articles: pain.
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Although the behavioral response to pain is complex and involves supraspinal processes, assessment of pain symptoms in animal models still mainly relies on reflex-based nociceptive tests, which do not account for the affective-motivational nor cognitive components of pain. We introduce a double avoidance place preference paradigm, an integrated testing procedure in freely moving rats that relies on the conflict between the avoidance of a dark compartment in which a thermal ramp is activated, and the escape towards an aversive brightly lit compartment. We were able to differentiate the first nociceptive threshold from the temperature of definitive escape from the dark compartment, conveying information on the adaptive behavior of animals. ⋯ In animals exhibiting hyperalgesia following intraplantar complete Freund adjuvant injection, escape thresholds were significantly higher than that of control animals, hinting at a maladaptive affective-motivational response to noxious stimulation. However, in cuff animals, we failed to reveal any hot nociceptive hypersensitivity, but animals exhibited a strong adaptive response to cold simulation upon reexposure. Overall, the proposed paradigm allows for an integrated cortical response leading to a proactive avoidance behavior, while fully complying with ethical standards in animal experimentation.
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Peripheral optogenetics is an emerging neuromodulation technique that regulates the activity of the nervous system outside the brain through the expression of photosensitive proteins and the application of photic stimulation. This article reviews recent advances in applying optogenetics to the spinal cord and peripheral nerves, offering a comprehensive understanding of the functions and regulatory mechanisms of the peripheral nervous system through the modulation of specific neuronal activities. ⋯ Despite current challenges, such as operability, effectiveness, and selective neuron targeting, peripheral optogenetics holds significant potential for advancing neuromodulation. Continued research and technological innovations will further expand its role, offering new possibilities for understanding and treating disorders involving the peripheral nervous system.
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Retrospective controlled cohort. ⋯ In postoperative PSF for patients with AIS receiving LB through ESPB, those who did not receive a PCA had lower opioid consumption without worse pain scores or mobility and had a lower LOS. Adding LB through ESPB to postoperative pain regimens effectively replaces a PCA by providing the same pain control and reducing overall opioid consumption and LOS.
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Review
Exploring the emotional impact of pain on children and adolescents: a poetic meta-ethnography.
EXPLORING THE EMOTIONAL IMPACT OF PAIN ON CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS: A META-ETHNOGRAPHIC POETIC SYNTHESIS: Pain in early life can go unreported and untreated. We use poems to portray findings from a systematic review of qualitative research. The overall aim of the review was to distil essential experiences across pain conditions and contexts. ⋯ PERSPECTIVE: The voices of young people in pain are not always heard. This article presents themes, in poetic form, from a synthesis of 189 qualitative studies. Science and art are integral to leaps in understanding and inclusive arts-based research methods have the potential to underpin compassionate pain care for young people.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Feb 2025
Effects of the length of preoperative conservative management on postoperative outcomes after primary microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia.
Although trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is initially managed conservatively, approximately half of all patients will eventually undergo surgery. Despite this outcome, there is limited understanding of the relationship between preoperative length of conservative management and pain outcomes after microvascular decompression (MVD). In this study, the authors aimed to describe the relationship between the duration of preoperative conservative management and postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing MVD for TN. ⋯ In the setting of primary MVD for patients with TN, a longer duration of preoperative conservative management was associated with higher postoperative BNI pain scores and increased risk of pain recurrence. These findings suggest a potential beneficial role for early surgical intervention.