The Clinical journal of pain
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Venous blood sampling is one of the most common diagnostic medical procedures performed in clinical practice. It has been shown that negatively loaded words may result in negative affective reactions and, consequently, in an increased perception of pain. We aimed to evaluate whether common warnings before venous blood sampling might induce unnecessary pain. ⋯ Words associated with pain increase the perception of pain during venous blood sampling. Omitting these words may be a simple and essential method by which to avoid unnecessary pain.
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Patients with medication overuse headache (MOH) experience decreased quality of life (QoL) and increased psychiatric comorbidity. We performed an observational study in patients with MOH to assess whether QoL (primary outcome parameter), depression, and anxiety (secondary outcome parameters) improve after inpatient withdrawal therapy. ⋯ QoL is impaired in patients with MOH, and many patients are depressed and anxious. Inpatient withdrawal therapy lead to a statistically significant improvement of QoL, depression, and anxiety. Poor baseline mental QoL as well as depression and anxiety are associated with poor outcome in terms of headache frequency.
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Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT) syndrome is a rare type of trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia. SUNCT syndrome is typically idiopathic, and secondary SUNCT syndrome after indirect injury is very rare. We report a case of SUNCT syndrome manifested dramatically after a whiplash injury and treated by greater occipital nerve (GON) block. ⋯ Secondary SUNCT syndrome induced by whiplash injury is rare. Our case showed good outcome of SUNCT syndrome treated by GON.