Physical medicine and rehabilitation clinics of North America
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Parsonage-Turner syndrome (PTS) is a rare disorder typically characterized by an abrupt onset of upper extremity pain followed by progressive neurologic deficits, including weakness, atrophy, and occasionally sensory abnormalities. The exact cause and pathophysiology of PTS are complex and incompletely understood. ⋯ Most patients with PTS are treated with a multidisciplinary approach that includes both physical therapy and pharmacologic treatment, often with multiple agents. Further research is needed.
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Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am · May 2014
ReviewThe failed back surgery syndrome: pitfalls surrounding evaluation and treatment.
This article describes the costs and risk factors for failed back surgery syndrome and reviews the diagnosis and treatment strategies commonly used to address this syndrome. The purpose of this review is to describe some of the treatment pitfalls associated with these approaches from a physiatric perspective.
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Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am · May 2014
ReviewEpidural steroid injections for radicular lumbosacral pain: a systematic review.
Most clinical guidelines do not recommend routine use of epidural steroid injections for the management of chronic low back pain. However, many clinicians do not adhere to these guidelines. This comprehensive evidence overview concluded that off-label epidural steroid injections provide small short-term but not long- term leg-pain relief and improvement in function; injection of steroids is no more effective than injection of local anesthetics alone; post-procedural complications are uncommon, but the risk of contamination and serious infections is very high. The evidence does not support routine use of off-label epidural steroid injections in adults with benign radicular lumbosacral pain.
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Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am · May 2014
ReviewComplex regional pain syndrome: diagnosis and treatment.
This article discusses the diagnostic criteria, clinical course, and complications of complex regional pain syndrome. Multidisciplinary treatment including physical and occupational therapy, psychological evaluation and treatment, pharmacologic management, and more aggressive options including sympathetic blocks, sympathectomy, and spinal cord stimulation are also reviewed.
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Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am · May 2014
ReviewSide effects of commonly prescribed analgesic medications.
Analgesics, including opioids, steroidal and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, acetaminophen, antiepileptics, and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, are medications commonly used to treat many forms of pain. However, all of these agents may have significant adverse side effects. ⋯ It is critical that the prescribing practitioner and the dispensing pharmacist provide a thorough, understandable review of the potential side effects to all patients before these drugs are administered. Proper monitoring and follow-up during therapy are crucial.