The journal of spinal cord medicine
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Comparative Study
Comparing quantification of pain severity by verbal rating and numeric rating scales.
Researchers have reported widely varying correlations among the 3 main instruments used to quantify pain severity, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Verbal Rating Scale (VRS), and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), both at the level of groups and at the level of individuals. ⋯ There are considerable differences between individuals in how NRS and VRS are used; there also seem to be individuals whose understanding of the meaning of the VRS adjectives is completely different from what was assumed by the creators of this VRS. Both VRS and NRS data must be used with extreme caution by SCI clinicians and researchers.
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Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MIE) is an option for secretion mobilization in outpatients with spinal cord injury (SCI) who lack an effective cough and are at high risk for developing pneumonia. ⋯ Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation was typically prescribed for people with motor-complete tetraplegia. Outpatient MIE usage may reduce respiratory hospitalizations in smokers with SCI. Further research of this alternative, noninvasive method is warranted in the outpatient SCI population.
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Oxidative stress is a mediator of secondary injury to the spinal cord following trauma. ⋯ The present study suggests that LA reduces SCI-induced oxidative stress and exerts neuroprotection by inhibiting lipid peroxidation, glutathione depletion, and DNA fragmentation.
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Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Effects of intravenous sodium amobarbital vs lidocaine on pain and sensory abnormalities in patients with spinal cord injury.
To compare the responses of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) in regards to pain and sensory abnormalities to single blinded intravenous (i.v.) infusions of normal saline, sodium amobarbital, and lidocaine. ⋯ In this small study, the analgesic effect of sodium amobarbital and its ability to modify sensory abnormalities appeared superior to that of lidocaine.
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Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Nutrient intake and body habitus after spinal cord injury: an analysis by sex and level of injury.
To examine nutrient intake and body mass index (BMI) in the spinal cord injury (SCI) population according to level of injury and sex. ⋯ Women with paraplegia tended to maintain healthier diets, reflected by lower caloric and fat intakes, fewer key nutrients falling outside recommended guidelines, and less overweight or obesity. Individuals with tetraplegia tended to take in more calories and had higher BMIs, and using adjusted BMI, the majority of the population was overweight or obese. The majority of people with SCI would benefit from nutritional counseling to prevent emerging secondary conditions as the population with SCI ages.