Pain research & management : the journal of the Canadian Pain Society = journal de la société canadienne pour le traitement de la douleur
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The assessment of pain in older persons with psychiatric illness is particularly challenging for health care professionals. There are few well-tested pain assessment tools for this population. ⋯ The findings of the present study highlight the need for a comprehensive, practical and consistent approach to pain assessment and management, and provide insight into the critical components, including behavioural indicators, that could be incorporated into a pain protocol to be used with this population.
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Ethnocultural factors and sex may greatly affect pain perception and expression. Emerging literature is also documenting racial and ethnic differences in pain access and care. ⋯ The implications of the study and the importance of sex and ethnicity in terms of presentation to Canadian pain clinics are discussed. Future well-designed studies are needed to shed light on the role of both patients' and physicians' ethnicity and sex in pain perception and expression, decision-making regarding pain treatments and acceptance of pain treatments.
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Painful neuropathic disorders (PNDs) refer to neurological disorders involving nerves in which pain is a predominant symptom. In most cases, PNDs involve the peripheral nerves. Treatment of PNDs is likely to use large health care resources. However, little is known about the economic burden of PNDs in Canada. ⋯ PNDs are associated with a higher level of comorbidities, higher medical resources utilization and higher health care costs than non-PND conditions.
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Determining how migraineurs manage their condition from the viewpoint of health resource utilization (including both medical and personal resources) may provide insights that could lead to more effective care strategies. ⋯ By modifying controllable resources and behaviours, the reported health status of migraineurs can be improved as effectively as nonmigraineurs.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Meta Analysis Clinical Trial
Use of gabapentin for perioperative pain control -- a meta-analysis.
Gabapentin, an anticonvulsant, has recently been suggested as an effective postoperative 'analgesic' agent. The objective of the present study was to examine the analgesic effectiveness, opioid-sparing effects and side effects associated with the use of gabapentin in a perioperative setting. ⋯ Gabapentin improves the analgesic efficacy of opioids both at rest and with movement, reduces analgesic consumption and opioid-related adverse effects, but is associated with an increased incidence of sedation and dizziness.