European journal of pain : EJP
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Prurigo nodularis (PN) is characterized by multiple hyperkeratotic nodules, papules and the presence of intensive pruritus. This leads to an impaired quality of life and high burden due not only to the severe itch but also the chronic, skin lesions and lack of treatment options. ⋯ Besides a reduced intraepidermal nerve fibre density, there are increased dermal levels of neuropeptides such as substance P, calcitonin gene-related peptide and nerve growth factor, as well as a predominant presence of eosinophils and mast cells. An interaction of these factors results in a complex relationship which will be discussed in this article.
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There are no recommendations provided for the outcome domains of chronic pain that should be explicitly considered in each clinical trial to describe the efficacy and effectiveness of multimodal pain therapy (MPT). Our aims were to summarize all reported outcome domains in studies assessing the effects of MPT for chronic pain, and to subsequently inform a consensus-based development of a core outcome set of domains in this field. ⋯ The current lack of standardization of outcome domains in MPT studies hinders to readily compare interventions from different trials and is a barrier towards evidence-based decision making. Based on these results, the development of a core outcome set of domains for MPT has been initiated.
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There is growing evidence confirming that youths with physical disabilities are at risk for chronic pain. Although many scales for assessing pain intensity exist, it is unclear whether they are all equally suitable for youths. The aim of this study was to address this knowledge gap by comparing the validity of the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS-11), the Wong Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale (FACES), and a 6-point categorical Verbal Rating Scale (VRS-6) for assessing pain intensity among youths (aged 8-20) with physical disabilities. ⋯ The findings support the validity of the NRS-11 for assessing pain intensity in youths with physical disabilities between the ages of 8 and 20 years.
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A significant minority of chronic migraine (CM) subjects fail conventional medical treatment (rCM), becoming highly disabled. Implantation of an occipital nerve stimulator is a therapeutic option for these subjects. Paresthesia-free cervical 10 kHz spinal cord stimulation (HF10 SCS) may provide an alternative. We report the results of a prospective, open-label, exploratory study assessing the long-term safety, tolerability and efficacy of cervical HF10 SCS in cohort of rCM subjects. ⋯ Paresthesia-free cervical HF10 SCS may be a safe and effective therapeutic option for chronic migraineurs refractory to conventional treatments.
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Although the exact mechanism of TENS pain relief is unknown, it is believed that TENS impulses interrupt nociceptive signals at the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. ⋯ TENS led to pain reduction, probably due to activation of the descending pain-inhibitory pathway, indicating that this TENS method may be applied in clinical practice.