European journal of pain : EJP
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Review Meta Analysis
Long-term observational studies with cannabis-based medicines for chronic non-cancer pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis of effectiveness and safety.
This systematic review evaluated the effectiveness, tolerability and safety of cannabis-based medicines (CbMs) for chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP) in long-term observational studies. ⋯ There is very low quality evidence for the long-term effectiveness (pain, sleep, mood, health-related quality of life), tolerability and safety of medical cannabis for chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP) according to reports of prospective observational studies. Predefined criteria of a large magnitude of effect size in these types of studies were not met. Nevertheless, long-term medical cannabis therapy can be considered in some carefully selected and monitored patients with CNCP.
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To improve CRPS treatment, it is imperative to understand the nature, degree and relative importance of ongoing problems associated with CRPS. The objective of this systematic review was to summarize the published data concerning measures of function and impact including occupational parameters, of CRPS at 12 months from symptom onset and beyond. ⋯ This review provides first-time clarity in relation to outcomes of limb function and work status associated with an episode of CRPS, beyond 12 months from onset. Results demonstrate that the long-term impact of an episode of CRPS on these outcomes is much larger than previously described, and thus also illustrates how the wider health economic impact of CRPS is not yet fully understood. We additionally highlight the need for future research that identifies long-term predictors, and treatments that can foster good functional and occupational recovery.
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Pain intensity evaluation by self-report is difficult and biased in non-communicating people, which may contribute to inappropriate pain management. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) to evaluate pain intensity based on automated facial expression analysis has not been evaluated in clinical conditions. ⋯ These original findings represent a major step in the development of a fully automated, rapid, standardized and objective method based on facial expression analysis to measure pain and detect severe pain.
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Thermic rhizolysis is a reliable therapy for pharmaco-resistant trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Temperature, duration of electrocautery and needle location can influence the efficacy and complications of the therapy. ⋯ We have adapted the technique of radiofrequency rhizolysis for TN. Our procedure allows individual peroperative adaptation of the parameters of thermocoagulation, according to the specific position of the electrode during rhizolysis. Preliminary results on a series of 22 patients have shown promising results.
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In March 2020, state-wide lockdowns were declared in many countries, including Spain. Citizens were confined to their homes and remotely supported activities were prioritized as an alternative to in-person interactions. Previous data suggest that remote and self-management interventions may be successful at reducing pain and related psychological variables. However, individual factors influencing the effectiveness of these interventions remain to be identified. We aimed to investigate the psychological and motivational factors moderating changes in pain observed in chiropractic patients undertaking a novel telehealth self-management programme. ⋯ In the context of COVID-19, when introducing remote and self-management strategies, pain cognitions and motivational factors should be taken into consideration to foster adherence and yield better pain outcomes.