Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
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Objective. Intrathecal opioid/local anesthetic mixtures are a popular alternative in contemporary treatment of chronic nonmalignant pain. Unfortunately, its use is based solely on retrospective studies or anecdotal reports. ⋯ Addition of bupivacaine to the intrathecal opioid failed to produce significant improvement in pain control. Conclusion. At currently used doses, intrathecal opioid bupivacaine mixtures are not more efficacious in the treatment of chronic nonmalignant pain than opioid alone.
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Objective. This experiment was performed to test the hypothesis that intrathecally pumped saline, but not artificial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), would be analgesic in a rat model of neuropathic pain. Materials and Methods. ⋯ No analgesia was observed on tests of spontaneous pain or pressure hyperalgesia (p > 0.1). Conclusions. Intrathecally pumped saline and artificial CSF have analgesic effects on some neuropathic and normal, nociceptive pain signs in CCI rats.
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Objective. Spinal administration of compounds decreasing inhibition of spinal nociceptive pathways, such as antagonists of GABA or glycine receptors, leads to vocalization. This can be quantified semiautomatically and could be used as a research model. ⋯ Bicuculline-induced vocalization seems to be related to facilitation of nociceptive transmission, and could have limited use as a model of nociception at the spinal level. However, peripheral inflammation or neuropathic pain did not affect it. Strychnine-induced vocalization responses seem to be related to non-noxious somatosensory input.
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Objectives. The goal of this work is to study and develop an electrical integrated system that allows the control of the basic functions (such as micturition, defecation, and erection) by sacral root stimulation in paraplegic patients. Materials and Methods. ⋯ The architecture of the new stimulator, applied over the sacral roots, can be used to control the voiding of the bladder. The system allows an independent distance programmable stimulation. The impedance measurement circuit implemented allows an easy and systematic performance test.