Regional anesthesia and pain medicine
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Jul 2003
Case ReportsApplying ultrasound imaging to interscalene brachial plexus block.
Previous studies have examined ultrasound-assisted brachial plexus blocks, but few have applied this imaging technology to the interscalene region. We report a case of interscalene brachial plexus block using ultrasound guidance to show the clinical usefulness of this technology. ⋯ Advanced ultrasound technology is useful for nerve localization and can generate brachial plexus images of high resolution in the interscalene groove, guide block needle placement and advancement in real time to targeted nerves, and assess adequacy of local anesthetic spread at the time of injection. Ultrasound imaging guidance can potentially improve success during interscalene brachial plexus block.
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Jul 2003
Clinical TrialPostherpetic neuralgia: a descriptive analysis of patients seen in pain clinics.
Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a common ailment that pain specialists must often cope with. The goal of the present survey is to investigate the pain characteristics of 119 PHN patients with persistent pain seen at different pain clinics. Methods information on demographic features, pain characteristics (MPQ-SV, VAS, VRS), and treatment was recorded by means of a standard case report form. ⋯ This study reveals a subset of patients, mostly suffering from long-term PHN, where pain persists. The most frequent qualitative traits of PHN patients are described. Some variables were involved in modulation of pain characteristics in these patients. The effect of study design in interpretation of results is discussed.
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Jul 2003
Case ReportsUltrasound guidance for ulnar nerve block in the forearm.
The objective of this study was to establish the feasibility of ulnar nerve block under direct imaging. ⋯ Ultrasound guidance for ulnar nerve block in the forearm is a promising technique that includes block of the dorsal cutaneous branch. Anatomic and sonographic considerations are discussed.
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Jul 2003
Case ReportsBilateral chronic subdural hematomas with neurologic symptoms complicating spinal anesthesia.
Intracranial subdural hematoma is a rare but potentially fatal complication of spinal anesthesia (SA). This case is intended to highlight the importance of careful follow-up of patients with a chronic headache that develops after SA. ⋯ Persistent headache after SA requires careful neurologic and radiologic follow-up for exclusion of chronic intracranial bleeding. Pharmacologic treatment may mask some neurologic symptoms and delay diagnosis of intracranial complications related to SA.