Der Nervenarzt
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Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) constitutes an enigmatic post-traumatic pain disorder. ⋯ If these recommendations are followed the prognosis for CRPS is not as poor as commonly assumed. Whether this means a return to the previous quality of life is unclear and often depends on very personal factors.
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Voltage-gated sodium channels are essential for electrogenesis in excitable cells. The isoform Nav1.7 is primarily expressed in nociceptors. ⋯ Recent studies have shown that mutations in the SCN9A gene are the cause of a subgroup of idiopathic small fiber neuropathies and that polymorphisms of SCN9A are associated with an increase in susceptibility to pain. These findings not only contribute to the understanding of the pathophysiology of neuropathic pain but also offer targets for a more specific pain therapy.
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Lesions of the nervous systems often result in difficult to treat pain syndromes. Neuropathic pain has increasingly gained attention from clinicians as a result of a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms and the development of proven analgesic therapies. This article provides an update on the diagnosis and treatment of neuropathic pain.
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Comparative Study
[Quality parameters in the treatment of acute stroke: comparison of various regional treatment concepts].
The long-term prognosis of stroke patients is still dependent in particular on the timing of a correct diagnosis, immediate initiation of a suitable specific therapy and competent treatment in a stroke unit. Therefore, nationwide attempts are being made to establish a comprehensive coverage of the necessary specific competence and infrastructural requirements. Divergent regional circumstances and economic viewpoints determine the characteristics of the various healthcare concepts and the interplay between participating cooperation partners. This article compares the development with respect to three qualitative treatment parameters exemplified by four regional healthcare models during the time period 2008-2011. ⋯ Stroke is a common disease in the four regions studied. For the established forms of therapy, complex treatment of stroke and systemic thrombolysis, the positive effect of structurally improved approaches in the four different regional treatment concepts could be confirmed during the course of the observational time period selected. Mechanical thrombectomy which is currently still considered to be an individual healing attempt, was used significantly more often in the Ruhr Area in 2011 than in the other three regions studied. A standardized referral procedure had previously been established in the metropolitan regions.