Pain medicine : the official journal of the American Academy of Pain Medicine
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Masticatory Dysfunction After Computed Tomography-Guided Plasma Ablation vs. Radiofrequency Ablation on Gasserian Ganglion for Idiopathic Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
We aimed to evaluate masticatory dysfunction after two different types of ablation on the Gasserian ganglion for the treatment of idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia. We hypothesized that low-temperature plasma radiofrequency ablation (LTP-RFA) was noninferior to radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFT) with respect to initial efficacy. ⋯ Compared with the RFT group, noninferior efficacy for pain relief and improvement of masticatory function was revealed in the LTP-RFA group.
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This article presents findings from a large prospective examination of Canadian medical cannabis patients, with a focus on the impacts of cannabis on prescription opioid use and quality of life over a 6-month period. ⋯ This study provides an individual-level perspective of cannabis substitution for opioids and other prescription drugs, as well as associated improvement in quality of life over 6 months. The high rate of cannabis use for chronic pain and the subsequent reductions in opioid use suggest that cannabis may play a harm reduction role in the opioid overdose crisis, potentially improving the quality of life of patients and overall public health.
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Acute neuropathic pain is a significant diagnostic challenge, and it is closely related to our understanding of both acute pain and neuropathic pain. Diagnostic criteria for acute neuropathic pain should reflect our mechanistic understanding and provide a framework for research on and treatment of these complex pain conditions. ⋯ The proposed AAAPT diagnostic criteria for acute neuropathic pain can be applied to various acute neuropathic pain conditions. Both the general and condition-specific criteria may guide future research, assessment, and management of acute neuropathic pain.
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Breast cancer is the most common female malignancy worldwide. Breast surgery and adjuvant oncological therapies are often required to increase survival. Treatment-related pain may persist and evolve into postmastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) in a significant subset of breast cancer survivors. In this retrospective investigation, we will present our experience in applying an interventional algorithmic approach to treat PMPS. ⋯ Ultrasound-guided nerve blocks of this area could be performed safely and effectively after breast surgeries. We also present our proposed algorithm to provide a stepwise application for selecting the appropriate therapies in the management of more complex PMPS.