Pain physician
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Approximately 70% of Americans use social media platforms, and use of specific platforms, such as Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, and TikTok, is especially common among adults under 30. The presence of social media accounts among residency and fellowship programs in academic medicine has been used to connect with other specialties, highlight achievements and research, disseminate information to the general public, and as a recruiting tool for applicants. ⋯ Less than 20% of the pain fellowship programs are currently utilizing Twitter and/or Instagram. When compared to primary anesthesiology residencies, social media presence among pain fellowships is much lower. By utilizing basic social media strategies, including image-based content posting, hashtags, and videos, programs can increase their engagement with the social media community, and increase their overall number of followers, thus expanding their potential reach to prospective applicants. Although social media can be an effective tool for branding purposes, it is vital to address the safe use of social media among all trainees.
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Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) is a commonly used, minimally invasive method to treat herpes zoster neuralgia, but the intensity of standard voltage PRF is limited, resulting in patients not getting a lasting therapeutic effect. The therapeutic effect of repeated high-voltage long-duration PRF on acute herpes zoster neuralgia has not been studied. ⋯ Repeated high-voltage long-duration PRF therapy was an effective treatment for acute herpetic neuralgia and may prevent the occurrence of PHN.
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The optimal analgesia for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is still unknown. ⋯ EA and PVB have certain advantages in analgesia, but the incidence of postoperative pruritus after EA is higher. At the same time, considering the risk of coagulation and puncture complications, PVB may be a better choice.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Comparison of Pain Reduction and Changes in Serum Cortisol and Glucose Levels to Different Doses of Lumbar Epidural Dexamethasone: A Prospective Study.
Lumbar epidural steroid injection (LESI) is an effective treatment for low back pain. However, it may result in increased blood glucose levels, decreased plasma cortisol concentrations, and suppression of the adrenocorticotropic hormone axis. ⋯ After the first lumbar epidural injection of either 4 mg or 8 mg of dexamethasone, there was a reduction in pain in both groups. There was no significant difference in serum cortisol and glucose levels before treatment and during follow-up. Therefore, 4 mg or 8 mg of dexamethasone can be considered a treatment for patients who have low back pain.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Comparison of Intravascular Uptake and Technical Ease Between Anteroposterior and Oblique Views During Lumbar Medial Branch Block.
Inadvertent intravascular injection of local anesthetics can lead to false-negative results following lumbar medial branch block (MBB) performed to diagnose facet joint origin pain. A previous study demonstrated that the type of approach method could affect the incidence of intravascular injections and technical ease of the procedure. ⋯ The overall incidence rate of intravascular injection during lumbar MBB showed nearly 20% in both approach methods groups. The OB approach and left side MBBs were associated with a longer total procedure time and a higher radiation dose.