Pain physician
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Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a common complication after herpes zoster infection. While conventional dorsal column temporary spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) has been shown as an effective treatment option for this pain condition, recent data suggests ipsilateral temporary spinal nerve root stimulation (tSNRS) as a safe alternative for treating PHN. However, there is no direct clinical comparison between the newer tSNRS and the traditional tSCS. ⋯ While tSNRS provides similar therapeutic efficacy compared to tSCS for patients with unilateral PHN; it offers several technical advantages. These advantages include shorter procedure time, less radiation exposure, fewer implanted electrodes, more effective stimulation, and lower overall cost.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Comparison of Thoracic Erector Spinae Plane Block With Thoracic Paravertebral Block for Pain Management in Patients With Unilateral Multiple Fractured Ribs.
Rib fractures occur most commonly because of blunt thoracic trauma and occur in up to 12% of all trauma patients. Adequate analgesia is paramount in enhancing pulmonary hygiene aimed at preventing atelectasis and pneumonia. Erector spinae plane block, one of the novel multiple thoracic ultrasound-guided techniques, can provide analgesia to both the anterior and posterior hemithorax, making it particularly useful in the management of pain after extensive thoracic trauma. ⋯ Ultrasound-guided thoracic erector spinae plane block was as effective as thoracic paravertebral block for pain alleviation in patients with unilateral multiple fractured ribs with a comparable duration of analgesic effect, reduction of opioid consumption, and stable hemodynamic profile. However, thoracic erector spinae plane block had the advantage of a lower adverse effect incidence. Clinicians could choose either of the 2 techniques according to their clinical experience and personal choice.
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Clinical Trial
Impact of Chronic Foot Pain Related Quality of Life: A Retrospective Case-Control Study.
Chronic foot pain (CFP) is a widespread condition worldwide; however, few studies that relate CFP and foot health-related quality of life have been reported. ⋯ CFP patients, regardless of gender, recorded a negative influence on QoL-related foot health that seems to be linked with the presence of this chronic condition.
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COVID-19 quarantine measures have created new challenges in the delivery of medical care, especially in the realm of medical and interventional chronic pain management. This study evaluated the effect of COVID-19 social distancing and quarantine measures on symptoms of pain and anxiety, as well as substance abuse and health care engagement in patients with chronic pain and the role of the clinic's virtual assessment initiatives in managing these patients. ⋯ The survey conducted among high-utilizers demonstrated that patients who remained engaged with their health care team reported minimal concerns regarding chronic pain and associated symptoms during the COVID-19 quarantine period. In addition, the early implementation of virtual consults in the pain clinic may have contributed to mitigating patient concerns. Finally, the study also identified the importance of outreach and patient education on the availability and utilization of telemedicine services. Consequently, it is reasonable to implement virtual assessments and visits alongside other education outreach methods to engage patients with chronic pain who frequently utilize chronic pain health care resources.
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Approximately 17.3 million adults in the United States have had a minimum of one major depressive episode. Comorbidity of depression and pain can affect individuals of any age, but is more prevalent in the elderly affecting up to 13% of people in the elderly population. Given that depression and suicidal ideation (SI) pose a considerable burden resulting in enormous suffering, there is a need to understand the factors of the relationship between chronic pain (CP), depression, and SI. ⋯ Psychiatrists and other physicians must be cognizant of the presence of CP and the risk of suicide, especially when patients present with depressive symptoms. The treatment plan for this patient population should include routine screening for pain symptoms and risk assessment for SI.