Current pain and headache reports
-
Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is caused by leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), with resultant CSF hypovolemia and intracranial hypotension. Although in some patients SIH may be preceded by minor trauma, it often occurs in the absence of any identifiable initiating event. ⋯ Treatment ranges from conservative management, such as bed rest and hydration, to invasive procedures, such as lumbar puncture with autologous blood patch, CT-guided fibrin glue injection at the site of the leak, and open surgical intervention. Outcomes vary from complete resolution of CSF leak with alleviation of symptoms to continued and/or recurrent leaks with chronic unremitting symptomatology.
-
Curr Pain Headache Rep · Feb 2007
ReviewIs Chiari type I malformation a reason for chronic daily headache.
This article briefly reviews the spectrum of headaches associated with Chiari type I malformation and specifically analyzes current data on the possibility of this malformation as an etiology for some cases of chronic daily headache (CDH). Chiari type I malformation is definitely associated with cough headache and not with primary episodic headaches, with the rare exception of basilar migraine-like cases. ⋯ An MRI study would be justified only in patients showing either a Valsalva-aggravating component or cervicogenic features. Hydrocephalus and low intracranial pressure syndrome should be ruled out in patients showing tonsillar herniation in an MRI study and consulting due to daily headache.
-
Curr Pain Headache Rep · Feb 2007
ReviewTemporomandibular disorders and other causes of facial pain.
Temporomandibular disorders and facial pain cause significant discomfort and disability for affected patients. Understanding the clinical presentation, pathogenesis, and therapy is essential in helping patients who have these problems. This article critically reviews these aspects, with an emphasis on their relationship to headache.
-
Peripheral nerve blockade (PNB) for orthopedic surgery is usually performed without visual guidance, relying mainly on surface anatomic landmarks and electrical stimulation to localize nerves. Moreover, multiple trial and error attempts to place a needle can frustrate the operator, cause unwarranted pain to the patient, and waste valuable time in the operating room. ⋯ The recent application of ultrasound (US) to PNB affords real-time imaging of the target nerve, needle, and surrounding vasculature, such that needle proximity to the nerve is ensured and vascular puncture avoided. This article reviews the advantages, principles, and techniques of US for the most common types of PNB.
-
Curr Pain Headache Rep · Feb 2007
ReviewIntravenous lidocaine for neuropathic pain: diagnostic utility and therapeutic efficacy.
Lidocaine is a use-dependent sodium channel blocker that produces analgesia when administered intravenously to patients with neuropathic pain. This article reviews the role and limitations of intravenous lidocaine infusions for neuropathic pain. ⋯ However, the data supporting diagnostic infusions remain sparse. Therapeutically, infusions should generally be restricted to patients with neuropathic pain who are unable to take oral medication.