Current pain and headache reports
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New daily persistent headache (NDPH) is frequently seen in young patients with chronic daily headache. NDPH begins with a sudden onset, often associated with an infection or other physical stress. This headache syndrome is difficult to treat and may persist for years. This review discusses the epidemiology, comorbid symptoms, evaluation, and treatment of this disorder.
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Chronic daily headache (CDH) is a fairly common but disabling disorder that disproportionately affects women and afflicts individuals across all stages of adulthood. It is a dynamic disorder, marked by relatively high rates of remission and incidence. ⋯ The purpose of this article is to understand the CDH classification; determine the prevalence and associated demographic profile of CDH as derived from population-based studies; outline identified risk factors for development or persistence of CDH; and understand which risk factors may be more amenable to intervention. Understanding the factors that put people at risk for developing CDH helps to inform possible clinical interventions and also determines which individuals may be most in need of preventive efforts.
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This article reviews the treatment goals and efficacy of comprehensive pain rehabilitation programs for the treatment of chronic headache. Substantial data demonstrate improved outcomes from rehabilitative treatment for chronic noncancer pain. ⋯ Particular attention is directed to the rationale for and the results of the withdrawal, in a pain rehabilitation setting, of opioids and simple analgesics, ergots, and triptans that contribute to medication overuse headaches. Additionally, a case example is reviewed that illustrates the structure and function of a pain rehabilitation program in the treatment of a patient with intractable headache.
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Although methadone is not a new medication, its use in pain management has increased rapidly over the past decade. This article reviews the unique pharmacologic properties of methadone, including its long-acting nature, highly variable clearance rate, and its antagonism of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor. We discuss potential benefits and risks of methadone over other opioid medications. ⋯ Pharmacologic properties of methadone suggest potential greater risk of dangerous or fatal side effects from overdose, QT interval prolongation, and drug interactions. However, clinical studies have yet to confirm that methadone produces either better clinical outcomes or higher rates of adverse events than other opioid analgesics. Clinicians who understand the special properties of methadone and follow recommended precautionary prescribing and monitoring practices can safely and effectively use methadone for pain treatment.