Current pain and headache reports
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Curr Pain Headache Rep · May 2018
ReviewPain, Headache, and Other Non-motor Symptoms in Myasthenia Gravis.
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is traditionally conceptualized as a disease with purely motor manifestations. This paper reviews the supporting evidence and pathophysiology of non-motor symptoms in MG, including pain, headache, special sense and autonomic dysfunction, sleep disturbance, and cognitive and psychosocial issues. ⋯ Work in this area has been limited. Recent studies have identified bodily pain and headache as common complaints in patients with MG. A growing literature also suggests that there may be an association of MG and sleep disturbance (both obstructive sleep apnea and sleep cycle dysfunction). Few studies suggest some measurable abnormalities of olfaction, gustation, audition, and autonomic function. The cognitive and psychosocial aspects of MG represent an emerging area of clinical and research interest, but large-scale data is sparse in the USA. The pathophysiology of MG is complex, and our understanding of the immunologic basis of this disease is expanding. The classic view of MG as a purely motor disorder may be incomplete. Recent work highlights non-motor symptoms that may impact patient management and quality of life.
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The purpose of this work was to review the current literature on the epidemiology and pathophysiology of pediatric obesity and migraine, underlying pathogenic mechanisms that may explain the association between the two disorders, and the effects of treatment. ⋯ In children and adolescents, the bulk of the available data support an association between obesity and headache disorders in general, though a small number of studies contradict these findings. Relative to the adult population, however, few studies have focused specifically on migraine, and no wide-ranging meta-analyses have been conducted to date. It seems that the pathophysiology of obesity and migraine in adults holds true for the pediatric population as well. The association between obesity and migraine in the pediatric population is likely to be multifactorial and to involve both central and peripheral mechanisms. More attention is currently being addressed to the role of the hypothalamus and the bioactive neurotransmitters and neuropeptides that modulate energy homeostasis, namely serotonin, orexin, and the adiponectins, in migraine. A few innovative studies have demonstrated some benefit for migraine from weight reduction treatments such as exercise and lifestyle management. Many open questions remain regarding the modifiable nature of the obesity-migraine relationship and its implications in clinical practice. Further studies of these issues are needed.
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Curr Pain Headache Rep · Apr 2018
ReviewCGRP Monoclonal Antibodies for the Preventative Treatment of Migraine.
CGRP is a key neuropeptide in migraine pathophysiology. The blockade of the CGRP pathway at the side of the CGRP receptor of the CGRP peptide leads to the interruption of trigeminal nerve system-mediated headache syndromes such as migraine. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting the CGRP pathway have been developed and are currently under investigation for episodic (EM) and chronic migraine (CM) prevention. Here, we report data from these clinical trials. ⋯ Placebo-controlled, randomized double-blind phase studies of CGRP mAbs in episodic and chronic migraine have shown that the specific blockade of the peptide or the CGRP receptor are both powerful mechanisms to reduce migraine frequency. Along with the reduction of acute migraine-specific medication intake, early onset of efficacy of mAbs has been demonstrated. Most common adverse events are injection sider reactions. Depending on the mAb, the administration mode is a monthly or even less frequently s.c. or I.V. formulation. Phase II studies in EM and CM demonstrate that CGRP mAbs are effective anti-migraine preventatives with a beneficial adverse event profile. Further detailed results from larger phase III clinical trials are expected soon.
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Curr Pain Headache Rep · Apr 2018
ReviewAmerica's Opioid Epidemic: a Comprehensive Review and Look into the Rising Crisis.
In the USA, there has been a sharp increase in heroin, prescription opiate, and illicitly manufactured fentanyl abuse with overdoses tripling since the 1990s. Several states have been deemed as "high-burden" abuse states where there is a greater proportion of synthetic opiate use. During the same period that prescription limitations were initially implemented throughout the country, the fentanyl epidemic started nationwide. ⋯ In the setting of data demonstrating an almost fourfold increase in overdose deaths from 1999 to 2008, states began restricting access to Food and Drug Agency (FDA) approved opioid medications. Another factor further exacerbating the opioid crises is that the cost of all formulations of naloxone has increased significantly over the past several years. In order to combat the opioid epidemic, stricter prescribing practices and prescription-monitoring programs have been instituted. Also, improvements in abuse-deterrent strategies for all opioid preparations can play an important role by increasing the safety of these medications and is a major focus of the FDA.
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Postoperative pain remains one of the most common challenges following inpatient and outpatient surgeries. With our advances in modern medicine, pain following surgical procedures still remains a challenge, though significant accomplishments have been made over the past few decades. This article highlights some of the promising new advances and approaches in postoperative pain management. ⋯ Over the last decade, Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) pathways and protocols are becoming the benchmark standards for enhancing postoperative recovery. Multimodal analgesia (MMA) is an essential component of such care. Further, in the wake of serious and persistent concern on the opioid epidemic in the USA, there has been a recent renewal of interest in non-opioid alternatives or adjuncts in controlling postoperative pain, often in the context of MMA. Intravenous (IV) acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), magnesium, ketamine, dexmedetomidine, liposomal bupivacaine, and newer neuraxial and peripheral regional techniques as well as patient-controlled modalities are gaining importance. Gabapentinoids have become popular but recent meta-analytic reviews have cast doubt on their routine use in perioperative settings. Among opioids, sublingual sufentanil, IV oxycodone, and iontophoretic transdermal fentanyl hold promise. Acupuncture and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation may be useful as adjuncts in MMA packages. Genetic testing, derivatives of herbal preparations, and an extended role of acute pain services may emerge as potential areas of importance in the future. There are, however, critical gaps in good quality evidence in many of the practice guideline recommendations. In the era of opioid epidemic, several lines of evidence have emerged to support non-opioid-based drugs and approaches along with a few newer opioid formulations for postoperative pain management, although more research is needed to find the right balance of efficacy and safety.