Current pain and headache reports
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Curr Pain Headache Rep · Jun 2017
ReviewSphenopalatine Ganglion Block in the Management of Chronic Headaches.
Sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) block has been used by clinicians in the treatment of a variety of headache disorders, facial pain syndromes, and other facial neuralgias. The sensory and autonomic fibers that travel through the SPG provided the scientific rationale for symptoms associated with these head and neck syndromes. Yet, despite the elucidation of this pathogenic target, the optimal method to block its pain-producing properties has not been determined. Clinicians have developed various invasive and non-invasive techniques, each of which has shown variable rates of success. We examined the available studies of sphenopalatine ganglion blockade and its efficacy in the treatment of cluster headaches, migraines, and other trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias. ⋯ Studies have demonstrated that SPG blockade and neurostimulation can provide pain relief in patients with cluster headaches, migraines, and other trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias. Patients with these conditions showed varying levels and duration of pain relief from SPG blockade. The efficacy of SPG blockade could be related to the different techniques targeting the SPG and choice of therapeutic agents. Based on current studies, SPG blockade is a safe and effective treatment for chronic headaches such as cluster headaches, migraines, and other trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias. Future studies are warranted to define the optimal image-guided technique and choice of pharmacologic agents for SPG blockade as an effective treatment for chronic headaches related to activation of the sphenopalatine ganglion.
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Curr Pain Headache Rep · May 2017
ReviewTechniques to Optimize Multimodal Analgesia in Ambulatory Surgery.
Ambulatory surgery has grown in popularity in recent decades due to the advancement in both surgical and anesthetic techniques resulting in quicker recovery times, fewer complications, higher patient satisfaction, and reduced costs of care. We review common approaches to multimodal analgesia. ⋯ A multimodal approach can help reduce perioperative opioid requirements and improve patient recovery. Analgesic options may include NSAIDs, acetaminophen, gabapentinoids, corticosteroids, alpha-2 agonists, local anesthetics, and the use of regional anesthesia. We highlight important aspects related to pain management in the ambulatory surgery setting. A coordinated approach is required by the entire healthcare team to help expedite patient recovery and facilitate a resumption of normal activity following surgery. Implementation and development of standardized analgesic protocols will further improve patient care and outcomes.
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Curr Pain Headache Rep · May 2017
ReviewAnesthetic and Analgesic Management for Outpatient Knee Arthroplasty.
Total knee arthroplasty traditionally has been associated with significant postoperative pain that can limit recovery and prolong hospital length of stay. Recently, however, due to financial pressures and an emphasis on improving patient satisfaction, many institutions are implementing outpatient and short-stay programs for patients undergoing this procedure. An effective perioperative anesthetic plan is an essential quality of a successful outpatient joint replacement program. ⋯ Improved technology and innovation has led to more effective and efficient strategies that contribute to a smoother and quicker postoperative course. The use of peripheral nerve blocks in conjunction with a variety of systemic analgesics has reduced post-operative pain compared to older modalities. Specifically, the adductor canal and IPACK blocks have become increasingly popular due to their analgesic efficacy and muscle sparing characteristics. Outpatient knee arthroplasty is becoming a reality with advancements in surgical pathways that incorporate these newer modalities with an emphasis on multidisciplinary coordination.
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The purpose of this review is to revise current evidence on trigemino-vascular system (TVS) neuropeptides as potential biomarkers for chronic primary headaches, mainly for chronic migraine (CM). ⋯ Within sensory neuropeptides, released by an activated trigeminal nerve, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) levels seem to be a good biomarker of acute migraine and somewhat sensitive and specific for CM. CGRP, however, is not increased in 20-30% of CM patients, which suggests that CGRP is not the only neuropeptide involved in migraine pain generation and maintenance. Data for other sensory neuropeptides are inconsistent (neurokinin, substance P) or absent (amylin and cholecystokinin-8). Among parasympathetic neuropeptides, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) is increased interictally in CM, and in at least some migraine cases ictally, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) has been shown to be increased ictally in jugular blood, but interictal, peripheral data do not indicate such an increase, and there are no data for other parasympathetic peptides. Finally, S100B, as a potential marker of glial TVS activation, has been studied with inconsistent results in migraine patients. Current data on TVS neuropeptides as potential migraine biomarkers must be taken with caution, even for the promising case of CGRP. We do not know with certainty whether increased levels are the reflection of TVS activation, the reliability and homogeneity of the different laboratory tests, or what is the influence on these measurements of the short half-life of many of these peptides or of preventive treatments. One further limitation would be whether the described increases in levels of some neuropeptides such as CGRP are specific for migraine versus other headaches.