Current pain and headache reports
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Constipation is an expected side effect of opioid use and as such should be treated prophylactically. However, because it is often overlooked and under-appreciated it is one of the most common reasons patients avoid or abandon opioid use and, as a result, suffer pain needlessly. Thorough assessment, ongoing evaluation, and patient teaching are key factors in establishing an effective bowel regimen. ⋯ Once any impactions have been eliminated, a regular regimen of senna and docusate is recommended. Dietary modifications, fluids, and exercise are important but usually not sufficient to overcome opioid-induced constipation. Although many of the medicines that are used to treat pain and related symptoms come with a significant potential for distressing side effects, it is important to understand that most side effects, especially constipation, can be managed and quality of life can be preserved without sacrificing needed analgesia.
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Curr Pain Headache Rep · Jun 2001
ReviewFacilitating cancer pain control in the home: opioid-related issues.
The basic principles of pain management are the same whether the patient is in an acute care setting, their home, or a long-term care facility. Wherever the setting, pain management is part of the comprehensive care for the cancer patient. Successful therapy depends on a clear definition of treatment goals, an informed patient and family, collaboration and effective communication between the physician, home care nurse, patient and family, and ongoing monitoring to ensure effectiveness of pain relief measures. Careful discharge planning to ensure appropriate home care for the patient with pain and their family is critical.
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This article discusses the headache disorders associated with physical and sexual activity, highlighting their differences and similarities. The place of exertional and sexual headaches in the classification of the International Headache Society and in the proposed classification of Indomethacin-Responsive Headache Disorders is addressed here. The Valsalva's maneuver as a shared pathophysiologic mechanism is mentioned as well. ⋯ Sexual headaches are divided into three subtypes, based on the onset time, related to orgasm. The clinical characteristics of each type are presented, and their etiologies pointed out. The diagnostic approach is discussed, as well as the nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic treatment options.
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Most patients who have been diagnosed with cancer will experience pain at some point during the course of their disease. Often, opioid analgesics are not enough to completely alleviate the patient's pain and the selection of appropriate adjunct analgesic agents is critical. This article reviews the mechanisms of action and analgesic effects of several classes of antidepressants to enable the clinician to select the appropriate agent for the patient.
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This article reviews the features of an uncommon malady termed "the exploding head syndrome." Sufferers describe terrorizing attacks of a painless explosion within their head. Attacks tend to occur at the onset of sleep. The etiology of attacks is unknown, although they are considered to be benign. Treatment with clomipramine has been suggested, although most sufferers require only reassurance that the spells are benign in nature.