Articles: neuropathic-pain.
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Botulinum toxin (BoNT) has been used as a treatment for excessive muscle stiffness, spasticity, and dystonia. BoNT for approximately 40 years, and has recently been used to treat various types of neuropathic pain. The mechanism by which BoNT acts on neuropathic pain involves inhibiting the release of inflammatory mediators and peripheral neurotransmitters from sensory nerves. ⋯ The purpose of this review is to summarize the experimental and clinical evidence of the mechanism by which BoNT acts on various types of neuropathic pain and describe why BoNT can be applied as treatment. The PubMed database was searched from 1988 to May 2017. Recent studies have demonstrated that BoNT injections are effective treatments for post-herpetic neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy, trigeminal neuralgia, and intractable neuropathic pain, such as poststroke pain and spinal cord injury.
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Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are commonly used for various psychiatric conditions and neuropathic pain syndromes. SNRIs inhibit the reuptake of serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE); however, NE reuptake inhibition is thought to be the primary mediator for their analgesic effect. ⋯ The varying selectivity for 5-HT and NE among the SNRIs may help explain the therapeutic dosing required for neuropathic pain as well as dose-related adverse effects. It is important to understand the pharmacologic differences among SNRIs, in addition to the data from clinical trials, to guide their safe and effective use.
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Multicenter Study
Clinical Paresthesia Atlas Illustrates Likelihood of Coverage Based on Spinal Cord Stimulator Electrode Location.
Concordant paresthesia coverage is an independent predictor of pain relief following spinal cord stimulation (SCS). Using aggregate data, our objective is to produce a map of paresthesia coverage as a function of electrode location in SCS. ⋯ This paresthesia atlas uses real-world, aggregate data to determine likelihood of paresthesia coverage as a function of stimulating electrode location. It represents an application of "big data" techniques, and a step toward achieving personalized SCS therapy tailored to the individual's chronic pain.
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Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a recognized management option for patients with refractory neuropathic pain. Despite randomized controlled trials reporting the effectiveness of SCS, there is a lack of long-term data reflecting usual SCS practice. The aim of this study is to present the long-term outcomes of a cohort of patients from a single centre undertaking SCS with devices from a single manufacturer. ⋯ Patients with neuropathic pain undertaking SCS experience long-term reductions in pain intensity and increases in health utility and associated QALY gains. The findings from this study associated with the increased longevity of rechargeable SCS devices suggest that the cost-effectiveness of SCS may become increasingly favourable when compared with conventional medical management.
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Musculoskelet Sci Pract · Aug 2017
Comparative StudyThe diagnostic accuracy and test-retest reliability of the Dutch PainDETECT and the DN4 screening tools for neuropathic pain in patients with suspected cervical or lumbar radiculopathy.
It is important to identify neuropathic pain early to guide treatment decisions and prevent chronicity. There is lack of evidence whether the Dutch painDETECT questionnaire and Douleure Neuropathique en 4 questions (DN4) can adequately assess neuropathic pain. ⋯ Diagnosis, Level 1B.