Articles: neuropathic-pain.
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Striatal-enriched phosphatase 61 (STEP61) is a member of intracellular protein tyrosine phosphatases, which is involved in the regulation of synaptic plasticity and a line of neuropsychiatric disorders. This protein tyrosine phosphatase is also abundant in pain-related spinal cord dorsal horn neurons. However, whether and how this tyrosine phosphatase modulates the nociceptive plasticity and behavioral hypersensitivity remain largely unknown. ⋯ To reinstate STEP61 activity, we overexpressed wild-type STEP61 [STEP61(WT)] in spinal dorsal horn, finding that STEP61(WT) completely blunted LTP induction. Behavioral tests showed that LTP blockade by STEP61(WT) correlated with a long-lasting alleviation of thermal hypersensitivity and mechanical allodynia induced by chronic constriction injury of sciatic nerves. These data implicated that STEP61 exerted a negative control over spinal nociceptive plasticity, which might have therapeutic benefit in pathological pain.
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Chronic pain is expected to increase as the population ages. This study aimed to investigate the changes in prevalence, patterns, and help-seeking behavior of chronic pain and prevalence of neuropathic pain of an aging population in Hong Kong. ⋯ The prevalence of neuropathic pain in Hong Kong is high and is described here for the first time. The number of chronic pain sufferers has tripled in the past decade. Significant changes in the patterns and help- seeking behavior of chronic pain sufferers are also seen.
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation in the Treatment of Chronic Pain Syndromes From Nerve Injury: A Multicenter Observational Study.
Assessing the feasibility, technical implications, and clinical benefits of peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) performed by an implantable pulse generator (IPG) located close to the stimulation site. ⋯ Successful PNS was achieved with a stimulation system designed for peripheral location. This new technology reduced the incidence of lead-related adverse events and the energy cost of the treatment.
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Journal of anesthesia · Jun 2017
Case ReportsUltrasound-guided peripheral nerve stimulation for neuropathic pain after brachial plexus injury: two case reports.
Brachial plexus injury (BPI) often causes severe neuropathic pain that becomes chronic and difficult to treat pharmacologically or surgically. Here, we describe two cases of successful treatment of BPI with peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS). ⋯ Both patients were satisfied with their improved sleep and quality of life. We conclude that PNS could be an alternative therapeutic modality for neuropathic pain after BPI as it provides direct nerve stimulation, has few complications, and is easy to perform.
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Ziconotide use in intrathecal drug therapy (IDT) has been limited by dosing related side effects. We examine our experience with ziconotide as a first line IDT monotherapy in patients with chronic pain and present our low and slow dosing algorithm aimed at reducing these patient experienced side effects while adequately managing pain. ⋯ We present our experience with low and slow ziconotide IDT as a first-line monotherapy, which showed no side effects resulting in discontinuation of the medication at three-month follow-up. Using a conservative dosing strategy, we were able to effectively treat 53% of patients.