Articles: chronic-pain.
-
Br J Clin Pharmacol · Mar 2012
Randomized Controlled TrialThe analgesic effect of pregabalin in patients with chronic pain is reflected by changes in pharmaco-EEG spectral indices.
To identify electroencephalographic (EEG) biomarkers for the analgesic effect of pregabalin in patients with chronic visceral pain. ⋯ Changes in spectral indices caused by slowing of brain oscillations were identified as a biomarker for the central analgesic effect of pregabalin. The developed methodology may provide perspectives to assess individual responses to treatment in personalized medicine.
-
Oncology nursing forum · Mar 2012
Pilot study of a survey to identify the prevalence of and risk factors for chronic neuropathic pain following breast cancer surgery.
To provide a preliminary determination of the prevalence rate of women who suffer from neuropathic pain post breast surgery (PPBS) and explore potential risk factors associated with its development. ⋯ Nurses are ideally situated to identify early signs of PPBS. In addition, nurses play a key role in the education of patients and healthcare professionals and can facilitate increased awareness about the possibility of developing PPBS, enabling earlier and more effective treatment of PPBS.
-
J Manipulative Physiol Ther · Mar 2012
Comparative StudyThe association between self-reported cardiovascular disorders and troublesome neck pain: a population-based cohort study.
The purpose of this population-based cohort study was to investigate the association between self-reported cardiovascular disorders and troublesome neck pain. ⋯ Our analysis suggests that self-reported cardiovascular disorders that moderately or severely impact one's health are a risk factor for developing troublesome neck pain.
-
SUMMARY Pain is a complex behavior process, the anatomy and physiology of which is not completely understood, and is subject to continuous exploration and research. Following on the heels of Melzack and Wall's gate control theory of pain (1965), Shealey et al., in 1967, were the first to implant stimulation electrodes over the dorsal columns in an attempt to provide relief for patients with chronic, intractable pain. ⋯ In contrast to conventional medical management, SCS offers long-lasting symptom relief, improved quality of life and functional capability, often achieving these goals at a reduced cost. This article illustrates the present status, challenges and future of SCS.
-
Taking opioids with other central nervous system (CNS) depressants can increase risk of oversedation and respiratory depression. We used telephone survey and electronic health care data to assess the prevalence of, and risk factors for, concurrent use of alcohol and/or sedatives among 1,848 integrated care plan members who were prescribed chronic opioid therapy (COT) for chronic noncancer pain. Concurrent sedative use was defined by receiving sedatives for 45+ days of the 90 days preceding the interview; concurrent alcohol use was defined by consuming 2+ drinks within 2 hours of taking an opioid in the prior 2 weeks. Some analyses were stratified by substance use disorder (SUD) history (alcohol or drug). Among subjects with no SUD history, 29% concurrently used sedatives versus 39% of those with an SUD history. Rates of concurrent alcohol use were similar (12 to 13%) in the 2 substance use disorder strata. Predictors of concurrent sedative use included SUD history, female gender, depression, and taking opioids at higher doses and for more than 1 pain condition. Male gender was the only predictor of concurrent alcohol use. Concurrent use of CNS depressants was common among this sample of COT users regardless of substance use disorder status. ⋯ Risks associated with concurrent use of CNS depressants are not restricted to COT users who abuse those substances. And, the increased risk of concurrently using CNS depressants is not restricted to opioid users with a prior SUD history. COT requires close monitoring, regardless of substance use disorder history.