Articles: nerve-block.
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Case Reports
Ultrasound-Guided Serratus Anterior Plane Block for Intractable Herpes Zoster Pain in the Emergency Department.
Herpes zoster (HZV) is a painful vesicular rash that occurs after reactivation in immunosuppressed patients. Analgesia in this patient population has been notoriously difficult. The serratus anterior and erector spinae plane block have both been described as effective thoracic analgesic techniques, but data are limited on their use in HZV. ⋯ A middle-aged man with a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia presented to the emergency department (ED) with chest and back pain associated with cutaneous rash. Traditional pain regimens were not effective; therefore, a serratus anterior plane block was performed using 25 mL of 0.25% of bupivacaine. The patient's pain decreased from 10 to 2 in 20 min and the patient was discharged without further analgesia. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: As opiate use decreases in prevalence and utility in the ED, alternatives to analgesia are sought. We describe the technique of regional anesthesia using a serratus anterior plane block as another modality that physicians can use to address HZV-related pain.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Apical peri-prostatic nerve block versus intra-rectal xylocaine gel for trans- rectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy among Nigerian patients: A prospective randomized study.
This study compared the analgesic effect of apical peri-prostatic block with that of intra-rectal xylocaine gel for trans-rectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy (TRUS-PBx) in Nigeria. ⋯ This study demonstrated the superiority of apical peri-prostatic nerve block over intra rectal xylocaine gel instillation during TRUS-PBx with respect to its anesthetic efficacy. Therefore, centers providing TRUS-PBx in Nigeria should consider apical peri-prostatic nerve block as their mode of anesthesia for the procedure due to its efficacy and high safety profile.
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Lumbar facet joints are a clinically important source of chronic low back pain. There have been extensive diagnostic accuracy studies, along with studies of influence on the diagnostic process, but most of them have utilized the acute pain model. One group of investigators have emphasized the importance of the chronic pain model and longer lasting relief with diagnostic blocks. ⋯ This study demonstrated that the chronic pain model is more accurate and reliable with concordant pain relief. This updated assessment also showed prevalence and false-positive rates of 34.1% and 49.8%.
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Observational Study
Interventional Management of Refractory Trigeminal Neuropathic Pain: A Prospective Audit of a Novel Management Pathway in 70 Patients.
Trigeminal neuropathic pain (TNP) can present as a constant, unremitting unilateral facial pain. Current management is based on expert recommendation that includes pharmacologic agents and psychological therapy. However, treatment success with pharmacologic management is poor. We adopted a novel strategy that proved to be effective in providing durable relief. ⋯ Standard treatment of TNP is ineffective. The novel set of interventions based on empirical evidence may have a role in managing patients with refractory TNP.