Current Pain and Headache Reports最新文献

Purpose of review: Previous studies have indicated a possible link between the prevalence of cluster headache (CH) and sunlight exposure. However, this theory has yet to be tested systemically. In this article, we aim to examine how latitude affects the prevalence and phenotypes of CH.

Recent findings: To our knowledge, there is by far no article describing the effect of latitude on disease phenotype; thus, we performed a literature review. We noted positive effects of latitude on 1-year prevalence, the proportion of chronic CH, and the proportion of miosis and/or ptosis. Latitude may affect the phenotypic presentations of cluster headache, probably partially mediated via temperature and sunlight variations. Still, other factors, such as environmental exposure to smoking and the genetic difference between the Eastern and Western populations, may participate in the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of CH.

Purpose of review: Rebound intracranial hypertension (RIH) is a post-procedural treatment complication in patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) characterized by transient high-pressure headache symptoms. This article reviews the epidemiology, clinical features, risk factors, and treatment options for RIH.

Recent findings: This article discusses how changes in underlying venous pressure and craniospinal elastance can explain symptoms of RIH, idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), and SIH. The pathophysiology of RIH provides a clue for how high and low intracranial pressure disorders, such as IIH and SIH, are connected on a shared spectrum.

Purpose of review: The opioid epidemic has been responsible for significant morbidity and mortality in the USA and worldwide. As a result, it is essential to recognize the threat these potent drugs can cause when illicitly used. Specifically, introducing fentanyl as a drug adulterant has been shown to impact overdose rates drastically. In this regard, the Drug Enforcement Agency recently released a public safety alert announcing the new threat of a new adulterant called xylazine. Xylazine is a powerful animal sedative with a different mechanism of action when compared to illicit opioids such as heroin and fentanyl. Xylazine is typically injected intravenously via a syringe, often in combination with multiple other drugs. One of the most common drugs, xylazine, is taken in combination with fentanyl, with users of this drug combination describing xylazine as prolonging the euphoric sensation produced by fentanyl.

Recent findings: Xylazine may cause adverse effects such as bradycardia, brief hypertension followed by hypotension, premature ventricular contractions, ataxia, slurred speech, sedation, and respiratory depression. Much of the recent literature on xylazine use in humans comes from case reports and review articles. Related to widespread use in veterinary medicine and increasing circulation in illicit drug markets, there is a critical need for public awareness and additional clinical-based studies to further increase understanding of mediated or modulated pharmacological effects of xylazine in humans. Further research is urgently needed to more clearly understand the implications of unregulated xylazine in the illicit drug market, to formulate public health interventions, and to implement harm reduction strategies.

Purpose of review: The purpose of this review is to synthesize and examine the literature on the use of neuraxial anesthesia and analgesia during cardiothoracic surgery. As cardiothoracic procedures often require systemic anticoagulation, neuraxial techniques are quite often underutilized due to the theoretical risk of epidural hematoma. In this review, we seek to examine the literature to review the indications and contraindications and to explore if neuraxial anesthesia and analgesia has a role in cardiothoracic surgery.

Recent findings: Neuraxial techniques have multiple advantages during cardiothoracic surgery including coronary vasodilation, decreased sympathetic surge, and a decreased cortisol level leading to overall reduction in stress response. Multiple studies have shown an improvement in pain scores, reduction in pulmonary complications, faster extubation times, with minimal complications when neuraxial techniques are utilized in cardiothoracic surgeries. Given the numerous advantages and minimal complications of neuraxial techniques in cardiothoracic surgeries, we hope its utilization continues to increase. Moving forward, we hope additional studies continue to reaffirm the benefits of neuraxial anesthesia and analgesia for cardiothoracic surgeries to improve its utilization.

Purpose of review

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-targeting agents are potential candidates for disease-modifying migraine drugs. However, most studies on CGRP-targeting agents have assessed efficacy outcomes rather than long-term effects after discontinuation. This review aimed to synthesize and scrutinize the latest clinical data on the outcomes after the discontinuation of CGRP-targeting therapy in patients with episodic and chronic migraine, with a particular focus on chronic migraine.

Recent findings

Real-world studies involving patients with migraine have reported consistent findings of worsened headache frequency and quality of life after the discontinuation of CGRP monoclonal antibodies (CGRP mAbs). Although many patients maintain improvements for up to 4 months after discontinuation compared to baseline (before starting CGRP mAbs), no studies have evaluated the effects of stopping treatment for > 5 months, which is the five-half-life of CGRP mAbs. Several studies have suggested that patients treated with CGRP receptor mAbs experience more rapid deterioration than those treated with CGRP ligand mAbs after discontinuing CGRP mAbs.

Summary

The results of real-world studies suggest that for many patients with migraine, the benefits of CGRP mAbs diminish months after discontinuation. Therefore, anti-CGRP therapies may not be considered disease-modifying. However, the comprehensive assessment of the disease-modifying potential of these drugs requires studies with extended treatment and cessation durations.

Purpose of Review

Lacrimal neuralgia is a rare periorbital neuralgia. To date, only nine cases have been reported in the literature. Herein, we report a case and a comprehensive overview of the entity with a focus on the differential diagnosis of lacrimal neuralgia. Additionally, we propose putative diagnostic criteria for this rare neuralgia based on cases that have been reported.

Recent Findings

Among the ten cases of lacrimal neuralgia reported (including the one in this review), seven out of ten were idiopathic, and the other three were considered secondary. Most patients reported stabbing and shooting pain that was either paroxysmal or continuous. The most effective therapy was nerve block for seven patients and pregabalin for three patients. The most important clues to differentiate lacrimal neuralgia from other causes of periorbital pain include pain topography and pain with features suggestive of neuralgia.

Summary

The core feature of lacrimal neuralgia is neuralgic pain located in the area supplied by the lacrimal nerve, and the etiology could be primary or secondary. Responsiveness to anesthetic blockade might better serve as a confirmational, rather than mandatory, criterion for diagnosis.

Purpose of Review

Recent research has shown the effectiveness of peripheral nerve stimulators (PNS) in managing chronic pain conditions. Ongoing studies aim to explore its potential application in treating acute postoperative pain states. The purpose of this systematic review is to assess the role of PNS in providing relief for postoperative pain.

Recent Findings

Clinical studies investigating the use of peripheral nerve stimulators (PNS) for analgesia following various surgeries, such as total knee arthroplasty, anterior cruciate ligament repair, ankle arthroplasty, rotator cuff repair, hallux valgus correction, and extremity amputation, have shown promising results. Lead placement locations include the brachial plexus, sciatic, femoral, tibial, genicular, perineal, sural, radial, median, and ulnar nerves. These studies consistently report clinically significant reductions in pain scores, and some even indicate a decrease in opioid consumption following PNS for postoperative pain.

Summary

PNS involves the subcutaneous placement of electrode leads to target peripheral nerve(s) followed by delivery of an electric current via an external pulse generator. While the precise mechanism is not fully understood, the theory posits that PNS modulates electrical stimulation, hindering the signaling of nociceptive pain. PNS presents itself as an alternative to opioid therapy, holding promise to address the opioid epidemic by offering a nonpharmacologic approach for both acute and chronic pain states.

Purpose of Review

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a degenerative joint disease which can result in chronic pain and disability. The current interventions available for KOA often fail to provide long-lasting effects, highlighting the need for new treatment options that can offer durable benefits. Previous studies have suggested the efficacy of acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) with its durability remaining uncertain. In this review, we aimed to investigate the durability of the efficacy after completion of treatment.

Recent Findings

We performed thorough searches of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to November 4, 2023. The outcomes were assessed at all available time points after completion of treatment. Primary outcomes were changes from baseline in pain and function measured using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain and function subscales. Secondary outcomes included response rate, overall pain, the WOMAC stiffness subscale, total WOMAC index, and physical and mental health components of 12/36-item Short-Form Health Survey. A total of 10 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 3221 participants were included. Pooled estimates suggested that acupuncture may offer potential improvements in function and overall pain for 4.5 months post-treatment versus sham acupuncture (SA). Acupuncture may provide durable clinically important pain relief and functional improvement up to 5 months post-treatment versus usual care, and up to 6 months post-treatment versus diclofenac. For acupuncture versus no treatment, one trial with large sample size indicated that improvements in pain and function persisted for 3 months post-treatment, while the other trial reported that significant pain reduction and functional improvement were only observed at the end of the treatment, not at 9 months post-treatment. However, acupuncture as adjunct to exercise-based physical therapy (EPT) showed no superiority to SA as an adjunct to EPT or EPT alone up to 11.25 months after completion of treatment.

Summary

Acupuncture may provide pain alleviation and functional improvements in KOA patients for 3 to 6 months after completion of treatment with a good safety profile.