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Lung cancer presenting with unilateral facial pain: remission after laryngeal nerve palsy.

A 39-year-old woman presented with a 2-month history of intractable, left-sided facial pain. A CT scan of the thorax disclosed a large lung mass surrounding supra-aortic vessels and hilus. The symptoms underwent a rapid and spontaneous remission after laryngeal nerve palsy with dysphonia developed. Referred facial pain secondary to the compression of the vagus nerve can rarely be the first manifestation of an underlying lung cancer. All cases of unexplained unilateral facial pain should be investigated for a mediastinal pathology, especially in smoker subjects.

Adult↗

Carbon dioxide for euthanasia: concerns regarding pain and distress, with special reference to mice and rats.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most commonly used agent for euthanasia of laboratory rodents, used on an estimated tens of millions of laboratory rodents per year worldwide, yet there is a growing body of evidence indicating that exposure to CO2 causes more than momentary pain and distress in these and other animals. We reviewed the available literature on the use of CO2 for euthanasia (as well as anaesthesia) and also informally canvassed laboratory animal personnel for their opinions regarding this topic. Our review addresses key issues such as CO2 flow rate and final concentration, presence of oxygen, and prefilled chambers (the animal is added to the chamber once a predetermined concentration and flow rate have been reached) versus gradual induction (the animal is put into an empty chamber and the gas agent(s) is gradually introduced at a fixed rate). Internationally, animal research standards specify that any procedure that would cause pain or distress in humans should be assumed to do so in non-human animals as well (Public Health Service 1986, US Department of Agriculture 1997, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development 2000). European Union guidelines, however, specify a certain threshold of pain or distress, such as 'skilled insertion of a hypodermic needle', as the starting point at which regulation of the use of animals in experimental or other scientific procedures begins (Biotechnology Regulatory Atlas n.d.). There is clear evidence in the human literature that CO2 exposure is painful and distressful, while the non-human literature is equivocal. However, the fact that a number of studies do conclude that CO2 causes pain and distress in animals indicates a need for careful reconsideration of its use. Finally, this review offers recommendations for alternatives to the use of CO2 as a euthanasia agent.

Administration, Inhalation↗

[Evaluation of chronic pain in geriatric patients].

This retrospective study considers the influence of chronological age on the perception and consequential effects of chronic non-cancer pain in 203 patients referred to an ambulatory pain clinic. One patient in four (50) was 65 years or older. Pain had existed for more than a year in 66%. It was referred to an "unbearable" by 54% of elderly adults vs 44% (NS) of the younger adult population, and as "intense" by 61% vs 44% (p < 0.05). A higher proportion of neurogenic pain (54% vs 26%, p < 0.05) could explain this significant difference. Cognitive factors could also have amplified the painful syndrome since 59% (vs 54%) of the elderly considered they had received insufficient information on the potential consequences of their painful condition. However, despite a higher occurrence of other severe illnesses in the elderly (52% vs 35%, p < 0.05), they appear to worry less about their health problems (58% vs 78%, p < 0.01). Finally, in spite of increased severity of pain in the elderly, depression scores and consequential effects are similar in the two populations. In conclusion, the intensity of chronic pain appears to be more severe in the elderly, perhaps due to its more frequent neuropathic origin. Nonetheless, its repercussions on daily life activity seem no worse than for younger adults, and could reflect better coping strategies towards chronic pain.

Activities of Daily Living↗

Chronic opioid analgesic therapy for chronic low back pain.

BACKGROUND: Eleven percent of American adults have chronic low back pain- and many of these individuals have severe, disabling, refractory pain. Many texts recommend against using opioids for these patients without citing original research. METHODS: A MEDLINE literature search was conducted for original research on the use of opioids for chronic noncancer pain. Additional references were also sought from review articles and book chapters. Based on this research and the authors' clinical experience, recommendations were formulated for implementing chronic opioid analgesic therapy (COAT) for patients with chronic low back pain. RESULTS: No controlled studies were found. Case series reports on a total of 566 patients suggest that COAT is safe and effective for many patients with recalcitrant chronic low back pain. Preexisting substance use disorders, personality disorders, certain medical conditions, and certain occupational factors are relative contraindications to COAT. Methods to prevent and monitor for drug problems among COAT recipients include contracts, family interviews, and drug testing. Pain and overall function are the key monitoring parameters. Once patients attain some relief, an exercise regimen should be initiated. Other nonpharmacologic treatments and nonopioids are also recommended. CONCLUSION: Physicians are encouraged to consider COAT for selected patients with severe chronic low back pain who respond inadequately to other treatments.

Adult↗

Effects of tramadol on behavioural indicators of colic pain in a rat model of ureteral calculosis.

This study investigated the effect of prolonged administration of tramadol vs. placebo on behavioural indicators of ureteral pain and referred lumbar muscle hyperalgesia in a rat model of artificial ureteral calculosis. Four groups of 10 rats each (female, Sprague-Dawley) were treated twice a day, for 4 days, with i.p. injections of tramadol 1.25 mg/kg, 2.5 mg/kg, 5 mg/kg or saline, respectively. The first injection was delivered 45 min before laparotomy (under pentobarbital anaesthesia) for formation of the stone in the upper left ureter via injection of dental cement. All rats were video-taped 24 h non-stop from the immediate postoperative period until the 4th day for recording of behavioural ureteral crises indicative of colic pain. Lumbar muscle sensitivity was tested daily over the same period by verifying presence or absence of vocalization upon pinching of the parietal layers at L1 level, bilaterally, at a constant predefined pressure value with calibrated forceps. Tramadol significantly reduced number and global duration (ANOVA, P < 0.008 and P < 0.004) of ureteral crises with respect to saline and the effect was dose-dependent (linear regression analysis between doses and parameters of crises, P < 0.003 and P < 0.002). The drug also significantly reduced the incidence of referred muscle hyperalgesia (ANOVA, P < 0.0001). It is concluded that tramadol is highly effective in controlling pain phenomena from urinary stones and can represent a valid therapeutic approach in patients with urinary colics.

Analgesics, Opioid↗

Local anesthesia reduces pain associated with transrectal prostatic biopsy. A prospective randomized study.

INTRODUCTION: To test the hypothesis that periprostatic block could completely relief prostatic biopsy-associated pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients scheduled for transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy were randomized (1:1:1 ratio) to no analgesia (group A), endorectal enema of 1% lidocaine gel (group B) or transrectal periprostatic block (group C). All patients underwent 10 core TRUS-guided biopsy. After the procedure, a ten visual analogue pain score (VAS) from 0 = no discomfort to 10 = severe pain was administered to the biopsied patients and a global estimation of pain associated with the procedure was obtained. The study design included interim analysis of pain score after the first 60 patients were enrolled. Kruskal-Wallis test for unpaired data was used for statistical analysis. Data are presented as mean, median (range). RESULTS: Sixty patients were enrolled between May 2003 and December 2003 and all patients were evaluable. Mean and median age was 68.5 and 69 (range 53-82) years, respectively. Mean and median PSA was 86.8 and 9 ng/ml (range 0.58-4.111), respectively. No major side effects were observed. Patients in group A scored at VAS a median 4, mean 5.5 +/- 2.3 (range 3-10). Patients in group B scored a median 4, mean 5.5 +/- 2.7 (range 3-10) (p = 0.237). Patients receiving periprostatic injections of carbocaine (group C) scored a median 0, mean 0.5 +/- 0.8 (range 0-2). The level of pain reported by this group of patients was significantly different from those reported by patients who performed prostatic biopsy without anesthesia or with intrarectal anesthetic jelly (p = 0.00001). In the periprostatic block group 65% of patients referred no pain after the procedure (VAS = 0) while all patients in the other groups experience some degree of pain. CONCLUSION: The use of bilateral periprostatic block is a very effective and useful technique, well tolerated by the patient, which almost completely abolishes the pain and discomfort associated with the prostatic biopsy procedure.

Aged↗

Hypnosis: an alternative in pain management for nurse practitioners.

Hypnosis and the trance phenomenon is an age-old tool for the treatment of a variety of conditions, including pain. Medically accepted for over 50 years as a legitimate therapy, research continues into its mechanisms and actions. In this article, its origins, history, theoretical basis, and various uses are discussed. Case presentations from the author are provided, showing its use for a variety of pain management scenarios. Sample hypnotic scripts allow the reader to better visualize the applicability of hypnotic suggestion to general inductions and pain management. References are provided for individuals seeking further information and/or training in hypnosis.

Adult↗

Lumbar discography: current concepts and controversies.

Lumbar provocation discography is an invasive diagnostic procedure to identify pain originating from within the lumbar discs. Specific morphological changes within the disc, classified as radial fissures, can be imaged following the injection of radiopaque contrast into the nucleus pulposus. The reproduction of concordant low back and/or referred somatic pain to the lower extremity under controlled conditions and the demonstration of annular radial tears are part of a spectrum of internal disc disruption that is separate from disc degeneration. A review of the validity and technique of lumbar discography as well as recently described causes of false positive responses are presented.

Adult↗

Children with unexplained chronic pain: do pediatricians agree regarding the diagnostic approach and presumed primary cause?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the opinions of general pediatricians regarding children with unexplained chronic pain (UCP), with respect to the presumed cause of the pain and the optimal diagnostic approach for these children. DESIGN: Diagnostic follow-up study. SETTING: Outpatient clinic of a university children's hospital. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 134 consecutive patients, 8 to 18 years of age, referred for pain of > or =3-month duration without a satisfactory explanation at presentation. METHODS: A full copy of the patient records from routine medical practice and data from standardized psychiatric assessments, standardized questionnaires, and standardized follow-up assessments were provided to 17 pediatricians assigned to 3 panels. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Agreement regarding the presumed primary cause and diagnostic approach for children with UCP, with consensus being defined as > or =80% agreement among the pediatricians. RESULTS: The mean age of the children (73% girls) was 11.8 years (SD: 2.6 years). Psychiatric (co)morbidity was present for 60% of the children. Consensus regarding the presumed primary cause was reached for 43% of the patients (58 of 134 patients), ie, 72% (42 of 58 patients) primarily dysfunctional, 17% (10 of 58 patients) primarily psychologic, and 10% (6 of 58 patients) primarily somatic. Consensus regarding the diagnostic approach was reached for 63% of the children (84 of 134 children), leaving more than one-third of the children (37%) without diagnostic consensus. CONCLUSIONS: The relatively high rates of disagreement regarding the optimal diagnostic approach and presumed primary cause illustrate the difficulties of diagnostic evaluation and subsequent therapeutic strategy design for this patient group. Therefore, children with UCP might be at risk for suboptimal care.

Abdominal Pain↗

Cervical cord compression secondary to ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament.

STUDY DESIGN: Resident's case problem. BACKGROUND: A 52-year-old Chinese male with a 10-year history of gradually worsening right hip stiffness, weakness, and pain was referred to physical therapy by his orthopedist, who made a diagnosis of developmental dysplasia of the right hip, with possible Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. The patient reported multiple falls over the last several years and a gradual onset of low back pain with an onset of "electricity" down both legs. The patient also reported mild numbness in both forearms and the right hand over the previous several months. This resident's case problem illustrates how a physical therapist recognized the presence of an atypical musculoskeletal pathology through the use of hypothesis-driven clinical reasoning and detailed physical examination. DIAGNOSIS: Examination of the patient's lumbar and cervical spine and hips revealed joint dysfunctions. Neurological testing revealed hyperreflexia. Special testing revealed lower extremity clonus with a positive Babinski sign with gait disturbances. The patient was referred back to his primary physician and then to a neurologist and neurosurgeon. An MRI revealed cervical myelopathy due to ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament from C3/C4 to C5/C6. The patient then underwent a C3 through C7 laminectomy. DISCUSSION: It is always imperative that sound clinical reasoning be used when performing physical therapy evaluations, regardless of the referral status of the patient. Patients with nonmusculoskeletal pathology may seek physical therapy services and it is the physical therapist's responsibility to complete a thorough examination and refer to specialists when appropriate.

China↗

Changes in pain behavior and histologic changes caused by application of tumor necrosis factor-alpha to the dorsal root ganglion in rats.

STUDY DESIGN: Histologic changes in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and the nociceptive stimulation thresholds were studied in rats. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) with special reference to pain behavior and histology of the DRG. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Recently, it was reported that local application of nucleus pulposus induces a characteristic tissue reaction at the surface of the DRG. However, to our knowledge, there have been no previous reports about the relationship between the histologic changes and pain behavior caused by cytokines. METHODS: Recombinant TNF was applied to the L4 DRG. Mechanical and thermal nociceptive thresholds were tested. The L4 DRG was sectioned and observed by light microscopy. RESULTS: After the application of 5 ng/microL TNF, significant differences were observed in mechanical and thermal stimulation thresholds. At the site of application of TNF, a characteristic a semilunar-shaped enlargement was observed. The average width of the part was significantly larger in the 5 ng/microL TNF application, as compared to the 0.5-ng/microL TNF application. CONCLUSIONS: The higher concentration of TNF used induced allodynia and hyperalgesia responses. Because the region showing the histologic changes was significantly larger after application of the higher concentration of TNF, the reaction of the DRG may be related to pain.

Administration, Topical↗

Hip and buttock pain in adults.

Hip and buttock pains in adults require careful evaluation to determine exactly what anatomical structure the patient is referring to when presenting with 'pain in the hip'. Pain in the posterior hip region and buttocks usually originates from dysfunction of the lumbosacral spine. Osteoarthritis of the hip is an important disorder that can refer pain to the anteromedial aspect of the knee.

Buttocks↗

Mechanisms underlying development of spatially distributed chronic pain (fibromyalgia).

Chronic fibromyalgia (FM) pain is prevalent (estimated as high as 13%), predominantly affects women, and is associated with a variety of focal pain conditions. Ongoing FM pain is referred to deep tissues and is described as widespread but usually is maximally located within a restricted region such as the shoulders. Palpation of deep tissues reveals an enhanced nociceptive sensitivity that is not restricted to regions of clinical pain. Similarly, psychophysical testing reveals allodynia and hyperalgesia for cutaneous stimulation at locations beyond regions of clinical pain referral. The combination of widely distributed clinical pain and generalized hypersensitivity is highly disabling, but no satisfactory treatment is regularly prescribed. A thorough understanding of mechanisms will likely be required to develop and document adequate therapies. The generalized hypersensitivity associated with FM has focused considerable interest on central (CNS) mechanisms for the disorder. These include central sensitization, central disinhibition and a dysfunctional hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. However, the central effects associated with FM can be produced by a peripheral source of pain. Chronic nociceptive input induces central sensitization, magnifying pain, and it activates the HPA and the sympathetic nervous system. Chronic sympathetic activation indirectly sensitizes peripheral nociceptors and sets up a vicious cycle. Thus, it appears that central mechanisms of FM pain are dependent on abnormal peripheral input(s) for development and maintenance of this condition. A substantial literature defines peripheral-CNS-peripheral interactions that are integral to FM pain. These reciprocal actions and related phenomena of relevance to FM pain are reviewed here, leading to suggestions for testing of therapeutic approaches.

Chronic Disease↗

Colonic motility in proctalgia fugax.

Intraluminal pressure recordings were obtained from the rectum and sigmoid colon in two patients experiencing attacks of proctalgia fugax. In each patient the pain appeared to result from contractions of the sigmoid colon, and not from spasm of the levator ani, rectal wall muscle, or anal sphincters, all of which have previously been suggested as the source of such pain. Proctalgia fugax therefore appears, at least in some patients, to be an unusual variant of the irritable bowel syndrome, in which pain is referred from the sigmoid colon to the rectum.

Adult↗

Pain related undergraduate teaching in medical faculties in Finland.

The present questionnaire study was conducted to examine how teachers in all Finnish medical faculties have included pain teaching in their courses for undergraduate medical students. The study was planned to compare the existing education in Finland with the IASP curriculum on pain for medical schools. In 1991 and 1995 the questionnaire was sent to a total of 135 and 130 university teachers, respectively. The teachers were asked about the quantity and quality of their pain teaching. Teachers' attitudes on pain related teaching were also examined. A Finnish translation of the IASP curriculum was provided, and university teachers were asked to evaluate it and compare it with their current teaching. The educational programs of all universities were also analyzed. After completion of these surveys, representatives of teachers responsible for teaching of pain, and of medical students from all Finnish medical faculties were invited to a meeting to discuss methods for improving and developing education. Completed questionnaires were received from 107 university teachers (78%) in 1991 and from 74 (60%) in 1995. No printed curricula for pain education were found in any university and in all universities pain teaching was provided in an inconsistent way. There were differences, yet statistically non-significant, between the faculties in the pain teaching. No major differences were observed between the two questionnaires. A serious lack of teaching in psychology of pain was a general finding. University teachers were found to have positive attitudes towards developing their teaching of pain. The IASP curriculum has not been fully followed but was considered a valuable tool in planning the educational programs. The curriculum should be distributed directly to the governmental bodies of the universities, since individual university teachers are not necessarily familiar with it. Local associations may have an important role in this distribution as we have shown. This report shows the necessity of changing the attitudes of university teachers providing concrete teaching programs for pain. A multimedia package of pain containing references, video tapes and cd-discs produced by a workshop of IASP would certainly be welcome.

Curriculum↗

The effects and effectiveness of laparoscopic excision of endometriosis: a prospective study with 2-5 year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: This study investigates the outcomes for women up to 5 years after laparoscopic excision of endometriosis. METHODS: In this prospective observational cohort study, 254 women with chronic pelvic pain were referred to two units specializing in minimal access surgical management of endometriosis. Of these, 216 women underwent surgical assessment and 176 were confirmed to have endometriosis. Questionnaires and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for dysmenorrhoea, non-menstrual pelvic pain, dyspareunia and dyschesia as well as quality of life instruments; the EQ-5Dindex and EQ-5Dvas, Short-Form 12 (SF-12) and sexual activity questionnaires were completed pre-operatively. Intra-operative details of revised American Fertility Society (rAFS) stage, site of disease, associated tests, duration of surgery and complications were noted. Follow-up was performed by postal questionnaire and chart review. For women who had further surgery, rAFS stage, site of disease, other procedures and histology were all recorded. RESULTS: Pain scores were all significantly reduced at 2-5 years for dysmenorrhoea (median VAS baseline versus follow-up 2-5 years); 9 versus 3.3 (P < 0.0001), non-menstrual pelvic pain 8 versus 3 (P < 0.0001), dyspareunia 7 versus 0 (P < 0.0001) and dyschesia 7 versus 2 (P < 0.0001). Quality of life was improved for the EQ-5Dindex (P = 0.008 and the EQ-5Qvas (P = 0.03) and for sexual function with pleasure (P = 0.001) and habit (P = 0.012) being improved and discomfort being decreased (P = 0.001). The chance of requiring further surgery as determined by the Kaplan-Meier survival curve was 36%. A rAFS score of >70 was predictive of requiring further surgery (P = 0.03). Of women who had further surgery, endometriosis was found histologically in 68%. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic excision of endometriosis significantly reduces pain and improves quality of life for up to 5 years. The probability of requiring further surgery is 36%. Return of pain following laparoscopic excision is not always associated with clinical evidence of recurrence.

Adult↗

Hematocolpos as a cause of back pain in premenarchal adolescents.

Persistent low back pain in children demands thorough investigation. An unusual cause of such discomfort is hematocolpos secondary to imperforate hymen in premenarchal girls. Experience with four patients whose initial primary symptom was low back pain has been documented. All had large pelvic masses with greater than 400 ml of old blood being drained at hymenotomy in all patients. Irritation of the sacral plexus or nerve roots is postulated as a mechanism for the referred back pain. Hematocolpos should be included in the differential diagnosis of prepubertal girls who have low back pain.

Adolescent↗

COX-2 inhibitors and dental pain control.

Celecoxib (CELEBREX) and rofecoxib (VIOXX) appear to offer the following advantages: reduced incidence of gastric ulceration during long-term administration; little or no effect on platelet aggregation; longer clinical duration of action than aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen. However, in the context of the management of dental pain and inflammation, the following points and disadvantages should be considered: no greater effectiveness than conventional NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) for dental pain; greater cost than conventional NSAIDs (especially those available in generic forms); not available over-the-counter; possible inadequate duration of action for postoperative dental pain (see references 6 and 7); similar contraindications and drug interactions to less expensive, equally effective conventional non-selective NSAIDs. At this time, celebrex and rofecoxib cannot be recommended over conventional, non-selective NSAIDs as first-choice drugs for pain and inflammation in dentistry. Practitioners are cautioned against selecting any new drug based on "clinical trials of one", in which both the dentist and the patient know the drug being prescribed, (as opposed to double-blind studies), usually in the context of considerable "hype" about the drug (based on comments about the fact that the agent being tried is "new") and strong placebo reinforcement based on the dentist's enthusiasm for the new product, which does not usually accompany the prescription of older, routinely prescribed drugs. Finally, such "clinical trials of one" invariably involve close follow-up about the outcome of the treatment, which is usually not done with more common, older drugs, and which only introduces further bias into the interpretation of the effectiveness of the drug by both the patient and the dentist. Anaglesic drugs should be selected on the basis of controlled, double-blind, randomized clinical trials which utilize a reasonable, dentally-related pain model. The older NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, diflunisal and others, remain first-choice drugs for the treatment of mild-to-moderate pain in dentistry in patients lacking the contraindications for such drugs. As proposed by this author several years ago, the major contraindications to NSAIDs can be remembered by the "SAAB Rule", an acronym which stands for "Stomach problems", Aspirin Allergy" and "Bleeding problems", in addition to pregnancy and hepatic/renal disease.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗