Chronic Opioid Use
Abstract The use of opioids to treat chronic noncancer pain has increased significantly over the last 15 years, in spite of very limited evidence to document its safety or efficacy….
Chemical Dependency: Opioids
Abstract Addiction is a chronic disease characterized by relapse and low recovery rates in the general population. Outcome research in these populations indicates that diverging results are because of factors…
Chemical Dependency: Nonopioids
Case Synopses Alcohol Dr. P is a 60-year-old white male anesthesiologist with a 40-year history of alcohol abuse. Five years ago, he was questioned about alcohol on his breath before…
Alzheimer’s Disease
Abstract The cognitive health of surgical patients over the age of 60 is of increasing concern to the providers, patients, and their families. Many elderly patients present with cognitive impairment…
Adrenal Insufficiency
Abstract Acute adrenal insufficiency, although not common, is an often unrecognized disorder in critically ill patients. Even minor degrees of adrenal insufficiency can increase the mortality of critically ill or…
Injection Technique for Sternocleidomastoid Syndrome
Indications and Clinical Considerations The sternocleidomastoid is particularly susceptible to the development of myofascial pain syndrome. Flexion–extension and lateral motion stretch injuries to the neck or repeated microtrauma secondary to…
Injection Technique for Cervical Strain
Indications and Clinical Considerations The muscles of the posterior neck are particularly susceptible to the development of acute and chronic pain symptomatology after acute flexion, extension, or lateral bending injuries…
Injection Technique for Trapezius Syndrome
Indications and Clinical Considerations The muscles of the posterior neck are particularly susceptible to the development of myofascial pain syndrome. Flexion–extension injuries to the neck or repeated microtrauma secondary to…
Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block via the Transnasal Approach
Indications and Clinical Considerations Sphenopalatine ganglion block may be used in the treatment of acute migraine headache, acute cluster headache, and a variety of facial neuralgias including Sluder, Vail, and…
Trigeminal Nerve Block via the Coronoid Notch
Indications and Clinical Considerations Trigeminal neuralgia is an episodic pain that affects the areas of the face supplied by the trigeminal nerve. The pain is unilateral in 97% of cases…
