Abstract Herpes zoster (shingles) is caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) from dorsal sensory or cranial nerve ganglia. The characteristic unilateral dermatomal vesicular rash of herpes zoster heals…
Abstract Fibromyalgia is the prototypical centralized pain disorder with an estimated prevalence between 2% and 8%. Despite the controversy in the medical community, more is known about the mechanisms driving…
Abstract Myofascial pain (MP) is a soft tissue pain syndrome (STP) with local and referred pain arising from trigger points (TrPs). Local STPs include bursitis, tenosynovitis, and enthesopathies. Regional STPs…
Abstract Meningeal puncture headache (MPH), commonly known as postdural puncture headache (PDPH), is an orthostatic bilateral headache following meningeal puncture. The headache can be associated with other symptoms, like neck…
Abstract Most people will require surgery during their lifetime, and, for a significant proportion, this will lead to chronic postsurgical pain. The incidence of chronic pain after surgery varies significantly…
Abstract 90% or more of the population is affected by headaches at one time or another. Most of these are mild to moderate in intensity, with vague associated symptoms, and…
Abstract Migraines are among the most common headache disorders. They are now considered to be of neuronal, rather than vascular, origin. Because they can vary widely in their presentation, intensity,…
Abstract Intrathecal opioids are widely accepted and efficacious method for providing postoperative analgesia. We review the mechanism of action as well as the clinical use of intrathecal opioids. The side…
Abstract Providing continuous peripheral nerve blocks (CPNB)—also called “perineural local anesthetic infusion”—involves the percutaneous insertion of a catheter directly adjacent to the peripheral nerve(s) supplying the surgical site, as opposed…
Abstract Children present unique challenges in the management of postoperative pain. Differences in brain development and drug metabolism influence dosing regimens. Assessment of pain is affected by a child’s ability…
