Abstract Neuroablative surgical interventions involve the interruption of peripheral and central nervous system pain pathways. Although the rationale appears logical, the results have not been consistent. Newer treatments including neurostimulation…
Abstract Myofascial pain is thought to occur by peripheral and central mechanisms. Peripheral factors include trauma, dysregulated deep-tissue microcirculation, and altered muscular metabolism and mitochondrial function. Supraspinal mechanisms include decreased…
Abstract This chapter reviews the clinical pharmacology, therapeutic mechanisms, and side effects of corticosteroids, botulinum toxins, radiocontrast agents, and topical antiseptics. Corticosteroids are the most potent and effective agents in…
Abstract CRPS patients are routinely prescribed a combination of interventional procedures, physical therapy, antidepressants, antiinflammatory medications, antiepileptics, and opiates. Historically, limited options existed when these modalities fail. Recently, there is…
Abstract Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the oldest, most successful drugs known to modern medicine in the treatment of fever, pain, and inflammation. This class of drugs is the…
Abstract The widespresad use of opioids to treat chronic nonmalignant pain has resulted in a parallel increase in misuse, abuse, addiction, overdose, and diversion. Because self-reporting is unreliable and clinician…
Abstract Severe, chronic pain refractory to conventional treatments can be extremely challenging to treat. One option for these patients includes intravenous infusions. One option is lidocaine, which works via voltage-gated…
Abstract The interplay of pain, anxiety, and delirium makes the achievement of patient comfort in the critically ill challenging. Assessment of pain, anxiety, and delirium is hence central to the…
Abstract Neuropathic pain is caused by a lesion or disease affecting the somatosensory nervous system. This chapter summarizes the evidence behind the current recommendations for the pharmacotherapy of neuropathic pain,…
Abstract Membrane stabilizers have a growing role in pain management, both acute and chronic. They have been used for many years to treat painful conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia, complex…
