Global usage of spinal cord stimulation therapy for chronic pain syndromes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background/importance: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an established therapy for chronic pain conditions when conventional treatments fail. However, global research implementation varies significantly due to patient demographics, healthcare infrastructure, and economic factors, creating disparities in access that directly impact patient care and public health outcomes.

Objective: To evaluate the global landscape of SCS research by analyzing patient demographics, geographic distribution, funding sources, and pain conditions treated across chronic pain populations aged 18 years and older, with primary focus on associations between geographic regions and patient age demographics.

Provision of up-to-date magnetic resonance imaging conditionality for current peripheral nerve stimulation and spinal cord stimulation systems in pain management.

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) safety with implanted neuromodulation devices presents a critical challenge in modern medicine. While spinal cord stimulation (SCS) and peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) devices are increasingly utilized for pain management, the scattered nature of manufacturer-specific MRI safety information creates substantial challenges for healthcare providers in making informed clinical decisions. Furthermore, despite the public availability of this information, a comprehensive review of the literature reveals no centralized repository of data regarding SCS and PNS.

Chronic Pain in Neurofibromatosis 1, Neurofibromatosis 2, and Schwannomatosis: A Review on Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, Symptomatology and Treatment.

Background: Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a group of neurogenetic disorders (including neurofibromatosis type 1, neurofibromatosis type 2, and schwannomatosis) known for their tendency to induce the development of numerous nerve sheath tumors. Pain is a common symptom associated with NF, and the incidence of this pain can vary significantly, severely affecting the quality of life for many patients.

Objective: This narrative review aims to compile recent epidemiological data on NF1, NF2 and schwannomatosis, covering prevalence, incidence, and distribution across populations.

Post-acute sequelae SARS-CoV-2 infection and neuropathic pain: a narrative review of the literature and future directions.

Purpose Of Review: Neuropathic pain is a recognized and debilitating symptom of SARS-CoV-2 infection across acute, post-acute, and long-COVID phases. Initially emerging as acute or subacute symptoms, these neuropathic manifestations can evolve into chronic conditions, with approximately 10% of all SARS-CoV-2 cases (estimated 65 million individuals globally) developing post-acute SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) neuropathic sequalae. Given the limited literature specifically addressing neuropathic pain related to PASC, a deeper understanding is needed to improve management and reduce patient burden.

A unique utilization of scrambler therapy for bilateral neuropathic corneal pain: a case report.

Management of neuropathic corneal pain (NCP) typically involves pharmacotherapy, but refractory cases may require interventions like scrambler therapy, used for various neuropathic pain conditions. We report a patient with a 15-year history of refractory NCP who underwent scrambler therapy after failed treatments. Over five consecutive days, she received 45-minute sessions with six electrodes placed around both eyes.

An Algorithmic Overview of Advanced Pain Therapies: A Narrative Review.

Purpose Of Review: Quickly referenceable, streamlined, algorithmic approaches for advanced pain management are lacking for patients, trainees, non-pain specialists, and interventional specialists. This manuscript aims to address this gap by proposing a comprehensive, evidence-based algorithm for managing neuropathic, nociceptive, and cancer-associated pain. Such an algorithm is crucial for pain medicine education, offering a structured approach for patient care refractory to conservative management.

Efficacy of peripheral nerve stimulation in refractory postamputation pain: A narrative review.

The management of postamputation pain remains a significant clinical challenge, with existing therapeutic approaches often yielding inconsistent outcomes. Neuromodulation techniques, particularly peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS), have emerged as promising interventions. However, the evidence supporting their effectiveness in treating phantom limb pain (PLP) and residual limb pain (RLP) remains limited.

Neurostimulation for the Treatment of Cancer-Induced Pain: A Scoping Review.

Objectives: Cancer pain is among the most prevalent and challenging symptoms in cancer care, with up to 95% of patients with late-stage cancer experiencing moderate-to-severe pain. Conventional pharmacologic treatments, including opioids, carry risks, and patients' conditions may be refractory to medical management or have contraindications. Neurostimulation techniques, such as spinal cord stimulation (SCS), dorsal root ganglion stimulation (DRGS), and peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS), have shown promise in treating treatment-induced cancer pain.

Effectiveness of Scrambler Therapy for Alleviating Phantom Limb Pain: A Case Report.

Among the 2 million amputees in the United States, 60% to 90% will experience phantom limb pain (PLP). Managing PLP presents challenges with current evidence-based pharmacological and interventional therapies yielding varied results. In recent years, advancements in neuromodulation, such as scrambler therapy (ST), have demonstrated effectiveness in addressing various chronic and neuropathic pain syndromes.

Disability Ethics and Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Identifying Ability Bias in ChatGPT and Gemini.

Objective: To identify and quantify ability bias in generative artificial intelligence large language model chatbots, specifically OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Gemini.

Design: Observational study of language usage in generative artificial intelligence models.

Setting: Investigation-only browser profile restricted to ChatGPT and Gemini.

Device-Related Complications Associated with Cylindrical Lead Spinal Cord Stimulator Implants: A Comprehensive Review.

Purpose Of Review: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an increasingly utilized therapy for the treatment of neuropathic pain conditions. Though minimally invasive and reversable, there are several important device-related complications that physicians should be aware of before offering this therapy to patients. The aim of this review is to synthesize recent studies in device-related SCS complications pertaining to cylindrical lead implantation and to discuss etiologies, symptoms and presentations, diagnostic evaluation, clinical implications, and treatment options.

Techniques in medicine: ipsilateral transforaminal epidural steroid injection in Bertolotti's syndrome.

Bertolotti's syndrome, also known as lumbosacral transitional vertebrae, is a relatively rare spinal condition characterized by an anatomical variation in the lower spine. Conservative approaches such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications and lifestyle modifications may be recommended for mild cases. In more severe cases or when conservative measures fail to provide relief, injections such as may be considered to alleviate pain.

Stimulating Superior Cluneal Nerves via Peripheral Nerve Stimulation as a Treatment for Chronic Low Back Pain.

Low back pain (LBP) is a challenging clinical condition for both patients and physicians. It requires a comprehensive initial diagnosis to avoid missing potential causes. One less common cause is superior cluneal neuralgia (SCN), which can present with limited lumbar motion, LBP, buttock pain, or an antalgic gait.

Epidural Catheters for Cervical Epidural Steroid Injections to Target Higher Cervical Pathology: Clinical Images in Practice.

Cervical radicular pain is commonly treated with cervical epidural steroid injections. The transforaminal approach allows for direct treatment of the steroid at a particular nerve root or level. Still, it carries a significant risk of morbidity and mortality with thromboembolism or injury to cervical vasculature.

Buprenorphine for Chronic Pain Management: a Narrative Review.

Purpose Of Review: The aim of this review is to educate healthcare professionals regarding buprenorphine for the use of opioid use disorder (OUD) as well as for chronic pain management. This review provides physicians and practitioners with updated information regarding the distinct characteristics and intricacies of prescribing buprenorphine.

Recent Findings: Buprenorphine is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for acute pain, chronic pain, opioid use disorder (OUD), and opioid dependence.