Effects of Smoke Exposure and Other Lifestyle Factors on Pain Response to Electrical Stimulation in Women

BACKGROUND: A relationship between smoking and development of pain syndromes has been suggested in the literature. The present study examined associations between smoke exposure and other related variables, and pain response to suprathreshold electrical stimulation.METHODS: Subjects were prospectively recruited from a population referred to an electrodiagnostic clinic. Information about age, smoke exposure, caffeine and alcohol consumption was obtained, as well as documented objective signs of stress through physical assessment. One investigator applied two standardized 0.1 ms electrical stimulations (50 mA followed by 100 mA) to asymptomatic extremities at the beginning of each electrodiagnostic session, using consistent technique. Subjects used a visual analogue scale to indicate the level of pain felt after each stimulation.RESULTS: Two hundred fifteen women were included. Current smokers and those currently exposed to second-hand smoke had significantly higher pain ratings (P=0.003 for 50 mA, P=0.005 for 100 mA) than those not currently exposed to smoke. Time since exposure was negatively associated with pain ratings. Those with objective signs of stress reported higher levels of pain, which was significant for the 100 mA stimulation (P=0.046). Linear regression modelling indicated that current smoke exposure and alcohol use were associated with higher pain ratings at both 50 mA and 100 mA, while stress was associated with higher pain ratings and older age was associated with lower pain ratings at 100 mA only.INTERPRETATION: Exposure to cigarette smoke is significantly related to higher reported levels of pain experienced in response to electrical stimulation in this study population. Exposure to smoke can add 10 points to the 100-point visual analogue scale compared with subjects without exposure, with alcohol use adding another eight points. Reported pain decreases as length of time since previous exposure to smoke increases.

Download Full-text

Intra-articular ultrasonic stimulation and intracutaneous electrical stimulation: evoked potential and visual analogue scale data

Pain ◽

10.1016/0304-3959(93)90126-a ◽

1993 ◽

Vol 52 (2) ◽

pp. 149-155 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

A. Wright ◽

I. ab I. Davies ◽

J. G. Riddell

Keyword(s):

Electrical Stimulation ◽

Visual Analogue Scale ◽

Analogue Scale ◽

Evoked Potential ◽

Ultrasonic Stimulation ◽

Scale Data

Download Full-text

A novel intraoral neuromuscular stimulation device for treating sleep-disordered breathing

Sleep And Breathing ◽

10.1007/s11325-021-02355-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Bhik Kotecha ◽

Phui Yee Wong ◽

Henry Zhang ◽

Amro Hassaan

Keyword(s):

Cohort Study ◽

Electrical Stimulation ◽

Visual Analogue Scale ◽

Prospective Cohort Study ◽

Prospective Cohort ◽

Analogue Scale ◽

Sleep Disordered Breathing ◽

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation ◽

Neuromuscular Stimulation ◽

Sleep Studies

Abstract Purpose To ascertain the usefulness of a novel intraoral neuromuscular stimulation device in treating patients with primary snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). This device uses daytime awake neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) as an application to induce toning of the tongue muscles. Methods A prospective cohort study of 70 patients with sleep-disordered breathing was conducted. Objective snoring and respiratory parameters were recorded with 2 consecutive night WatchPat sleep studies before and after treatment. The device was used for 20 min once daily for a 6-week period. Secondary outcome measures using visual analogue scale reporting of snoring by patient and Epworth Sleepiness Score (ESS) were recorded. Quality of life parameters were also noted. Results Objective reduction of snoring was noted on the sleep studies in 95% of participants, with an average snoring time reduction of 48%. Subjectively, the visual analogue scale reported by partners’ similarly demonstrated reduction in 95% of the patients with an average reduction of 40%. In a subset of 38 patients with mild OSA, AHI reduced from 9.8 to 4.7/h (52% reduction), ODI 7.8 to 4.3/h (45% reduction), and ESS from 9.0 to 5.1. Adverse effects encountered were minimal. Conclusion This prospective cohort study demonstrates a notable improvement in both objective and subjective parameters of snoring and mild OSA in both simple snorers and patients with mild OSA. This device offers a safe and novel approach to reduce snoring and mild OSA by utilising intraoral neuromuscular electrical stimulation. This could be a preferred option for patients as it alleviates the need of using an oral device during sleep. Trial registration clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT03829956

Download Full-text

Immediate access rheumatology clinic: efficiency and outcomes

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ◽

10.1136/annrheumdis-2011-200315 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 71 (3) ◽

pp. 363-368 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Miriam Gärtner ◽

Julia P Fabrizii ◽

Elisabeth Koban ◽

Martin Holbik ◽

Lorenz P Machold ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Visual Analogue Scale ◽

Analogue Scale ◽

Waiting Times ◽

Symptom Duration ◽

Rheumatology Clinic ◽

Clinic Efficiency ◽

Lower Pain ◽

Rheumatic Conditions

Objective and MethodsIn order to facilitate access and shorten waiting times to rheumatologist assessment, an immediate access clinic (IAC) was established. Patients were assessed at presentation in the clinic and after 6–12 months, either in the clinic or by telephone. Data regarding diagnostic accuracy, pain levels and care were analysed.ResultsFrom February to December 2009, 1036 patients were assessed. 223 (21.5%) patients had symptoms for 3 months or less. 660 were available for re-assessment after 6–12 months. Initial tentative diagnoses were confirmed in over 75% of patients suspected of having rheumatoid arthritis (RA), spondylarthropathy and osteoarthritis. Men suspected of having spondylarthropathy had a significantly longer symptom duration than women (median (IQR) 54.0 (18.0–120.0) vs 24.0 (6.0–66.0) months; p=0.0082). There was no significant gender difference regarding pain. At follow-up, the visual analogue scale for pain in RA patients admitted to further care in the clinic (n=61) had significantly decreased by a median (IQR) of 37.5 mm (10.5–50.5), whereas this improvement was only 6 mm (−26–33.5) in the 22 RA patients followed outside the clinic (p=0.0083).ConclusionsThe IAC resulted in considerable waiting time reduction for rheumatology assessment. A substantial minority was seen before 3 months' symptom duration. ‘Positive predictive correctness’ of the assessing rheumatologists regarding the presence of inflammatory rheumatic conditions was over 75%. Patients with RA cared for in the clinic had substantially lower pain levels after 6–12 months' follow-up than patients treated elsewhere.

Download Full-text

Evaluation of Efficacy of Customized Lidocaine Bioadhesive Anaesthetic Patch for Extraction of Primary Tooth - An Invitro Study

Journal of Evolution of Medical and Dental Sciences ◽

10.14260/jemds/2021/378 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (24) ◽

pp. 1830-1834

Author(s):

Amith Adyanthaya ◽

Risana K ◽

Aparna Sivaraman ◽

Gopika Gopan A ◽

Nazreen Ayub K. ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Visual Analogue Scale ◽

Analogue Scale ◽

Anaesthetic Agent ◽

Age Groups ◽

Negative Influence ◽

Paediatric Dentistry ◽

Primary Tooth ◽

P Value ◽

Pain Response ◽

Chi Square

BACKGROUND We wanted to clinically evaluate the efficacy of lidocaine bioadhesive patches for extraction in paediatric dentistry and assess the comfort and pain response by sound eye motor (SEM) scale and intensity of pain using the visual analogue scale (VAS). METHODS A total of thirty-five co-operative children of age group 8 - 12 years without systemic diseases who needed dental extraction participated in the study. Extraction was carried out using customized lidocaine bioadhesive patches as anaesthetic agent. Evaluation of comfort and pain response was done by sound eye motor scale and intensity of pain using the visual analogue scale. Statistical analysis was done with SPSS version 2.0. Comparison of SEM scale and VAS scores between different subgroups was done using a chi-square test. P value less than 0.001 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS Children of higher age groups belonging to both the genders demonstrated less perception to pain during extractions using lidocaine patch. During extraction of firm teeth and teeth with Grade I mobility, perception of pain was more in girls. Maxillary arch extraction in children with various grades of mobility perceived less pain. Irrespective of age, gender and arches,teeth with Grade II and Grade III mobility were extracted with minimal VAS and SEM score. CONCLUSIONS Bioadhesive patches serve as a potential non-invasive alternative to traditional modes of local anaesthetic delivery with the advantage of eliminating needle phobia and possible negative influence on the behaviour. KEY WORDS Bioadhesive Patches, Lidocaine, Extraction, Paediatric Dentistry

Download Full-text

Comparison of pain response after subcutaneous injection of two maropitant formulations to beagle dogs

Veterinary Record Open ◽

10.1136/vetreco-2017-000262 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. e000262 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Nynke Deckers ◽

Catharina A Ruigrok ◽

Hans Peter Verhoeve ◽

Nicky Lourens

Keyword(s):

Visual Analogue Scale ◽

Benzyl Alcohol ◽

Subcutaneous Injection ◽

Analogue Scale ◽

Injection Pain ◽

Pain Response ◽

Beagle Dogs ◽

Subcutaneous Injections ◽

Local Pain ◽

Descriptive Scale

The antiemetic maropitant, with metacresol as preservative (Cerenia, Zoetis), has been associated with pain after subcutaneous injection in dogs and cats. Recently, a generic formulation containing benzyl alcohol was authorised (Prevomax, Le Vet). Benzyl alcohol is reported to have local anaesthetic properties and reduce injection pain. This study compared local pain after subcutaneous injection of the two maropitant formulations, administered at approximately 4°C and 25°C, to dogs. Thirty-two healthy beagle dogs were enrolled into a blinded, randomised, cross-over study. Dogs received subcutaneous injections of maropitant injection containing metacresol as preservative and maropitant injection containing benzyl alcohol as preservative, both at approximately 4°C and 25°C, with at least three days in between treatments. Injection pain was evaluated by two blinded observers using a visual analogue scale immediately after injection and a simple descriptive scale at two minutes after injection. In healthy beagle dogs, subcutaneous injection of maropitant with benzyl alcohol is significantly less painful than injection of maropitant with metacresol.

Download Full-text

The Modified Iliopubic Tract Repair—A Pain-Free Alternative

The Surgery Journal ◽

10.1055/s-0038-1653980 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 04 (02) ◽

pp. e82-e86

Author(s):

Iqbal Ali ◽

Vashisht Dikshit ◽

Kshitij Manerikar ◽

Mirat Dholakia ◽

Maitreyee Save

Keyword(s):

Postoperative Pain ◽

Visual Analogue Scale ◽

Laparoscopic Repair ◽

Analogue Scale ◽

Neurological Complications ◽

Preperitoneal Repair ◽

Scale Scores ◽

Lower Pain ◽

Delayed Complications ◽

Return To Activity

Background The open preperitoneal repair offers the benefits of placing the mesh in the preferred position while avoiding the disadvantages of laparoscopic repair. Methods A total of 60 patients with bilateral inguinal hernias were randomized to undergo either the standard Lichtenstein meshplasty or the modified iliopubic tract repair in a teaching hospital. Outcomes measured were immediate postoperative pain, return to activity, and delayed neurological complications. Results Patients who underwent the iliopubic tract repair walked out of bed faster than the Lichtenstein group (6.3 hours vs 7.4 hours, p < 0.0001) and experienced significant lower pain as charted by visual analogue scale scores (3.28 vs 2.71 on day 1, 2.16 vs 1.71 on day 2, 1.92 vs 1.08 on day 3; p < 0.05). Delayed complications like chronic inguinal pain and numbness were not seen in the iliopubic tract group. However, this difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusion The iliopubic tract repair offers an excellent alternative to the Lichtenstein meshplasty, and is associated with lower postoperative pain, earlier return to work, and lower delayed neurological complications.

Download Full-text

0642 A Novel Daytime Intra-Oral Neuromuscular Stimulation Therapy in Simple Snorers: Objective Improvement in Snoring

SLEEP ◽

10.1093/sleep/zsaa056.638 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 43 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. A245-A245

Author(s):

B Kotecha

Keyword(s):

Cohort Study ◽

Electrical Stimulation ◽

Visual Analogue Scale ◽

Prospective Cohort Study ◽

Prospective Cohort ◽

Analogue Scale ◽

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Sleep Studies ◽

Respiratory Parameters

Abstract Introduction The reduction in pharyngeal muscle tone in the upper airway is a pivotal factor in snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).There is accumulative evidence that pharyngeal exercises can reduce snoring and OSA. We present a novel device SnooZeal® that uses daytime awake neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NEMS) as an application to induce toning of the tongue muscles. This study investigates objective changes in snoring and respiratory parameters with this device. Methods Prospective cohort study of 100 simple snorers was conducted. Objective snoring and respiratory parameters were recorded with 2 consecutive WatchPat sleep studies before and after treatment. SnooZeal® device was used for 20 minutes once a day for a 6 week period. Secondary outcome measures using visual analogue scale reporting of snoring by patient and Epworth Sleepiness Score (ESS) were recorded. Results Objective reduction of snoring was noted on the sleep studies in 95% with an average reduction of 48%. Subjectively, the visual analogue scale reported by partners similarly demonstrated reduction in 95% of the patients with an average reduction of 40%. Conclusion This prospective cohort study demonstrates a notable improvement in both objective and subjective parameters of snoring and respiratory indices. SnooZeal® offers a novel approach to reduce snoring by utilising intra-oral neuromuscular electrical stimulation. This could be a preferred option for patients as it alleviates the need of using an oral device during sleep. Support

Download Full-text

Comparison of pain levels in patients treated with 3 different orthodontic appliances - a randomized trial

Medicine and Pharmacy Reports ◽

10.15386/mpr-1311 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Rajasri Diddige ◽

Gunjan Negi ◽

Kanamarlapudi Venkata Sai Kiran ◽

Prasad Chitra

Keyword(s):

Visual Analogue Scale ◽

Analogue Scale ◽

Orthodontic Treatment ◽

Orthodontic Appliances ◽

Initial Alignment ◽

Orthodontic Appliance ◽

Scale Scores ◽

Lower Pain ◽

Orthodontic Patients ◽

Fixed Appliances

Background and aims. To compare pain levels experienced during initial alignment with three different orthodontic appliance types and to correlate pain with male and female differences, if any. Methods. A prospective, randomized 3- arm parallel trial allocated 36 adult orthodontic patients into three appliance groups: MBT 0.022” slot (Mini Twin, Ormco, Glendora, USA), self ligating 0.022" slot Damon 3MX (Ormco, Glendora, USA) and clear aligners (Smile align, Mumbai, India). The level of discomfort was assessed through a questionnaire based on the visual analogue scale at four hours, twenty four hours, third and seventh day after appliance placement. Results. Patients treated with clear aligners reported less pain than patients treated with conventional and self ligating fixed appliances. Patients treated with MBT conventional appliances showed greater pain levels than Damon appliances. A significantly higher visual analogue scale score was observed at 24 hours and the least visual analogue scale scores on the seventh day post appliance placement. Conclusion. During the first week of orthodontic treatment, patients treated with clear aligners reported lower pain than those treated with conventional and self-ligating appliances.

Download Full-text