Decompression of the Greater Occipital Nerve for Occipital Neuralgia and Chronic Occipital Headache Caused by Entrapment of the Greater Occipital Nerve

Background Chronic entrapment of the greater occipital nerve (GON) can not only manifest in typical stabbing pain of occipital neuralgia (ON) but also lead to continuous ache and pressure-like pain in the occipital and temporal areas. However, the effect of GON decompression on these symptoms has yet to be established. We report the follow-up results of GON decompression in typical cases of ON and chronic occipital headache due to GON entrapment (COHGONE). Methods A 1-year follow-up study of GON decompression was conducted on 11 patients with typical ON and 39 COHGONE patients with GON entrapment. The degree of pain reduction was analyzed using the numerical rating scale-11 (NRS-11) score and percent pain relief before and 1 year after surgery. A success was defined by at least a 50% reduction in pain measured via NRS-11 during the 12-month follow-up. To assess the degree of subjective satisfaction, a 10-point Likert scale was used. Postoperative outcome was also evaluated using the Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) pain intensity score. The difference in GON decompression between the patients with typical ON and those with COHGONE was studied. Results GON decompression was successful in 43 of 50 patients (86.0%) and percent pain relief was 72.99 ± 25.53. Subjective improvement based on a 10-point Likert scale was 7.9 ± 2.42 and the BNI grade was 2.06 ± 1.04. It was effective in both the ON and COHGONE groups, but the success rate was higher in the ON group (90.9%) than in the COHGONE group (84.6%), showing statistically significant differences in the results based on average NRS-11 score, percent pain relief, subjective improvement, and BNI grades (p < 0.05, independent t-test). Conclusion GON decompression is effective in chronic occipital headache and in ON symptoms induced by GON entrapment.

Microvascular decompression in trigeminal neuralgia: predictors of pain relief, complication avoidance, and lessons learned

Objective To analyze characteristics associated with long-term pain relief after microvascular decompression (MVD) for trigeminal neuralgia (TGN). Description of associated morbidity and complication avoidance. Methods One hundred sixty-five patients with TGN underwent 171 MVD surgeries at the authors’ institution. Patient characteristics and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) datasets were obtained through the hospital’s archiving system. Patients provided information about pre- and post-operative pain characteristics and neurologic outcome. Favorable outcome was defined as a Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) pain intensity score of I to III with post-operative improvement of I grade. Results Type of TGN pain with purely paroxysmal pain (p = 0.0202*) and TGN classification with classical TGN (p = 0.0372*) were the only significant predictors for long-term pain relief. Immediate pain relief occurred in 90.6% of patients with a recurrence rate of 39.4% after 3.5 ± 4.6 years. MRI reporting of a neurovascular conflict had a low negative predictive value of 39.6%. Mortality was 0% with major complications observed in 8.2% of patients. Older age was associated with lower complication rates (p = 0.0009***). Re-MVD surgeries showed improved long-term pain relief in four out of five cases. Conclusions MVD is a safe and effective procedure even in the elderly. It has the unique potential to cure TGN if performed on a regular basis, and if key surgical steps are respected. Early MVD should be offered in case of medical treatment failure and paroxysmal pain symptoms. The presence of a neurovascular conflict on MRI is not mandatory. In case of recurrence, re-MVD is a good treatment option that should be discussed with patients. Highlights • Long-term analysis of pain relief after MVD. • Positive predictors for outcome: classical TGN and purely paroxysmal pain. • Presence of neurovascular conflict in MRI is not mandatory for MVD surgery. • Analysis of complications and surgical nuances for avoidance. • MVD is a safe procedure also in the elderly.

Facial pain and sensory outcomes following resection of tumors compressing the trigeminal nerve

OBJECTIVE Tumors compressing the trigeminal nerve can cause facial pain, numbness, or paresthesias. Limited data exist describing how these symptoms change after resection and what factors predict symptom improvement. The objective of this study was to report trigeminal pain and sensory outcomes after tumor resection and identify factors predicting postoperative symptom improvement. METHODS This retrospective study included patients with tumors causing facial pain, numbness, or paresthesias who underwent resection. Trigeminal schwannomas were excluded. Logistic regression, recursive partitioning, and time-to-event analyses were used to report outcomes and identify variables associated with facial sensory outcomes. RESULTS Eighty-six patients met inclusion criteria, and the median follow-up was 3.1 years; 63 patients (73%) had meningiomas and 23 (27%) had vestibular schwannomas (VSs). Meningioma patients presented with pain, numbness, and paresthesias in 56%, 76%, and 25% of cases, respectively, compared with 9%, 91%, and 39%, respectively, for patients with VS. Most meningioma patients had symptoms for less than 1 year (60%), whereas the majority of VS patients had symptoms for 1–5 years (59%). The median meningioma and VS diameters were 3.0 and 3.4 cm, respectively. For patients with meningiomas, gross-total resection (GTR) was achieved in 27% of patients, near-total resection (NTR) in 29%, and subtotal resection (STR) in 44%. For patients with VS, GTR was achieved in 9%, NTR in 30%, and STR in 61%. Pain improved immediately after tumor resection in 81% of patients and in 92% of patients by 6 weeks. Paresthesias improved immediately in 80% of patients, increasing to 84% by 6 weeks. Numbness improved more slowly, with 52% of patients improving immediately, increasing to 79% by 2 years. Pain recurred in 22% of patients with meningiomas and 0% of patients with VSs. After resection, the Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) facial pain intensity score improved in 73% of patients. The tumor diameter significantly predicted improvement in BNI score (OR 0.47/cm larger, 95% CI 0.22–0.99; p = 0.047). Complete decompression of the trigeminal nerve was associated with qualitative improvement in pain (p = 0.037) and decreased pain recurrence (OR 0.08, 95% CI 0.01–0.67; p = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS Most patients with facial sensory symptoms caused by meningiomas or VSs experienced improvement after resection. Surgery led to immediate and sustained improvement in pain and paresthesias, whereas numbness was slower to improve. Patients with smaller tumors and complete decompression of the trigeminal nerve were more likely to experience improvement in facial pain.

The effect of Quercus infectoria pair cream on the severity of episiotomy pain in nulliparous women

Introduction: Episiotomy is an incision in the perineal area during the second stage of labor to facilitate delivery. Complications of perineal injuries are one of the most important health issues. Oak pair has long been used experimentally to heal wounds and reduce pain. The present study was performed to investigate the effect of oak pair (Quercus infectoria) cream on pain due to episiotomy in nulliparous women. Methods: This double-blind clinical trial experimental study was performed on 120 nulliparous women in Asali hospital in 2018. Individuals were randomly divided into oak pair cream, placebo, and normal saline groups. Data were collected by demographic and midwifery information questionnaires and numerical pain scales. The creams were used by the participants every 12 hours for 10 days, and the pain intensity was evaluated before the intervention and on days 1, 5, and 10. Data analysis was performed by SPSS using chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in pain intensity scores among the three groups of oak pair, placebo, and normal saline before the intervention (P = 0.20). Pain intensity on days 1, 5, and 10 after the intervention showed a significant difference between the three groups in favor of oak cream (P < 0.001). The results showed that there was a significant decrease in the mean pain intensity score of the oak pair receiving group over time (P < 0.001).Conclusion: Oak cream might be effective in reducing pain caused by episiotomy due to analgesic properties.

Gamma Knife radiosurgery for cluster-tic syndrome unresponsive to medical treatment: illustrative case

BACKGROUND Cluster-tic syndrome is a disorder characterized by the coexistence of symptoms related to both cluster headache and trigeminal neuralgia. Etiopathogenesis is not yet well defined. Medical treatment, including drugs for both cluster headache and trigeminal neuralgia, is the first therapeutic choice, whereas more invasive treatments are indicated in the case of pharmacological therapy failure or in the presence of drug side effects. To date, no randomized and/or large cohort trials describing Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) for cluster-tic syndrome are available, probably due to the syndrome’s rarity. OBSERVATIONS The authors describe the case of a 76-year-old woman with refractory cluster-tic syndrome who underwent GKRS with double target (the retrogasserian portion of the trigeminal nerve and the sphenopalatine ganglion). The Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) of pain and the Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) pain intensity score before treatment were 7 (up to 10 during paroxysmal pain attacks) and V, respectively. At last follow-up, 24 months after GKRS, the patient had discontinued her pain medications and NRS and BNI pain scores were 1 and I, respectively. No trigeminal sensory disorders were reported. LESSONS The present case shows that GKRS, in selected cases, could be an effective treatment in patients with refractory cluster-tic syndrome.

Influence of pain on the development in preterm infants

Introduction. The influence of uncontrolled exposure to pain in newborns in the first days of life on the long-term consequences for both the brain and the development of the nervous system as a whole is of interest. The aim of the study was to assess the intensity of pain in preterm infants who need respiratory care in the early neonatal period and to determine its impact on the development of the child by the end of the first month of life. Materials and methods. From December 2018 to December 2019, 92 preterm infants requiring respiratory support in the early neonatal period were examined. Pain intensity was assessed on the EDIN6 scale, and neuro-muscular maturity was assessed on the J. Ballard scale. The preterm infants were divided into 2 groups: Group I 34 children who underwent invasive ventilation (body weight 1120 [865; 1390] g, gestational age 29 [26; 31] weeks); group II 58 newborns who used non-invasive respiratory therapy (CPAP) (body weight 1160 [875; 1400] g, gestational age 29 [28; 31] weeks). Group I newborns had a lower Apgar score at 5 minutes (p = 0.001) and a higher Silverman score (p = 0.001). Results and discussions. In all newborns, the maximum pain intensity score on the EDIN6 scale was registered on the 3rd day of life: in group I, it was 9, and in group II points (p = 0.041), which corresponds to moderate pain. Group I children underwent more manipulations (20.8 2.14 vs 17.7 2.05; p = 0.016). An increase in the average airway pressure of 10 cm H2O in group I children and 6.5 cm H2O in group II patients is accompanied by an increase in the intensity of pain to severe and moderate, respectively. In both groups of children, an inverse correlation was found between the number of manipulations, head circumference (R = 0.64; p = 0.004) and the J. Ballard score on the 28th day of life (R = 0.57; p = 0.008). The number of painful manipulations in the early neonatal period, exceeding 21 procedures per day, increases the risk of delayed child development by more than 3.5 (p = 0.009; OR = 3.68; CI = 1.128.36). Conclusion. The number of manipulations performed and the value of the average airway pressure are the main factors affecting the intensity of pain in preterm infants and determining their development in the neonatal period.

POS0017 IMC-1, A FIXED DOSE COMBINATION OF FAMCICLOVIR AND CELECOXIB, IMPROVES COMMON SYMPTOMS ASSOCIATED WITH FIBROMYALGIA IN ADDITION TO PAIN: POST HOC ANALYSIS OF A PHASE 2A TRIAL

Background:Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease characterized by widespread pain and severe fatigue that may be triggered by reactivation of latent herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). In a Phase 2a proof of concept trial, IMC-1 (a fixed dose combination of famciclovir and celecoxib) demonstrated greater tolerability and statistically significant reduction in pain compared with placebo, as measured by change from baseline to week 16 in 24-hour recall pain intensity on an 11-point Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and 7-day recall pain intensity on the 11-point pain item on the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ-R).Objectives:In this post hoc analysis, we evaluated the effects of IMC-1 compared with placebo on other fibromyalgia symptoms, including lack of energy, stiffness, problems with sleep, problems with memory, depression, and anxiety.Methods:In the double-blind, multi-center, placebo-controlled trial, male or female patients 18–70 years of age who met diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia and had at baseline a 24-hour recall average pain intensity score between 4 and 9 on the NRS were randomized 1:1 to 16 weeks of treatment with IMC-1 or placebo. Mean changes from baseline to week 16 in FIQ-R symptom scores were analyzed using a Mixed-Effect Model Repeated Measure (MMRM) model with treatment as the main effect, and investigative site and baseline FIQ-R symptom scores as covariates.Results:A total of 143 patients were enrolled and randomized to treatment with IMC-1 (n=69) or placebo (n=74). Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were comparable between treatment groups; the majority of patients were Caucasian (95.8%) and female (93.7%) with a mean age of ~49 years. Compared with placebo, treatment with IMC-1 resulted in statistically significant improvements in the FIQ-R symptom scores of stiffness (least squares mean change from baseline -0.96 vs. -1.92, P=0.03), sleep quality (-0.76 vs. -1.76, P=0.039), depression (-0.44 vs. -1.33, P=0.016), and anxiety (-0.30 vs. -1.69, P<0.001), but not in energy level (-0.67 vs. -1.29, P=0.115) or memory problems (-0.71 vs. -1.24, P=0.165).Conclusion:In addition to alleviation of chronic pain, treatment with IMC-1 appears to be effective in improving many of the other symptoms often associated with fibromyalgia. Further clinical trials are warranted.References:[1]Pridgen WL, Duffy C, Gendreau JF, Gendreau RM. A famciclovir + celecoxib combination treatment is safe and efficacious in the treatment of fibromyalgia. J Pain Res. 2017;10:451-460.Disclosure of Interests:William Pridgen Consultant of: Virios Therapeutics, Carol Duffy Consultant of: Virios Therapeutics, Grant/research support from: The University of Alabama, Department of Biological Sciences has received financial research support from Innovative Med Concepts (now Virios Therapeutics) in the form of two Sponsored Research Agreements., Judy F. Gendreau Consultant of: Tonix, Dare Bioscience, Virios Therapeutics, R. Michael Gendreau Consultant of: Tonix, Teva, Swing Therapeutics, Dare Bioscience, Employee of: Virios Therapeutics.

Cryoneurolysis for the management of chronic pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis; a double-blinded randomized controlled sham trial

Objective Pain is the principal symptom in knee osteoarthritis (OA). Current non-operative treatment options have only moderate effects and often patients experience persistent pain or side-effects. Novel advances in the field of cryoneurolysis applies low temperatures to disrupt nerve signaling at the painful area, providing pain relief. The primary aim of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to investigate if cryoneurolysis is superior to sham at decreasing pain intensity 2 weeks after the intervention in patients with knee OA. Secondary aims are to explore effects on pain, quality of life and functional performance over 24 months. Methods This two-arm, parallel-group RCT, approved by the Regional Ethics Committee, will randomly allocate patients (n = 94) to a cryoneurolysis intervention group + standardized education and exercise (CRYO) or a sham group + standardized education and exercise (SHAM) (1:1 ratio). Both groups will be assessed at baseline, 2 weeks post intervention, post education and exercise and at 6, 12 and 24 months after cryoneurolysis. The primary outcome is the NRS knee pain intensity score assessed 2 weeks post the intervention. Secondary outcome measures include functional performance (chair-stand test, 40 m walk, stair test and maximum voluntary contraction of the knee), patient reported outcomes (quality of life (EQ5D), Knee and osteoarthritis outcome scores (KOOS), among others), use of analgesics, and adverse events over 24 months. Impact statement Cryoneurolysis could potentially provide an effective, safe and non-pharmacological therapeutic option to treat pain in OA patients. The potential benefits include increased functional capacity and quality of life as a result of significant pain relief and improved benefits of physical exercise. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03774121, registered 3 March 2018, http://www.clinicaltrials.gov

Internal Neurolysis (Nerve Combing) for Trigeminal Neuralgia without Neurovascular Compression

Objective The aim of the present study was to describe and evaluate the initial and the long-term clinical outcome of internal neurolysis (IN) for trigeminal neuralgia (TN) without neurovascular compression (NVC). Methods A total of 170 patients diagnosed with TN were treated by posterior fossa exploration, during the period between April 2012 and October 2019. The patients were divided into two groups: Group A (50 patients) was treated by IN and Group B (120 patients) received microvascular decompression (MVD). Surgical outcomes and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. Pain intensity was assessed by the Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) pain intensity score and BNI facial numbness score. Pain recurrence was statistically evaluated with Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results Pain was completely relieved in 44 patients (88%) who underwent IN (group A); 3 (6%) experienced occasional pain but did not require medication (BNI 2). In group B, 113 (94%) experienced immediate pain relief after MVD. The median duration of follow-ups was 4 years (6 months to 7.5 years). In Group A, there was a meantime recurrence of 27 months in 3 patients (6%). The recurrence in Group B was of 5.8% during the follow-up period. There were no statistically significant differences in the surgical outcomes between the two groups. All patients with IN experienced some degree of numbness, 88% of the cases resolved in 6 months, on average. Conclusion Internal neurolysis is an effective, safe and durable treatment option for trigeminal neuralgia when NVC is absent.

The Efficacy and Safety of the Application of Pulsed Radiofrequency, Combined With Low-Temperature Continuous Radiofrequency, to the Gasserian Ganglion for the Treatment of Primary Trigeminal Neuralgia: Study Protocol for a Prospective, Open-Label, Parallel, Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND: Trigeminal neuralgia is a very painful condition, and radiofrequency therapy is reserved for patients who are resistant or intolerant to pharmacologic therapy. Continuous radiofrequency (CRF) and pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) both have advantages and disadvantages. Recently, studies have found that PRF combined with low-temperature (< 65°C) CRF increases the efficacy of treatment, without leading to a significant increase in complications caused by nerve lesions. However, these reports have some limitations. OBJECTIVES: We plan to conduct a randomized, controlled study to compare the efficacy of applying high-voltage PRF, with and without low-temperature CRF, to the Gasserian ganglion for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. STUDY DESIGN: A study protocol for a prospective, open-label, parallel, randomized controlled trial (clinicaltrials.gov; NCT04174443). SETTING: The Department of Pain Management, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University in Beijing, China. METHODS: One hundred forty-six patients with primary trigeminal neuralgia will be randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups using an allocation ratio of 1:1. In the high-voltage PRF combined with low-temperature CRF group, 2 Hz of PRF will be applied under the following conditions: a voltage of 70 V, temperature of 42°C, pulse width of 20 ms, and treatment time of 600 s. Low-temperature CRF will then be performed at 60°C, with a treatment time of 270 s. In the high-voltage PRF group, only high-voltage PRF will be performed, using the same treatment parameters. Follow-up process will last for a duration of 1 year. RESULTS: The primary outcome will be the effectiveness of the treatment after 12 months, which is the percentage of patients with a modified Barrow Neurological Institute Pain Intensity Score (BNI) between I and III. The secondary outcome will include the following: BNI score, Numeric Rating Scale, dose of carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine, patient satisfaction score, quality of life, numbness, side effects, and adverse reactions. These will be recorded over a 1-year follow-up period. LIMITATIONS: The open-label study design may influence the measurement of outcomes and introduce bias, for example, performance or ascertainment bias. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this will be the first prospective, open-label, parallel, randomized controlled trial to compare the efficacy and safety of the application of high-voltage PRF, combined with and without low-temperature (60°C) CRF, for the patients who have failed to respond to pharmacologic treatments for primary trigeminal neuralgia. If proven effective, this will be an important, safe, minimally destructive alternative treatment modality for primary trigeminal neuralgia following an ineffective conservative treatment. KEY WORDS: Trigeminal neuralgia, PRF, continuous radiofrequency, high-voltage PRF combined with low-temperature continuous radiofrequency, study protocol, Barrow Neurological Institute Pain Intensity Score, patient satisfaction score, quality of life, numbness