Articles tagged with Pain
A new study found that esophageal cancer patients who experience certain symptom clusters after surgery have a higher risk of dying from their disease. The research identified three distinct symptom clusters, including fatigue and pain, reflux and cough, and eating difficulties, which are associated with increased mortality risk.
Research published in PLOS Computational Biology found that people prefer to hasten painful stimuli over waiting for it, as anticipation can be more disabling than the pain. The study suggests that focusing on immediate pain reduces dread, while considering future pain increases it.
A new study highlights the long-term benefits of rotator cuff surgery, showing significant cost savings and improved quality of life for patients. The study estimates that surgeries result in a lifetime societal savings of approximately $3.44 billion annually.
A study by CU-Boulder researchers found that using morphine to treat post-operative pain after abdominal surgery can actually prolong recovery time and increase suffering. The scientists discovered that both morphine and the surgery itself activate glial cells, leading to additional pain signals.
A study from Massachusetts General Hospital found that postoperative pain can contribute to temporary impairments in learning and memory in surgical patients. Researchers identified a probable mechanism for pain-induced cognitive impairment, suggesting pathways that may be targeted by potential preventive measures.
A study by Hospital for Special Surgery found that an exercise program for Asian seniors with arthritis reduced pain, improved mobility, and enhanced overall health. The program, which consisted of chair-based exercises and yoga, helped participants decrease musculoskeletal pain, stiffness, and fatigue.
A study found that congenitally blind subjects have lower heat pain thresholds and increased sensitivity to cold pain stimuli compared to sighted individuals. This suggests a permanent state of pain hypersensitivity due to the absence of visual cues, which allows for immediate detection and avoidance of potentially hazardous situations.
Researchers found that a quick neck injection of local anesthesia can reduce severe hot flashes in women by as much as 50 percent for at least six months. The treatment uses bupivacaine hydrochloride to target the stellate ganglion nerve bundle, providing symptom relief without hormonal therapy.
Research at Georgia State University reveals that infant pain can permanently alter future responses to anxiety, stress, and pain. The study found site-specific changes in brain receptors that affect behavioral sensitivity to stressful situations.
Researchers found that hospital patients were exposed to low levels of light, leading to poor sleep and increased fatigue. The study suggests that altering lighting patterns to mimic natural daylight could improve patient outcomes.
Researchers investigated the characteristics of hemiplegic shoulder pain post-stroke and found that early onset and specific diagnosis types can reduce pain management efficacy. Comprehensive rehabilitation and electroacupuncture are more effective in alleviating shoulder subluxation pain. The study provides valuable insights for diagn...
A study published in Psychonomic Bulletin & Review found that spending time immersed as a virtual character in role-playing video games can numb people to realizing important body signals in real life. Participants who played immersive video games showed reduced sensitivity to pain and were more indifferent to others' displeasure.
Researchers found that people smile more when someone they envy experiences discomfort, a phenomenon known as Schadenfreude. This reaction was strongest for groups associated with high status and competition, such as rich professionals.
Researchers found that people with good social ties had less severe pain after hip replacement surgery, while those with poor social connections experienced more pain. The study suggests that improving social support before surgery could lead to better outcomes.
Researchers found that the grasshopper mouse's sodium channel 1.8 has an amino acid substitution that blocks the activation of channel 1.8 and inhibits the pain response to scorpion venom, making them numb to its sting.
Researchers have identified a new way to relieve pain in dogs with bone cancer, using a single spinal injection of neurotoxin. The treatment showed promise in reducing pain levels, offering an alternative to more aggressive approaches like amputation and chemotherapy.
A study of 69,000 Medicare patients shows that vertebrae cement injections (augmentation) can improve survival rates by 77.8% at one year and 59.9% at three years compared to conservative management.
Researchers discovered that Neanderthals used toothpicks to alleviate periodontal disease pain, revealing a unique example of ancient palliative medicine. The study, published in PLOS ONE, analyzed toothpicking marks on a Neanderthal fossil and found evidence of maxillary porosity, characteristic of the disease.
A new USC study found that the brain activates more strongly to watching hateful people suffer compared to likable individuals. The 'pain matrix' of the brain is thought to be involved in processing complex social situations, and this study suggests it may prioritize monitoring enemies over loved ones.
Researchers have found that applying ice packs after major abdominal operations reduces postoperative pain and opioid use, with patients experiencing 50% less pain on the first and third days. An experimental prolonged drug delivery system using lidocaine also showed superior results in animal studies.
A new study published in JAMA found that over 95% of advanced prostate cancer patients receive multiple radiation treatments for pain control, despite the equivalent effectiveness of single treatments. The study reveals substantial cost savings with single-fraction treatment, with mean radiotherapy-related expenditures 62% lower for pa...
Researchers identify nerve pathways in the spinal cord that transmit pain signals from gastric reflux to the brain. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments beyond acid reduction, correcting sensitivity of nerve endings and providing balanced relief for sufferers.
Researchers at Henry Ford Hospital found that over-the-counter ibuprofen is just as effective as prescription pain medications in reducing post-operative pain after a tonsillectomy. The study, which enrolled 91 patients aged 3-38, showed no significant difference in pain control between the three groups.
A recent study published in The Lancet Oncology shows that abiraterone acetate significantly delays pain progression and quality of life deterioration when taken with prednisone. Patients experienced a more than eight-month delay in pain progression and a four-month delay in quality of life decline.
A neuroimaging study found that individuals with psychopathy fail to activate brain areas associated with empathy and concern for others when imagining others in pain. This atypical pattern of activation suggests that psychopaths may not care for others, but could be triggered into emotional response through cognitive-behavior therapies.
A study of over 2,200 children's hospital visits reveals racial and ethnic disparities in pain management and length of stay for abdominal pain. Black and Hispanic children were less likely to receive analgesics, while black patients had shorter hospital stays compared to white children.
A new meta-analysis of 29 randomized studies involving over 4,500 patients with knee osteoarthritis found significant improvement in pain and function with intra-articular hyaluronic acid (HA) injections compared to saline injections. The study confirmed the safety profile of FDA-approved HA products.
A recent clinical study found that arginine therapy significantly reduces the need for pain medication and lowers pain scores in children with sickle cell disease. The treatment also shows promise as a potential cure for acute pain episodes, with no safety concerns reported.
A study by McGill University Health Centre found that one in five young women (under 55) experiencing a heart attack do not exhibit chest pain as a symptom. The absence of this common indicator did not correlate with reduced disease severity, highlighting the need for more nuanced assessments and training for healthcare professionals.
New research suggests that sadistic tendencies are a distinct aspect of personality, joining psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism to form a 'Dark Tetrad'. Studies reveal that individuals with high levels of sadism experience pleasure from causing or observing others' suffering.
A study by researchers at Henry Ford Hospital found that patients with longer-lasting chest pain are more likely to have a heart attack. Patients with chest pain of short duration, less than 5 minutes, are unlikely to have a heart attack and have a good prognosis at 30 days.
A multi-institutional study found that a unique quality improvement methodology can effectively evaluate chest pain in children using minimal resources. The Standardized Clinical Assessment and Management Plans (SCAMPs) algorithm identified cardiac causes of chest pain while reducing testing utilization, with only 1% of patients having...
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that adding a transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block to surgical care reduced hospital stays by less than one day and postoperative narcotics use. The TAP block procedure, which poses no significant risks to patients, allows for quicker recovery and lower healt...
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital found that invading bacteria themselves are the cause of pain during skin infections, rather than the body's immune response. The study also showed that activated pain neurons suppress the immune system, potentially helping bacteria become more virulent.
Research from Monell Center reveals that carbonation's bite comes from the conversion of free carbon dioxide into carbonic acid in the mouth. Bubbles enhance this sensation through stimulation of the sense of touch.
Researchers are developing a sophisticated light sensor to monitor oxygen levels in leg muscles and signal when patients have pushed far enough before pain hits. The goal is to improve exercise tolerance and reduce symptoms for millions of Americans with peripheral artery disease.
A meta-analysis of 12 studies found that lateral wedge insoles had no significant or clinically important effect on reducing knee pain in patients with medial knee osteoarthritis. The overall effect estimate was moderately significant, but heterogeneity across studies suggested a null association.
A randomized clinical trial found that calcium and vitamin D supplementation did not reduce joint pain or swelling in postmenopausal women. The study analyzed data from the Women's Health Initiative calcium plus vitamin D supplementation trial, which included 1,911 participants.
A new study published in PNAS reveals that the TRPV4 molecule plays a key role in sunburn pain, which is caused by UVB radiation. The researchers found that blocking this molecule could provide protection against painful effects of sunburn and possibly other causes of pain.
A randomized controlled trial found that over 50% of children who received a topical analgesic experienced no pain during wound repair with tissue adhesive. The study suggested early application of the analgesic to all minor cuts may decrease children's pain during these procedures.
Research published in BMJ Quality & Safety found that most ward nurses report rationing care due to time pressures, with 86% saying they couldn't complete at least one care activity on their last shift. The study suggests that hospitals could use 'missed care' episodes as an early warning system for inadequate nurse staffing levels.
A clinical trial found that music significantly reduced children's reported pain and distress during IV procedures. The study also showed improved satisfaction levels for parents and healthcare providers. Researchers hope to continue exploring the benefits of music as a distraction from pain.
Gastroparesis patients who underwent transpyloric stent placement under the guidance of Johns Hopkins GI doctors experienced significant reductions in symptoms, including nausea and vomiting. The procedure, using an endoscope to place a small metal stent in the stomach, shows promise as a potential treatment option for this condition.
A new study by Long and Greenwood suggests that thinking about death can increase humorous creativity as a defense mechanism against anxiety. In the experiment, students who were subconsciously primed with the word 'death' wrote funnier captions than those who consciously wrote about it.
A young man experienced severe compartment syndrome in his shoulder due to excessive weightlifting, requiring surgery and hospitalization. The case report emphasizes the importance of recognizing unusual musculoskeletal injuries and highlights the role of bedside ultrasound in diagnosis.
A study found that patients from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are less likely to receive opioid pain medications, regardless of racial or ethnic background. The results highlight the need for increased awareness and consistent treatment practices to address these disparities.
Distal radius fractures, a common elderly fracture, require standardized measurement of clinical outcomes to inform evidence-based practice and research. ISFR-ISOF recommendations promote international consensus on core domains for assessment, including pain, function, and participation.
A recent study by the University of Gothenburg reveals that sailors are most commonly injured on land, primarily due to overstrain, especially during physical training. The study also found a higher incidence of injuries among younger sailors, with those on the national team experiencing more knee injuries.
A University of British Columbia study sheds light on why people attempt suicide, providing a new tool to advance suicide prevention and improve treatments. The Inventory of Motivations for Suicide Attempts (IMSA) is the most accurate and first scientifically tested measure for evaluating a person's motivations for suicide.
A new study by McGill University researchers suggests that the nervous system and nerve-growth factor (NGF) play a major role in arthritis. The findings support the idea that reducing elevated NGF levels may be an important strategy for developing treatment of arthritis pain.
Two studies assess joint replacement outcomes in patients with RA, overturning the common belief that RA patients have worse outcomes after a total knee replacement. RA patients who undergo hip replacement show similar improvements in function and pain as osteoarthritis patients.
A global survey found that treatment with vaginal estrogen improved sex lives for postmenopausal women, reducing pain and increasing satisfaction. The study also showed a positive impact on self-esteem and relationships.
A new therapy, magnetic resonance image-guided focused ultrasound (MRIgFU) ablation therapy, has significantly reduced pain in 67% of patients with bone cancer. The treatment uses heat to destroy tumors without invasive surgery.
Revascularization procedures have reduced the need for amputations in peripheral arterial disease patients by 40% over two decades, according to Mayo Clinic research. The study analyzed patients with leg pain and found that as use of revascularization rose, the amputation rate dropped.
A new research study from Fox Chase Cancer Center presents a breakthrough in pain relief for patients with bone metastases. The MR-guided focused ultrasound technique shows promise in providing quick and largely tolerable side effects relief, with most patients reporting significant improvement within three days.
Researchers developed a set of equations to estimate the initial dose of intrathecal spinal pain relievers, avoiding the need for epidural anesthesia trials. This approach could shorten time to satisfactory pain control in patients with uncontrolled cancer pain, allowing them to spend more of their remaining days at home.
A study found that routinely measuring fractional flow reserve (FFR) during coronary angiography changes the management of one in four patients with stable angina, according to results from the RIPCORD trial. The use of FFR led to a change in the judgement of whether a coronary artery had a 'significant' lesion in 64 patients.
Research on practice transformation, cost estimates for primary care facilitation, and alternative payment reform options are presented. The median cost of practice facilitation to improve chronic illness care is estimated at $9,670 per year, with lower costs expected in subsequent years.
A study published in the European Heart Journal found that long-term outcomes in patients with advanced coronary artery disease are better than expected. The researchers analyzed data from 1,200 consecutive patients with refractory angina and found a low mortality rate of 3.9% at one year and 28.4% at nine years.
A new study published in Journal of Consumer Research found that the proximity of product images to their desired outcomes affects consumer judgments. When products promise immediate results, companies should place images closer together in advertisements to optimize effectiveness.