Articles tagged with Pain
A new 2-hour accelerated diagnostic protocol identified 352 patients with chest pain at low risk of major adverse cardiac events, who could be discharged earlier. The 99% accurate protocol uses point-of-care biomarkers, ECG, and TIMI score to classify patients.
A highly sensitive blood test has been shown to detect heart attacks in a third more patients than previous tests, identifying smaller amounts of heart damage. The test has been found to halve the risk of being readmitted to hospital with another heart attack within a year.
A new study from the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that depression can exacerbate knee arthritis symptoms beyond what is evident on X-rays. Patients with mild to moderate knee arthritis are especially affected by depression.
Ivory wave has emerged as a new legal high, replacing banned substance mephedrone, with reports of hospital admissions and deaths in various parts of England. The drug's effects include euphoria, paranoia, and cardiovascular problems, leading to violent behavior and organ damage.
Researchers found that patients with alcohol abuse history experienced less improvement in physical quality of life and greater pain and physical limitations after transplant surgery. However, their mental health quality improved significantly between baseline and one-month follow-up.
Researchers found that those primed to think of their own unethical nature subjected themselves to more pain, but experienced reduced feelings of guilt after the painful experience. Pain has been imbued with meaning as punishment, leading to its psychological effect of resolving guilt.
A new study found that empathy significantly reduces racial bias in pain treatment, with a 98% decrease in treatment disparities for college students and a 55% decrease among nurses. By asking participants to imagine their patients' feelings, the researchers were able to mitigate unconscious biases.
A study published in JAMA found that inhaling nitric oxide gas for up to 3 days did not shorten the time to resolution of painful crises in patients with sickle cell disease. The treatment, which had shown promise in small trials, failed to demonstrate significant benefits in reducing pain duration or hospitalization length.
A new study found that uterine fibroid treatment significantly improved quality of life for women, with non-minimally invasive options such as MRgFUS showing better outcomes. The study surveyed over 197 women who underwent different treatments, including hysterectomy and UAE.
A new study involving 150 patients with sickle cell disease found that inhaling nitric oxide gas did not improve outcomes, including reducing pain crisis duration or shortening hospital stays. The study's results contradict previous trials suggesting administration of nitric oxide might shorten sickle cell pain crises.
A recent study found that 65% of hospital patients reported experiencing pain within the last 24 hours, with 42% rating their pain as more than seven out of ten. The survey also revealed that only 39% of patients were asked to rate their pain using a numeric scale, highlighting the need for improved pain assessment in hospitals.
A new long-acting local anesthetic, neosaxitoxin, has been shown to significantly reduce postoperative pain and speed up recovery in surgical patients. The compound, derived from algae, provides local anesthesia for more than 24 hours, potentially eliminating the need for opioid analgesics.
A study found that bunion deformity progressively reduces health-related quality of life (HRQOL), affecting general and foot-specific well-being. Hallux valgus severity is linked to increased impairment and lower scores in pain and function subscales.
A study published by the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine found that patients receiving hamstring tendon grafts had lower rates of pain and mobility issues 15 years after ACL knee reconstruction. The results showed a higher activity level in those with hamstring grafts, with 77% able to perform strenuous activities.
Studies analyzed Medicare beneficiaries who had elective primary THR for osteoarthritis and found the risk of revision was approximately two percent per year for the first 18 months post-surgery. High-performance hips with improved functional capacity are also being developed for active patients, offering more durable implants.
A recent study found that total knee replacement patients retain high levels of functionality 20 years after surgery, defying common concerns about long-term decline. The study revealed that 95% of patients could walk at least five blocks and nearly half had unlimited walking abilities.
A study of 162 RA patients found poor sleep quality correlated with higher depressive symptoms, increased fatigue, and greater functional disability. Addressing sleep problems may have a critical impact on the health and lives of patients with RA.
Researchers found that viewing a person's hand reduces pain levels due to its size. Participants who saw an enlarged hand tolerated greater heat before reporting pain, while those seeing a smaller hand reported lower temperatures.
Researchers found that women administering their own patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) used 30% less analgesia than those with continuous epidural infusion (CEI), while reporting similar levels of satisfaction. The study also showed a trend toward reduction in instrumented vaginal deliveries.
Researchers have discovered a genetic variation linked to lower neuropeptide Y levels, increasing stress sensitivity and emotional processing in key brain circuits. This finding may aid in identifying individuals at high risk of developing major depressive disorder, enabling targeted interventions.
Researchers have developed an aptamer that blocks P-selectin receptors, reducing adhesion of sickle-shaped red blood cells and white blood cells. The compound may prevent debilitating pain crises and associated mortality in sickle cell disease, offering a potential new therapy for patients.
A new study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that shingles recurrences are more common than previously thought, occurring in over 5% of patients within eight years. Patients experiencing prolonged pain after the initial episode were more likely to face a recurrence.
Experts argue that Canada's assisted death laws should be linked to equal access to palliative care, highlighting a need to address the country's inequitable healthcare system. The Canadian Medical Association Journal commentary emphasizes the importance of optimized palliative care before considering legalization.
A six-year follow-up study found that shouldering family demands and worries increases the risk of angina in middle-aged Danish women and men. The study tracked over 4,500 participants and found that worrisome/demanding relationships with a partner or child posed the greatest risks, with a nearly four-fold increase in angina symptoms.
A recent study published in Pain found that cancer patients who smoke experience greater pain than nonsmokers, with increased pain severity and interference with daily activities. Quitting smoking may reduce pain over time, suggesting a potential benefit for cancer patients.
The study used fMRI to capture brain activity while patients experienced pain with and without acupuncture. Results showed significant reduction in activation of pain-processing areas under acupuncture, supporting the effectiveness of acupuncture in relieving pain.
Research suggests that ziconotide may worsen mental health conditions, particularly in vulnerable patients. Two new cases highlight the need for careful analysis of psychic disorders before treatment and close monitoring of patients treated with ziconotide.
A new evidence-based clinical practice guideline aims to reduce pain and distress of immunization in children, based on 71 studies involving 8050 children. The guidelines suggest various strategies to alleviate pain, including breastfeeding, topical anesthetics, and vaccine administration technologies.
Research from University of Michigan Marketing Professor Scott Rick shows that tightwads and spendthrifts tend to spend about the same amount on gifts during Black Friday. This discrepancy arises due to differences in psychological pain associated with spending decisions, particularly when purchases are optional.
A new study reveals that adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP) works in synergy with lactic acid to sense muscle pain. The researchers found that ATP increases the sensitivity of acid sensing channel #3 (ASIC3) on sensory neurons, helping to explain why acid alone is unable to trigger ischemic pain.
A new study presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions found that community education in rural and suburban areas significantly shortens treatment time for heart attack patients. The study, which examined the effect of a regional Level 1 MI program, found that patients who received outreach education came to the ho...
Researchers identified advanced stage cancer as the key factor predicting joint pain in breast cancer patients on aromatase inhibitor therapy. The study also found that tenosynovitis, inflammation of tendon sheaths, was present in some symptomatic subjects, but no correlation with depression or autoimmune markers was observed.
A University of Michigan Health System study reveals that younger adult cancer patients experience more pain flares and emotional issues compared to older adults. Younger adults also reported smaller incomes and struggled more with paying healthcare bills, affecting their overall well-being.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have found that social interactions can impact an individual's sensitivity to physical pain. Participants who experienced indifferent social interactions reported less pain sensitivity, while those with positive social experiences showed no change. This discovery has significant clinical implica...
Research by Uppsala University has found that nerve cells responsible for transmitting heat pain are also linked to itching sensations. This discovery could lead to the development of new treatments for conditions like eczema and burns.
Recent studies report no significant difference in function or patient satisfaction between biceps tenotomy and tenodesis for long head biceps tendinopathy. Nonsurgical treatment options, such as rest, anti-inflammatory drugs, and physical therapy, are considered the first line of treatment for this condition.
A new study reveals that manual plantar fasciitis stretching exercises outperform shockwave therapy in treating acute plantar fasciitis pain. Patients who performed stretching exercises reported higher patient satisfaction and superior results compared to those who received repetitive low-energy radial shock-wave therapy.
Researchers found that patient age may diminish the death benefit of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. Moderate to severe pain was common in patients' final years, especially for those with arthritis. E-cigarettes pose a new challenge for physicians counseling patients to abstain from nicotine due to safety concerns and potentia...
The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada unveiled new Canadian Cardiovascular Society guidelines and position statements at the 2010 Canadian Cardiovascular Congress. These updates aim to support clinicians in practicing evidence-based medicine, with a focus on atrial fibrillation management and antiplatelet therapy.
A study found that ER patients value accurate diagnoses more than radiation concerns from CT scans. Patients prefer discussing the risks and benefits of CT with their physicians before ordering the exam.
A study of 18 patients with sickle cell disease found that inhaling nitric oxide for four hours reduced pain control compared to standard self-administered morphine. Nitric oxide may help restore hemoglobin's natural shape and charge, addressing the root cause of pain.
A new study found that fructose intolerance is common in children with recurrent or functional abdominal pain, affecting 53.9% of patients. A low-fructose diet was effective in resolving symptoms in 67.7% of patients, highlighting the importance of identifying and managing this condition.
A new study found that clenching muscles can increase willpower by activating the mind-body connection. Participants who tightened their muscles demonstrated greater ability to withstand pain and make healthy choices.
A study found that shoppers are more likely to buy unhealthy foods when paying with credit or debit cards. The authors suggest this is due to the psychological pain of payment, which can curb impulsive behavior. This connection may be linked to the rising obesity epidemic in the US.
Researchers at the University of Zurich studied soccer fans' neural responses to ingroup and outgroup suffering, finding that brain regions associated with empathy for others' pain are activated when witnessing an ingroup suffer. This correlates with a greater willingness to help, whereas watching an outgroup suffer leads to decreased ...
The European Oncology Nursing Society has launched a breakthrough cancer pain initiative to improve patient outcomes in palliative care. The survey aims to identify knowledge gaps and provide insights into best practices for managing breakthrough cancer pain among oncology nurses across Europe.
Experts advocate for phasing out codeine due to its significant risks and unpredictable pharmacokinetics. Morphine, its active metabolite, is proposed as an alternative, offering more predictable metabolism and cost savings.
A recent study in the Journal of AAPOS found that feeding premature infants one hour before their retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) examination unexpectedly reduced stress levels. The researchers also discovered that this practice did not increase vomiting or gastric aspirates, contrary to current practice.
New research from the University of Southern California found that sparkling drinks activate pain sensors in the nasal cavity, similar to mustard and horseradish. The study discovered a specific type of cell responsible for this sensation, known as TRPA1.
Researchers found persistent racial, gender, and insurance-coverage based differences in triage categorization and cardiac testing among emergency room patients. African American and Hispanic patients were less likely to receive immediate care or basic cardiac testing procedures, such as ECGs.
Researchers discovered that combining practice with additional sensory stimulation can lead to significant learning gains. This approach may reduce the effort required for learning and improve therapies for children with language learning impairments or adults seeking to enhance perceptual abilities.
A study of 70 patients with low-to-moderate risk chest pain and a negative cardiac CT scan found no signs or symptoms of adverse cardiac events during the year after discharge. The results suggest that earlier discharge based on negative cardiac CTA results may be safe and clinically efficacious.
Researchers found that men who show more concern for their female partners with PVD may trigger more pain but also boost sexual satisfaction. The key to reducing pain is shifting focus away from vaginal intercourse while maintaining emotional intimacy.
A study published in The Lancet reveals that giving newborn babies oral sucrose does not relieve pain, but rather changes their facial expressions. Researchers administered sucrose or sterile water to 59 infants before undergoing heel lances and found no significant difference in brain activity or spinal reflex withdrawal, but a lower ...
A study found that individuals with borderline personality disorder experience heightened activation of limbic circuitry in response to emotions, but physical pain stimuli suppress this activation, providing possible relief. This process may help compensate for deficient emotional regulation mechanisms.
A study of over 400 patients found that 53% reported improved pain levels, but 17% experienced increased pain. The research also showed that 39% of patients experienced increased vitality, while 24% saw a decline. Poor recovery was relatively frequent six and 12 months after surgery.
A new study found that menstrual cramps can cause alterations in the brain's gray matter, even when pain is not present. Researchers discovered abnormal changes in specific brain areas involved in pain transmission and regulation, suggesting that the adolescent brain may be vulnerable to menstrual pain.
A pilot study found that reducing musculoskeletal pain by 20-30% is a key motivator for weight loss. The study, published in the journal Work, suggests that immediate health benefits can inspire overweight individuals to shed extra weight and commit to keeping it off.
A recent study found that transforaminal steroid injection is a viable alternative to surgery for lumbar radicular pain due to disc herniation, with 54% of patients achieving pain relief after 1 month. The treatment was shown to be more effective than other methods, including local anesthesia and saline injections.
Researchers found that people with better mental health felt less pain, while those with worse mental health experienced more. The study suggests that mental-health treatment could be an effective way to lessen arthritis pain.