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Sharav Y, Heiliczer S, Benoliel R, Haviv Y. Pharmacological Topical Therapy for Intra-Oral Post Traumatic Trigeminal Neuropathic Pain: A Comprehensive Review. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:264. [PMID: 38399479 PMCID: PMC10893422 DOI: 10.3390/ph17020264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The efficacy of topical treatments in alleviating neuropathic pain is well-established. However, there is a paucity of research on topical interventions designed specifically for intra-oral application, where the tissue composition differs from that of exposed skin. Methods: This comprehensive review endeavors to assess the extant evidence regarding the efficacy of topical treatments in addressing neuropathic pain within the oral cavity. Utilizing combinations of search terms, we conducted a thorough search across standard electronic bibliographic databases-MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, Google Scholar, and Up to Date. The variables under scrutiny encompassed topical treatment, local intervention, chronic oral and orofacial pain, and neuropathic pain. All pertinent studies published in the English language between 1992 and 2022 were included in our analysis. Results: Fourteen relevant manuscripts were identified, primarily consisting of expert opinions and case reports. The comprehensive review suggests that topical treatments, especially when applied under a stent, could be effective in mitigating neuropathic pain in the oral area. However, it is crucial to conduct further studies to confirm these preliminary results. The limitations of the reviewed studies, mainly the reliance on expert opinions, small sample sizes, inconsistent study designs, and a lack of long-term follow-up data, highlight the need for more rigorous research. Conclusions: Although initial findings indicate topical treatments may be effective for oral neuropathic pain, the limitations of current studies call for more thorough research. Further comprehensive studies are essential to validate the efficacy of these treatments, standardize procedures, and determine long-term results. This will provide clearer guidance for treating chronic neuropathic pain in the oral cavity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yair Sharav
- Department of Oral Medicine, Sedation and Imaging, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91120, Israel; (Y.S.); (S.H.)
| | - Shimrit Heiliczer
- Department of Oral Medicine, Sedation and Imaging, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91120, Israel; (Y.S.); (S.H.)
- Oral Medicine Unit, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv 64239, Israel
| | | | - Yaron Haviv
- Department of Oral Medicine, Sedation and Imaging, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91120, Israel; (Y.S.); (S.H.)
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2
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Abstract
Use of topical and local anesthesia (LA) is the workhorse of all aspects of dentistry. There was a time in the past when dentistry was performed without any local pain control. Owing to this there are patients with dental anxiety and fear of a dental office. The media portraying dentistry as being painful, or showing a dentist with needles, enlists fear and distrust of dentists. In contrast, pain is what brings the patient to the dental office and with local pain control measures a dentist is able to alleviate the patient's cause of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junaid Mundiya
- Department of Dentistry and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Brooklyn Hospital Center, 121 DeKalb Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA.
| | - Edward Woodbine
- Department of Dentistry and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Brooklyn Hospital Center, 121 DeKalb Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA
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3
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Shinoda M, Imamura Y, Hayashi Y, Noma N, Okada-Ogawa A, Hitomi S, Iwata K. Orofacial Neuropathic Pain-Basic Research and Their Clinical Relevancies. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:691396. [PMID: 34295221 PMCID: PMC8291146 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.691396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Trigeminal nerve injury is known to cause severe persistent pain in the orofacial region. This pain is difficult to diagnose and treat. Recently, many animal studies have reported that rewiring of the peripheral and central nervous systems, non-neuronal cell activation, and up- and down-regulation of various molecules in non-neuronal cells are involved in the development of this pain following trigeminal nerve injury. However, there are many unknown mechanisms underlying the persistent orofacial pain associated with trigeminal nerve injury. In this review, we address recent animal data regarding the involvement of various molecules in the communication of neuronal and non-neuronal cells and examine the possible involvement of ascending pathways in processing pathological orofacial pain. We also address the clinical observations of persistent orofacial pain associated with trigeminal nerve injury and clinical approaches to their diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masamichi Shinoda
- Department of Physiology, Nihon University School of Dentistry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Imamura
- Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences, Nihon University School of Dentistry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Hayashi
- Department of Physiology, Nihon University School of Dentistry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Noboru Noma
- Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences, Nihon University School of Dentistry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akiko Okada-Ogawa
- Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences, Nihon University School of Dentistry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Suzuro Hitomi
- Department of Physiology, Nihon University School of Dentistry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koichi Iwata
- Department of Physiology, Nihon University School of Dentistry, Tokyo, Japan
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4
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Kohli D, Katzmann G, Benoliel R, Korczeniewska OA. Diagnosis and management of persistent posttraumatic trigeminal neuropathic pain secondary to implant therapy: A review. J Am Dent Assoc 2020; 152:483-490. [PMID: 33293028 DOI: 10.1016/j.adaj.2020.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/15/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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5
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Conti PCR, Bonjardim LR, Stuginski-Barbosa J, Costa YM, Svensson P. Pain complications of oral implants: Is that an issue? J Oral Rehabil 2020; 48:195-206. [PMID: 33047362 DOI: 10.1111/joor.13112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The use of oral implants as a form of replacing missing teeth in partial or total edentulous patients is considered the gold standard in oral rehabilitation. Although considered a history of success in contemporary dentistry, surgical complications may occur, as excessive bleeding, damage to the adjacent teeth and mandibular fractures. Persistent pain and abnormal somatosensory responses after the surgery ordinary healing time are also potential problems and may lead to the development of a condition named posttraumatic trigeminal neuropathic pain (PTNP). Though relatively rare, PTNP has a profound impact on patient's quality of life. Appropriated previous image techniques, effective anaesthetic procedures and caution during the surgical procedure and implant installation are recommended for the prevention of this condition. In case of the PTNP, different management modalities, including antidepressant and membrane stabilizer medications, as well as peripheral strategies, as the use of topical medication and the botulin toxin are presented and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo César Rodrigues Conti
- Department of Prosthodontics, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Brazil.,Bauru Orofacial Pain Group, University of São Paulo, Bauru, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Rigoldi Bonjardim
- Section of Head and Face Physiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Bauru, Brazil.,Department of Biosciences, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | | | - Yuri Martins Costa
- Bauru Orofacial Pain Group, University of São Paulo, Bauru, Brazil.,Department of Biosciences, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Peter Svensson
- Section of Orofacial Pain and Jaw Function, Department of Dentistry and Oral Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Orofacial Pain and Jaw Function, Faculty of Odontology, Malmø University, Malmø, Sweden.,Scandinavian Center for Orofacial Neurosciences (SCON)
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6
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Chronic orofacial pain. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2020; 127:575-588. [DOI: 10.1007/s00702-020-02157-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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7
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Araújo-Filho HG, Pereira EWM, Campos AR, Quintans-Júnior LJ, Quintans JSS. Chronic orofacial pain animal models - progress and challenges. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2018; 13:949-964. [PMID: 30220225 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2018.1524458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic orofacial pain is one of the most common pain conditions experienced by adults. Animal models are often selected as the most useful scientific methodology to explore the pathophysiology of the disorders that cause this disabling pain to facilitate the development of new treatments. The creation of new models or the improvement of existing ones is essential for finding new ways to approach the complex neurobiology of this type of pain. Areas covered: The authors describe and discuss a variety of animal models used in chronic orofacial pain (COFP). Furthermore, they examine in detail the mechanisms of action involved in orofacial neuropathic pain and orofacial inflammatory pain. Expert opinion: The use of animal models has several advantages in chronic orofacial pain drug discovery. Choosing an animal model that most closely represents the human disease helps to increase the chances of finding effective new therapies and is key to the successful translation of preclinical research to clinical practice. Models using genetically modified animals seem promising but have not yet been fully developed for use in chronic orofacial pain research. Although animal models have provided significant advances in the pharmacological treatment of orofacial pain, several barriers still need to be overcome for better treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heitor G Araújo-Filho
- a Laboratory of Neuroscience and Pharmacological Assays (LANEF), Department of Physiology , Federal University of Sergipe , São Cristóvão , Brazil
| | - Erik W M Pereira
- a Laboratory of Neuroscience and Pharmacological Assays (LANEF), Department of Physiology , Federal University of Sergipe , São Cristóvão , Brazil
| | - Adriana Rolim Campos
- b Experimental Biology Centre (NUBEX) , University of Fortaleza (UNIFOR) , Fortaleza , Brazil
| | - Lucindo J Quintans-Júnior
- a Laboratory of Neuroscience and Pharmacological Assays (LANEF), Department of Physiology , Federal University of Sergipe , São Cristóvão , Brazil
| | - Jullyana S S Quintans
- a Laboratory of Neuroscience and Pharmacological Assays (LANEF), Department of Physiology , Federal University of Sergipe , São Cristóvão , Brazil
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Tassorelli C, Tramontano M, Berlangieri M, Schweiger V, D'Ippolito M, Palmerini V, Bonazza S, Rosa R, Cerbo R, Buzzi MG. Assessing and treating primary headaches and cranio-facial pain in patients undergoing rehabilitation for neurological diseases. J Headache Pain 2017; 18:99. [PMID: 28963668 PMCID: PMC5622014 DOI: 10.1186/s10194-017-0809-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pain is a very common condition in patient undergoing rehabilitation for neurological disease; however the presence of primary headaches and other cranio-facial pains, particularly when they are actually or apparently independent from the disability for which patient is undergoing rehabilitation, is often neglected. Diagnostic and therapeutic international and national guidelines, as well as tools for the subjective measure of head pain are available and should also be applied in the neurorehabilitation setting. This calls for searching the presence of head pain, independently from the rehabilitation needs, since pain, either episodic or chronic, interferes with patient performance by affecting physical and emotional status. Pain may also interfere with sleep and therefore hamper recovery. METHODS In our role of task force of the Italian Consensus Conference on Pain in Neurorehabilitation (ICCPN), we have elaborated specific recommendations for diagnosing and treating head pains in patients undergoing rehabilitation for neurological diseases. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION In this narrative review, we describe the available literature that has been evaluated in order to define the recommendations and outline the needs of epidemiological studies concerning headache and other cranio-facial pain in neurorehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Tassorelli
- IRCCS National Neurological Institute "C. Mondino", Pavia, Italy
- Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Tramontano
- IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via Ardeatina, 306 00179, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariangela Berlangieri
- IRCCS National Neurological Institute "C. Mondino", Pavia, Italy
- Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Mariagrazia D'Ippolito
- IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via Ardeatina, 306 00179, Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Sara Bonazza
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Riccardo Rosa
- Clinical Medicine - Headache Center, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosanna Cerbo
- Pain Therapy Hub, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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Clark GT, Padilla M, Dionne R. Medication Treatment Efficacy and Chronic Orofacial Pain. Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am 2017; 28:409-21. [PMID: 27475515 DOI: 10.1016/j.coms.2016.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Chronic pain in the orofacial region has always been a vexing problem for dentists to diagnose and treat effectively. For trigeminal neuropathic pain, there are 3 medications (gabapentinoids, tricyclic antidepressants, and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) to use plus topical anesthetics that have therapeutic efficacy. For chronic daily headaches (often migraine in origin), 3 prophylactic medications have reasonable therapeutic efficacy (β-blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, and antiepileptic drugs). The 3 Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs for fibromyalgia (pregabalin, duloxetine, and milnacipran) are not robust, with poor efficacy. For osteroarthritis, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have therapeutic efficacy and when gastritis contraindicates them, corticosteriod injections are helpful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenn T Clark
- Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, 925 West 34th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.
| | - Mariela Padilla
- Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, 925 West 34th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Raymond Dionne
- Department of Pharmacology, Brody School of Medicine, 6S19 Brody Medical Science Building, 600 Moye Boulevard, East Carolina University, Schools of Medicine and Dental Medicine, Greenville, NC 27834-4354, USA
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10
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Orofacial antinociceptive activity of (S)-(−)-perillyl alcohol in mice: a randomized, controlled and triple-blind study. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2017; 46:662-667. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijom.2017.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Revised: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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11
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Abstract
As described in this article, there are many advances in topical and local anesthesia. Topical and local anesthetics have played a great role in dentistry in alleviating the fears of patients, eliminating pain, and providing pain control. Many invasive procedures would not be performed without the use and advances of topical/local anesthetics. The modern-day dentist has the responsibility of knowing the variety of products on the market and should have at least references to access before, during, and after treatment. This practice ensures proper care with topical and local anesthetics for the masses of patients entering dental offices worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo A Boyce
- Department of Dentistry/Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Brooklyn Hospital Center, 121 DeKalb Avenue, Box 187, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA.
| | - Tarun Kirpalani
- Department of Dentistry/Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Brooklyn Hospital Center, 121 DeKalb Avenue, Box 187, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA
| | - Naveen Mohan
- Department of Dentistry/Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Brooklyn Hospital Center, 121 DeKalb Avenue, Box 187, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA
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12
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Herrero Babiloni A, Kapos FP, Nixdorf DR. Intraoral administration of botulinum toxin for trigeminal neuropathic pain. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol 2016; 121:e148-53. [PMID: 27181448 DOI: 10.1016/j.oooo.2016.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2015] [Revised: 02/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
This article presents 2 cases of different neuropathic trigeminal pain conditions treated with intraoral botulinum toxin injections. There is a growing body of evidence to support the use of this substance when administered subcutaneously in the treatment of neuropathic pain, such as in extraoral injections for trigeminal neuralgia. However, reports of intraoral submucosal administration are still lacking. In the 2 cases presented here, neuropathic pain was refractory to treatment with an important intraoral peripheral component, so onabotulinum toxin A was introduced as an adjuvant therapy. The technique, doses, and dilution are discussed. The patients reported significant reductions in pain frequency and intensity, with minimal side effects of temporary mucosal dryness and smile droopiness. The analgesic benefits of botulinum toxin may be utilized to address intraoral neuropathic pain. Further studies are needed to confirm safety and effectiveness in larger samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Herrero Babiloni
- Division of TMD & Orofacial Pain, School of Dentistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| | - Flavia P Kapos
- Division of TMD & Orofacial Pain, School of Dentistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Donald R Nixdorf
- Division of TMD & Orofacial Pain, School of Dentistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA; Department of Neurology, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minneapolis, MN, USA; HealthPartners Institute for Education and Research, Bloomington, MN, USA
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Safaeian P, Mattie R, Hahn M, Plastaras CT, McCormick ZL. Novel Treatment of Radicular Pain With a Multi-Mechanistic Combination Topical Agent: A Case Series and Literature Review. Anesth Pain Med 2016; 6:e33322. [PMID: 27252902 PMCID: PMC4886452 DOI: 10.5812/aapm.33322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Revised: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pharmacologic treatment of radicular pain with oral medications is limited by adverse effects and concern for dependence. While topical formulations have been explored in pain research, there is no published literature evaluating the efficacy in radicular pain. We present the first three cases of radicular pain successfully treated with a topical formulation of diclofenac, ibuprofen, baclofen, cyclobenzaprine, bupivacaine, gabapentin, and pentoxifylline (T7). Case Presentation Case series evaluating T7 for treatment of radicular pain in a single, outpatient pain center. Pain was rated on the numeric rating scale (NRS) on initial evaluation and follow up after a trial of T7. One to two grams of T7 was applied to the affected area 3 - 4 times daily in addition to the patient’s baseline pharmacologic management. Three patients with median age of 50 (range, 39 to 65) and diagnosis of cervical and/or lumbosacral radicular pain participated. Two of the three had chronic radicular pain despite use of analgesic agents, spinal injections and failed spinal surgery syndrome. Each reported subjective improvement in radicular pain, function and sleep. There was an average decrease in NRS score consistent with 30% - 40% global improvement in symptoms, clinically significant based on the minimal clinically important difference for radicular pain. T7 was well tolerated without adverse reactions. Surgery was prevented or delayed in all cases. Conclusions This is the first report of the successful treatment of radicular pain with a topical agent. This highlights the need for randomized, prospective study of both single and compounded topical agents for treatment of radicular pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pegah Safaeian
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA
- Corresponding author: Pegah Safaeian, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA. Tel: +1-3126951000, E-mail:
| | - Ryan Mattie
- Department of Orthopaedics, Stanford University, Palo Alto, USA
| | - Matthew Hahn
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Christopher T. Plastaras
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Zachary L. McCormick
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA
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Porporatti AL, Costa YM, Stuginski-Barbosa J, Bonjardim LR, Conti PCR. Effect of topical anaesthesia in patients with persistent dentoalveolar pain disorders: A quantitative sensory testing evaluation. Arch Oral Biol 2015; 60:973-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2015.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2014] [Revised: 02/25/2015] [Accepted: 02/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Sawynok J. Topical analgesics for neuropathic pain in the elderly: current and future prospects. Drugs Aging 2015; 31:853-62. [PMID: 25373920 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-014-0218-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NeP) is a significant medical and socioeconomic burden with limited therapeutic options. Elderly patients exhibit a higher incidence of several NeP conditions and pose a particular challenge due to age-related pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic issues, comorbid conditions, and polypharmacy, as well as frailty and cognitive decline. Topical analgesics are of interest because of their comparable efficacy to oral agents, good tolerability and safety, and potential to be add-on therapies to oral treatments. In recent years, two topical formulations for NeP have been approved (5% lidocaine medicated plaster, 8% capsaicin patch) but are not available in all countries. There are controlled trials and a growing body of open-label reports on their use in clinical care. Some studies provide a post hoc analysis of data in relation to older age (≥65 years), which is useful. The body of evidence relating to topical investigational agents is growing and involves controlled trials as well as individual cases. The largest single body of information is for topical ketamine, administered either alone or combined with other agents (particularly amitriptyline), and some large randomized controlled trials report efficacy. Other large trials involve topical clonidine and further ketamine combinations. Compounding analgesics involves challenges, including uncertain composition (two to five ingredients are used) and concentrations (range 0.5-5%), as well as the heterogeneity of data that support choices. Nevertheless, case reports and acceptable response rates in larger cohorts are intriguing, and this area merits further investigation in controlled settings as well as continued documentation of clinical experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Sawynok
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada,
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