An overview of analgesics - anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and other medications (Part 3)

Pain is classified by various descriptions. Chronic pain has been described as being neuropathic (due to nervous system lesions), nociceptive (due to tissue damage), or mixed (a combination of neuropathic and nociceptive). The addition of the term nociplastic pain is used to describe patients who experience chronic pain without tissue damage or nervous system lesions. Chronic pain is often difficult to manage, particularly neuropathic pain. Evidence-based pharmacological treatment options include anticonvulsants and antidepressants. The choice of medication will depend on various factors, including patient profile, type of pain, and associated conditions. Medications with the best evidence of efficacy for first-line use in neuropathic pain are the gabapentinoids, carbamazepine, the tricyclic antidepressants, and the serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors duloxetine and venlafaxine. The cannabinoids and ketamine are being actively investigated for use in chronic pain. Currently the cannabinoids'potential benefit is outweighed by the adverse effects, and recommendations for the use of ketamine is limited by its parenteral route of administration and low evidence of efficacy in chronic pain

Neuropathic Pain in Primary Care

Pain is the most common reason why patients seek medical help. Persistent and unrelieved pain can frustrate both the sufferer and the physician trying to alleviate it. Relief from chronic pain may be particularly difficult to achieve and can be fraught with misconceptions. Neuropathic pain is widely recognised as one of the most difficult pain syndromes to treat and presents a significant challenge for pain clinicians and general practitioners. Often; patients have poor pain resolution. It is important that patients with any chronic pain are identified and managed appropriately according to their distinct treatment needs

Abdominal Blockage of Iliohypogastric and Ilio-inguinal Nerves for Management of Post-Caesarean Pain: A Novel Method

Objective. The aim of this study was to compare pain relief after caesarean section achieved by an intra-abdominal iliohypogastric and ilio-inguinal (IHII) nerve block with levobupivacaine with that in patients given a placebo. Study design. A total of 60 healthy women scheduled for caesarean delivery under general anaesthesia were enrolled in the study. The patients were randomised to an abdominal IHII nerve block with levobupivacaine (levobupivacaine group) or administration of saline (placebo group). Instead of the classic percutaneous method; the block was administered intra-operatively from the peritoneal aspect. Scores on a visual analogue scale (VAS) at 2; 6; 12 and 24 hours; adverse effects; morphine consumption and success of blockage by a pinprick test were recorded.Results. In the levobupivacaine group; the pinprick test showed there to be successful bilateral block in 22 patients and unilateral block in 5; while the block failed in 3. No block was recorded in the placebo group. When morphine consumption at 12 and 24 hours were compared; consumption was found to be significantly low for both time points in the levobupivacaine group. VAS scores 2; 6 and 12 hours after the operation were also significantly lower in the levobupivacaine group.Conclusion. A block of the IHII nerves from inside the abdomen just before abdominal closure appears to be an effective and safe way of relieving pain after caesarean section