Protocol for a systematic mapping review of surgical and pharmacological interventions for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia / Protocolo de mapeo sistemático de intervenciones quirúrgicas y farmacológicas en el tratamiento de la neuralgia trigeminal

Introduction Trigeminal neuralgia is a painful neuropathic disorder characterized by sudden electric shock­like pain that significantly impacts patients' quality of life. Multiple treatment alternatives are available, including medical and surgical options but establishing the optimal course of action can be challenging. To enhance clinical decision-making for trigeminal neuralgia treatment, it is imperative to organize, describe and map the available systematic reviews and randomized trials. This will help identify the best treatment alternatives supported by evidence and acknowledge potential knowledge gaps where future research is needed. Objective This systematic mapping review aims to provide up-to-date evidence on the different surgical and pharmacological treatment alternatives used for trigeminal neuralgia. Methods A search will be systematically conducted on the Epistemonikos database to identify potentially eligible systematic reviews. Additionally, a search will be made in PubMed, CENTRAL, and EBSCO to identify randomized controlled trials assessing pharmacological and surgical treatment interventions for trigeminal neuralgia. Two independent reviewers will screen and select the studies. Data on the different treatment alternatives and reported outcomes in the included studies will be extracted using standardized forms. Following extraction, descriptive statistical methods will be used to analyze the data. The final output of this study will include an evidence map that will illustrate the connections between different treatments and their respective outcomes, providing a clear depiction of the evidence landscape. Expected results This study expects to map, describe and assess the methodological quality of the available systematic reviews and trials on pharmacological interventions and neurosurgical procedures for treating trigeminal neuralgia. It will present the results in an evidence map that organizes the available evidence based on their different interventions and outcomes. This evidence map will serve as a visual tool to assist healthcare professionals and patients to understand evidence-based treatment options and their implications for managing this medical condition.

Introducción La neuralgia del trigémino es un trastorno neuropático doloroso caracterizado por un dolor súbito y agudo, similar a una descarga eléctrica, que impacta significativamente en la calidad de vida. Dada la variedad de tratamientos disponibles, médicos y quirúrgicos, es crucial organizar y mapear la evidencia proveniente de revisiones sistemáticas y ensayos clínicos para orientar las decisiones clínicas. Esto permite identificar tratamientos respaldados por evidencia y señalar áreas de investigación futura. Objetivo El propósito de esta revisión sistemática de mapeo es proporcionar una visión actualizada de la evidencia existente en relación con las diversas opciones de tratamiento quirúrgico y farmacológico empleadas en el manejo de la neuralgia del trigémino. Métodos Se realizará una búsqueda sistemática en la base de datos Epistemonikos para identificar potenciales revisiones sistemáticas. Adicionalmente, se buscará en PubMed, CENTRAL y EBSCO ensayos clínicos aleatorizados que evalúen intervenciones de tratamiento farmacológico y quirúrgico para la neuralgia del trigémino. Dos revisores independientes cribarán y seleccionarán los estudios. Se extraerán datos sobre las diferentes alternativas de tratamiento y los resultados reportados en los estudios incluidos utilizando formularios estandarizados. Tras la extracción, se utilizarán métodos estadísticos descriptivos para analizar los datos. El producto final de este estudio incluirá un mapa de evidencia que ilustrará las conexiones entre los diferentes tratamientos y sus respectivos resultados, proporcionando una representación clara del panorama de la evidencia. Resultados esperados Los resultados que se extraerán de este mapeo sistemático incluyen identificar y describir las diferentes alternativas, tanto farmacológicas como quirúrgicas, que existen para el tratamiento de la neuralgia del trigémino. Además, se planea presentar un mapa de evidencia que se basará en los ensayos clínicos aleatorizados y revisiones sistemáticas, el cual mostrará la evidencia de manera organizada entre las diferentes intervenciones y sus desenlaces. Este mapa de evidencia servirá como una herramienta visual que ayudará a los profesionales de la salud y los pacientes a comprender mejor las opciones de tratamiento respaldadas por la evidencia y sus consecuencias en el manejo de esta condición médica.

Uso clínico de lidocaína intravenosa para manejo de dolor neuropático no oncológico en adultos / Clinical Use of Intravenous Lidocaine for Management of non-Oncologic Neuropathic Pain in Adults

El dolor neuropático es común en la práctica clínica. Se estima que afecta entre el 2 y 3 % de la población a nivel global. Una cantidad considerable de pacientes presentan dolor refractario a tratamientos existentes, volviéndolo un reto diagnóstico y terapéutico. El objetivo de este estudio es describir el uso clínico de lidocaína intravenosa para manejo de dolor neuropático no oncológico en adultos. La búsqueda de información se realizó consultando las bases de datos HINARI, SciELO y PubMed. Se seleccionaron artículos en inglés y español de 2017 a 2021. Se utilizaron artículos originales, ensayos clínicos, revisiones bibliográficas y metaanálisis. Las causas de dolor neuropático en las que ha sido utilizada la lidocaína son la neuralgia posherpética, neuropatía diabética y neuralgia del trigémino. El uso de lidocaína intravenosa demostró que disminuye la intensidad del dolor; sin embargo, al compararlo con otros fármacos de primera línea no hay diferencias a largo plazo. La mayoría de efectos secundarios se presentan en el sistema nervioso, gastrointestinal y cardiovascular. La lidocaína intravenosa como monoterapia para manejo de dolor neuropático no oncológico, si bien fue eficaz a corto plazo con dosis de 3-5 mg/Kg, no tuvo un efecto persistente y duradero

Neuropathic pain is common in clinical practice; it is estimated that 2 to 3 % of the global population is affected; a considerable number of patients present pain refractory to existing treatments, making it a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The objective of this study is to describe the clinical use of intravenous lidocaine for the management of non-cancer neuropathic pain in adults. The information search was performed by consulting the HINARI, SciELO and PubMed databases. Articles with an obsolescence of no more than five years, both in English and Spanish, were selected. Original articles, clinical trials, bibliographic reviews and meta-analyses were used. The causes of neuropathic pain in which lidocaine has been used were postherpetic neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy, and trigeminal neuralgia. The use of intravenous lidocaine has been shown to decrease pain intensity; however, when compared with other first line drugs, there are no long-term differences. Most side effects occur in the nervous, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular systems. Intravenous lidocaine as monotherapy for the management of non-cancer neuropathic pain, although effective in the short term with doses of 3-5 mg/Kg, does not have a persistent and long-lasting effect

Descompresión neurovascular en neuralgia trigeminal: resultado funcional / Neurovascular decompression in trigeminal neuralgia: Functional outcome

Resumen Introducción : La afección más frecuente del V nervio craneal es la neuralgia del trigémino (NT), se caracteriza por dolor orofacial unilateral, paroxístico, distribuyén dose en una o más divisiones del nervio trigémino. El objetivo de presente trabajo es demostrar la eficacia y seguridad de la cirugía descompresiva neurovascular (DNV). Métodos : Estudio analítico retrospectivo, pacientes intervenidos para DNV por NT (n: 155), desde enero de 2006 - 2022, mediante un abordaje retrosigmoideo y seguimiento clínico-radiológico, cuyo registro intraope ratorio fue en sistema 3D (n: 42). Resultados : 83.3% (n=35) presentó NT clásica y 16.7% (n = 7) idiopática. La mayoría con afectación del lado derecho 59.5% (n = 25) y el dolor paroxístico con 81% (n = 34). La compresión de origen arterial representó 76.2% (n: 32) de los casos, la arteria cerebelosa superior representó la primera causa de compresión neurovas cular (CNV) en un 52.4% (n:22) en la zona de salida del nervio trigémino. Se analizó la validez del protocolo de resonancia magnética (RM) seleccionado para esta serie; evidenciando una alta sensibilidad de la RM con 97%, y una especificidad del 86%. Conclusión : Se demostró la sensibilidad y especi ficidad de los estudios de resonancia magnética (RM) de alta definición y con protocolos especiales para la evaluación de la NT, como paraclínico estándar de oro. La DNV ofreció resultados seguros, un alto porcentaje de los pacientes se calificaron como exitosos. El registro 3D permitió analizar en retrospectiva con una visión idéntica a la del cirujano durante el intraoperatorio, el tipo de CNV.

Abstract Introduction : The most frequent pathology of the fifth cranial nerve is trigeminal neuralgia (TN), characterized by unilateral orofacial pain, of a paroxysmal nature, with distribution in one or more divisions of the trigeminal nerve. The main objective of this work is to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of neurovascular decompressive surgery (NVD). Methods : Retrospective analytical study, patients operated on for NVD by TN (n: 155), from January 2006 - 2022, using a retrosigmoid approach and clinical-radiological follow-up, whose intraoperative recording was in 3D system (n: 42). Results : 83.3% (n=35) presented classic NT and 16.7% (n = 7) idiopathic. The right side prevailed with 59.5% (n = 25) and paroxysmal pain with 81% (n=34) of rep resentation in the entire series. Compression of arte rial origin represented 76.2% (n: 32) of the cases, the superior cerebellar artery represented the first cause of neurovascular compression (NVC) in 52.4% (n: 22) in the exit zone of the trigeminal nerve. The validity of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol selected for this series was analyzed; evidencing a high sensitivity of MRI with 97%, and a specificity of 86%. Conclusion : The sensitivity and specificity of high-definition MRI studies and with special protocols for the evaluation of TN, as gold standard paraclinical, were presented. The DNV offered safe results, a high percent age of the patients were described as successful. The 3D recording allowed retrospective analysis with a vision identical to that of the surgeon during the intraoperative period, the type of NVC.

Descompresión microvascular endoscópica versus microscópica en neuralgia trigeminal en un centro Argentino / Endoscopic vs. microscopic techniques for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. Our experience at an Argentine care center

Resumen Introducción: La descompresión microvascular (DMV) en la neuralgia trigeminal es una técnica quirúrgica cuyo objetivo es revertir la compresión a la que se ve someti do un nervio por una estructura vascular. El objetivo de este estudio fue realizar una comparación directa entre la descompresión microvascular endoscópica (DMV-E) y la misma a través del uso del microscopio (DMV-M) en el tratamiento de la neuralgia del trigémino. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de cohorte retrospec tivo de pacientes operados de neuralgia de trigémino, por un mismo cirujano, entre 2015 y 2021 en nuestra institución, tanto por técnica microquirúrgica como endoscópica. Resultados: Se obtuvieron un total de 31 pacientes divididos en dos grupos: Grupo M correspondiente a 15 (49%) pacientes abordados con técnica microscópica y Grupo E, con 16 (51%) pacientes intervenidos con técnica endoscópica. Se identificaron diferencias en el tamaño de la cra niectomía, más pequeña en el grupo E (2.50 cm vs 3.70 cm grupo M); y en el tiempo de internación, de 2.43 días en el grupo E vs. 4.46 días en el grupo M. El tiempo de cirugía fue similar para ambas técnicas quirúrgicas La principal compresión fue dada por la arteria ce rebelosa superior (ACS) en ambos grupos. Todos los pacientes presentaron mejoría del Barrow Neurological Institute Pain Intensity Score (BNI) en el postoperatorio en ambos grupos. Discusión: La DMV-E constituye una alternativa qui rúrgica interesante a la ya conocida DMV-M para el tratamiento de la neuralgia trigeminal, por requerir menores dimensiones en la incisión cutánea y tamaño de la craniectomía, acortando el tiempo de internación, lo cual no solo implica un beneficio para el paciente, sino que también representa menor costo de internación.

Abstract Introduction: Trigeminal neuralgia is a highly invali dating pathology, whose natural course has been modi fied thanks to decompressive microvascular surgery. The intervention can be carried out either with a microscope or via an endoscopic technique. Our goal was to compare these two techniques for the treatment of this complex pathology. Methods: Retrospective, analytical study of a cohort of patients treated by a single surgeon at our institution, in the period between 2015 and 2021. Results: We identified 31 patients and divided them into two groups: 15 (49%) treated using the microscopic technique (group M), and 16 (51%) exclusively via an endoscopic one (group E). Differences were observed between the means of the size of the craniectomy in group M (3.7 cm) compared to group E (2.5 cm); The mean length of hospital stay for patients in group E was shorter (4.46 days compared to that of patients in group M, whose hospital stay averaged 2.43 days). There were no differences between the two groups regarding the length of the procedure. In both groups, the predomi nant compression was due to the superior cerebellar artery (SCA). Pain outcomes were equivalent, with every patient in both groups having an improved postoperative Barrow Neurological Institute Pain Intensity Score (BNI). Discussion: Endoscopic microvascular decompression is an attractive option for the resolution of neurovas cular conflict as it provides functional results similar to the microscope technique, without requiring an exten sive craniectomy and associated to shorter in-hospital stay, which is beneficial for both the patient and the institution.

The glossopharyngeal nerve (IX cranial nerve pair): anatomical considerations and neuralgia: literature review / O nervo glossofaringeo (IX par de nervo craniano): considerações anatômicas e neuralgia: revisão da literatura

The glossopharyngeal nerve (IX cranial nerve) is a mixed nerve, with both motor and sensory function. This relates to the tongue and pharynx. Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is a rare nervous neuropathy, with poristic, lancinating and paritary crises, usually unilateral. The aim of the study was to review the literature on glossopharyngeal neuralgia of the nerve (IX cranial nerve), highlighting the anatomical aspects of this nerve and the possible causes and complications of neuralgia as well as forms of treatment. A literature review was carried out in the international Pubmed database. The literature review included 72 articles from 2015 to 2021. The keywords used were: "anatomy of glossopharyngeal neuralgia". Of the 72 articles, 7 were used for this literature review. Uncommon as nervous/glossophingeal etiologies and pathologies are neurological abnormalities/neurovarises and pathologies are neurovascular/neurovariseal lesions. Pharmacological treatment approaches mentioned in the literature were therapy with antiepileptics and antidepressants such as carbamazepine and gabapentin; a microvascular decompression; and gamma knife radiosurgery(AU)

O nervo glossofaríngeo (IX par de nervo craniano) é um nervo misto, contendo função tanto motora como sensitiva. Este nervo relaciona-se com a língua e com a faringe. A neuralgia do nervo glossofaríngeo é uma neurapatia rara, sendo caracterizada por crises dolorosas, lancinantes e paroxísticas, geralmente unilaterais. O objetivo do estudo foi realizar uma revisão de literatura sobre a neuralgia do nervo glossofaríngeo (IX par de nervo craniano), destacando os aspectos anatômicos deste nervo e as possíveis causas e complicações da neuralgia bem como formas de tratamento. Foi realizada uma revisão da literatura na base de dados internacional Pubmed. A revisão da literatura incluiu 72 artigos no período de 2015 a 2021. As palavras-chave utilizadas foram: "anatomia da neuralgia do glossofaríngeo". Dos 72 artigos, 7 foram utilizados para esta revisão de literatura. Verificouse que a neuralgia do nervo glossofaríngeo é incomum e as etiologias mais encontradas foram compressão neurovascular/variações vasculares, patologias e traumas. As abordagens dos tratamentos mencionadas na literatura foram a terapia farmacológica da área com antiepilépticos e antidepressivos, como carbamazepina e gabapentina; a descompressão microvascular; e radiocirurgia com faca gama(AU)

The contribution of concentric electrode-evoked potentials and nociceptive withdrawal reflex to the routine neurophysiological assessment of neuropathic pain: cross-sectional study / A contribuição dos potenciais evocados por eletrodo concêntrico e reflexo de retirada nociceptiva para a avaliação neurofisiológica de rotina da dor neuropática: estudo observacional transversal

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Conventional electrodiagnostic studies (EDX) are frequently used to support the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathic pain. However, routine EDX has poor diagnostic yield for identifying small fiber neuropathy, which may be cause of neuropathic pain in some patients. This study aimed to assess the gain in diagnostic yield brought by adding pain-related evoked potentials with concentric electrode (CN-PREP) and nociceptive withdrawal reflex (NWR) assessments to EDX. METHODS: Transversal observational accuracy study which included patients referred to routine EDX in a tertiary-care hospital who reported chronic neuropathic pain in their lower limbs. Besides routine EDX, subjects underwent CN-PREP and NWR assessments. Diagnostic yield and tolerability were examined and compared between test studies. RESULTS: The study enrolled 100 patients (54% female), with 57 ± 12 years. EDX was altered in 47% of all patients. The addition of CN-PREP alone, and NWR combined with CN-PREP increased diagnostic yield to 69% and 72%, respectively. CN-PREP proved to be well tolerable, while NWR was associated with higher test-related pain intensity and discontinuation rate (9% vs. 0%). Considering EDX as the reference test, CN-PREP sensitivity was 85.1% and specificity 58.5%. CONCLUSION: Combining CN-PREP with the routine EDX for patients with neuropathic pain is feasible and results in increased diagnostic yield. Conversely, the addition of NWR to the aforementioned tests provides little improvement to this yield and is less tolerable to the patient. Further studies are needed to determine the actual sensitivity and specificity of CN-PREP when compared to the gold-standard for small fiber neuropathy diagnosis, i.e. intraepidermal nerve fiber density assessment.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Estudos convencionais de eletrodiagnóstico (EDX) são frequentemente usados para apoiar o diagnóstico de dor neuropática periférica. No entanto, o EDX de rotina tem baixo rendimento diagnóstico para identificar neuropatia de pequenas fibras. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o ganho no rendimento diagnóstico pela adição de avaliações de potenciais evocados relacionados à dor com eletrodo concêntrico (CN-PREP) e reflexo de retirada nociceptiva (NWR) ao EDX. MÉTODOS: Estudo de precisão observacional transversal que incluiu pacientes encaminhados para EDX de rotina com dor neuropática crônica em membros inferiores. Além do EDX de rotina, os indivíduos foram submetidos às avaliações CN-PREP e NWR. O rendimento diagnóstico e a tolerabilidade foram examinados e comparados entre os estudos de teste. RESULTADOS: O estudo envolveu 100 pacientes (54% mulheres), com 57 ± 12 anos. O EDX estava alterado em 47%. A adição de CN-PREP sozinho e NWR combinado com CN-PREP aumentou o rendimento diagnóstico para 69% e 72%, respectivamente. O CN-PREP provou ser bem tolerável, enquanto o NWR foi associado a maior intensidade de dor relacionada ao teste e taxa de descontinuação (9% vs. 0%). Considerando o EDX como teste de referência, a sensibilidade do CN-PREP foi de 85,1% e a especificidade de 58,5%. CONCLUSÃO: A combinação do CN-PREP com o EDX de rotina para pacientes com dor neuropática é viável e resulta em maior rendimento diagnóstico. Já a adição de NWR aos testes mencionados fornece pouca melhora nesse rendimento e é menos tolerável para o paciente. Mais estudos são necessários para determinar a real sensibilidade e especificidade do CN-PREP quando comparado ao padrão-ouro para diagnóstico de neuropatia de pequenas fibras, ou seja, a avaliação da densidade de fibras nervosas intraepidérmicas.

Neuropatía Diabética: Una revisión narrativa de fisiopatología, diagnóstico y tratamiento

La neuropatía diabética se presenta hasta en el 60 % de los pacientes diabéticos. La neuropatía diabética periférica es la causa más común de neuropatía en el mundo. La fisiopatología de la neuropatía diabética involucra daño periférico nervioso por acumulación de productos tóxicos derivados de la hiperglicemia. El sistema nervioso central se ve posteriormente involucrado a través de sensibilización, disminución de la función del sistema inhibitorio y aumento en la excitabilidad del sistema de facilitación. La clínica más común se manifiesta de manera simétrica afectando fibras sensitivas pequeñas y grandes, aunque se han encontrado formas atípicas de presentación. Las pruebas diagnósticas confirmatorias se reservan para la duda diagnóstica, casos de síntomas atípicos o investigación. El consenso en cuanto a tratamiento es el uso de gabapentinoides, antidepresivos tricíclicos e inhibidores de recaptura de serotonina y noradrenalina. Estas tres familias se consideran como primera línea de tratamiento.

Diabetic neuropathy occurs in up to 60% of diabetic patients. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is the most common cause of neuropathy in the world. The pathophysiology of diabetic neuropathy involves peripheral nerve damage due to the accumulation of toxic products derived from hyperglycemia. The central nervous system is subsequently involved through sensitization, decreased function of the inhibitory system, and increased excitability of the facilitative system. The most common symptoms manifest symmetrically, affecting small and large sensory fibers, although atypical forms of presentation have been found. Confirmatory diagnostic tests are reserved for diagnostic doubt, atypical symptoms, or research. The consensus regarding treatment is the prescription of gabapentinoids, tricyclic antidepressants, and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. These three families are considered the first line.

Serum interleukin-6 levels are increased in post-herpetic neuralgia: a single-center retrospective study

Abstract Background: Studies have shown that the overall incidence rate of herpeszoster (HZ) in China is 6.64 cases per 1000 people, despite such harms brought by postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), the mechanism of the disease remains unclear in China. Currently, effective biomarkers to predict PHN remain unavailable, which makes it difficult to prevent and successfully treat PHN. Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the serum interleukin-6 level in PHN. Methods: The serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6) were measured by multi-antibody sandwich ELISA. The likert scale was used to represent the degree of neuralgia in the patients. Patients with PHN were divided into a mild PHN group and a severe PHN group according to the Likert scale. ROC curve was performed for evaluating the diagnostic efficiency of IL6 for PHN. The correlation between the IL6 level and the Likert scale before and after treatment with gabapentin and mecobalamin was analyzed. Results: IL6 levels in PHN patients resulted higher compared to volunteers. Patients in the severe PHN group had a higher serum IL6 level than in the mild PHN group. The Likert scale score was related to the serum IL6 levels and the frequency of IL6 levels above the cutoff value (4.95pg/mL) in PNH groups before and after treatment (p<0.05). Study limitations: Pain is subjective. Some mental states, such as anxiety and depression, greatly influence an individual's perception of pain, and pain tolerance can vary between people. Therefore, pain scores can be affected by different individual factors. Conclusions: The serum IL6 levels may be used as a biochemical indicator of the severity of PNH.

A PROSPECTIVE STUDY OF ASSOCIATION OF ANTERIOR ETHMOIDAL NERVE SYNDROME (SLUDER'S NEURALGIA) WITH NASAL SEPTAL SPUR AND ITS MANAGEMENT

Background: Anterior ethmoidal nerve syndrome is headache resulting from irritation of the terminal branches of the anterior ethmoidal nerve. The headache arises when the septal spur compresses against the middle turbinate or the lateral nasal wall. Here we studied the association of anterior ethmoidal nerve syndrome (Sluder's neuralgia) with nasal septal spur and its management. A prospective observational study carried out on 31 patients Methods: who ful?lled the clinical diagnostic criteria. The patients were treated surgically. The outcomes of surgical treatment Results: were quite promising with 29 patients reporting in improvement in pain after surgery out of the 31 surgeries performed. Conclusion: The diagnosis requires a strong clinical suspicion and appropriate evaluation including nasal endoscopy, scan and anaesthesia of the suspected point of contact

Trigeminal Neuralgia in COVID-19: A meta-analysis

The trigeminal nerve is the fifth cranial nerve, which transmits facial sensations, and is divided into the ophthalmic, maxillary, and mandibular branches. Damage to this nerve can cause trigeminal neuralgia, a clinical condition that can also present in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This meta-analysis reviews the clinical cases of trigeminal neuralgia reported in patients with COVID-19 from 2019 to 2022, describes the anatomical mechanism of pain and its radiation and identifies other associated symptoms. We performed a literature search to identify reports of patients with COVID-19 who developed trigeminal neuralgia and examined these cases for prevalence and any identified source of associated ocular pain. Of the relevant studies identified, 638 patients with COVID-19 developed trigeminal neuralgia out of 7561 total COVID-19 cases (8.4 %). Of the 638 cases, 590 (7.8 %) had known causes of ocular pain, while the cause of ocular pain was unknown in 48 cases (0.6 %). Trigeminal neuralgia developed infrequently in patients with COVID-19, and cases with known causes of ocular pain were more common than cases with unknown causes. Understanding the link between COVID-19 and trigeminal neuralgia may lead to preventing further complications and mortality in these patients, as well as improving care for patients with these conditions in the future. Additionally, understanding these new clinical issues can prepare many types of physicians to protect themselves better in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak among medical staff in different departments of hospitals, such as clinics, wards, emergency rooms, and operating theatres.

El nervio trigémino es el quinto par craneal, que transmite las sensaciones faciales, y se divide en las ramas oftálmica, maxilar y mandibular. El daño a este nervio puede causar neuralgia del trigémino, una condición clínica que también puede presentarse en pacientes con enfermedad por coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). Este metaanálisis revisa los casos clínicos de neuralgia del trigémino informados en pacientes con COVID-19 desde 2019 hasta 2022, describe el mecanismo anatómico del dolor y su radiación e identifica otros síntomas asociados. Realizamos una búsqueda bibliográfica para identificar informes de pacientes con COVID-19 que desarrollaron neuralgia del trigémino y examinamos estos casos en busca de prevalencia y cualquier fuente identificada de dolor ocular asociado. De los estudios relevantes identificados, 638 pacientes con COVID-19 desarrollaron neuralgia del trigémino de un total de 7561 casos de COVID-19 (8,4 %). De los 638 casos, 590 (7,8 %) tenían causas conocidas de dolor ocular, mientras que la causa del dolor ocular era desconocida en 48 casos (0,6 %). La neuralgia del trigémino se desarrolló con poca frecuencia en pacientes con COVID-19, y los casos con causas conocidas de dolor ocular fueron más comunes que los casos con causas desconocidas. Comprender el vínculo entre COVID-19 y la neuralgia del trigémino puede ayudar a prevenir más complicaciones y mortalidad en estos pacientes, así como a mejorar la atención de los pacientes con estas afecciones en el futuro. Además, comprender estos nuevos problemas clínicos puede preparar a muchos tipos de médicos para protegerse mejor en caso de un brote de COVID-19 entre el personal médico en diferentes departamentos de hospitales, como clínicas, salas de emergencia y quirófanos.

The effect of dexmedetomidine on expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase in spinal dorsal cord in a rat model with chronic neuropathic pain / O efeito da dexmedetomidina na expressão do óxido nítrico sintase neuronal na medula espinhal dorsal em um modelo rato com dor neuropática crônica

Abstract Background Neuropathic pain typically refers to the pain caused by somatosensory system injury or diseases, which is usually characterized by ambulatory pain, allodynia, and hyperalgesia. Nitric oxide produced by neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in the spinal dorsal cord might serve a predominant role in regulating the algesia of neuropathic pain. The high efficacy and safety, as well as the plausible ability in providing comfort, entitle dexmedetomidine (DEX) to an effective anesthetic adjuvant. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of DEX on the expression of nNOS in spinal dorsal cord in a rat model with chronic neuropathic pain. Methods Male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned into three groups: sham operation group (sham), (of the sciatic nerve) operation (CCI) group, and dexmedetomidine (DEX) group. Chronic neuropathic pain models in the CCI and DEX groups were established by sciatic nerve ligation. The thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) was measured on day 1 before operation and on day 1, 3, 7 and 14 after operation. Six animals were sacrificed after TWL measurement on day 7, and 14 days after operation, in each group, the L4-6 segment of the spinal cords was extracted for determination of nNOS expression by immunohistochemistry. Results Compared with the sham group, the TWL threshold was significantly decreased and the expression of nNOS was up-regulated after operation in the CCI and DEX groups. Compared with the CCI grou[, the TWL threshold was significantly increased and the expression of nNOS was significantly down-regulated on day 7 and 14 days after operation in the DEX group. Conclusion Down-regulated nNOS in the spinal dorsal cord is involved in the attenuation of neuropathic pain by DEX.

Resumo Antecedentes A dor neuropática refere-se tipicamente à dor causada por lesões ou doenças do sistema somatossensorial. De modo geral, é caracterizada por dor à ambulação, alodinia e hiperalgesia. O óxido nítrico produzido pela enzima óxido nítrico sintase neuronal (nNOS) na medula espinhal dorsal pode ter um papel predominante na regulação da dor neuropática. A alta eficácia e segurança, bem como a plausível capacidade de proporcionar conforto, faz com que a dexmedetomidina (DEX) seja um adjuvante anestésico eficaz. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o efeito da DEX na expressão de nNOS na medula espinhal dorsal em um modelo de ratos com dor neuropática crônica. Métodos Ratos Sprague Dawley (SD) machos foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em três grupos: grupo de cirurgia simulada (sham), grupo de cirurgia (do nervo ciático; CCI) e grupo dexmedetomidina (DEX). Os modelos de dor neuropática crônica nos grupos CCI e DEX foram estabelecidos por ligadura do nervo ciático. A latência de retirada térmica (TWL) foi medida no dia 1 antes da cirurgia e nos dias 1, 3, 7 e 14 após o procedimento. Seis animais de cada grupo foram eutanasiados após a medida de TWL nos dias 7 e 14 após a cirurgia e o segmento L4-6 da medula espinhal foi extraído para determinação da expressão de nNOS por imuno-histoquímica. Resultados Em comparação ao grupo sham, o limiar de TWL diminuiu significativamente e a expressão de nNOS foi regulada de maneira positiva após a cirurgia nos grupos CCI e DEX. Comparado ao grupo CCI, o limiar de TWL aumentou de forma significativa e a expressão de nNOS caiu significativamente diminuída nos dia 7 e 14 após a cirurgia no grupo DEX. Conclusão A regulação negativa de nNOS na medula espinhal dorsal está envolvida na atenuação da dor neuropática pela DEX.

Vacunación contra el herpes zóster en Argentina / Vaccination against herpes zoster in Argentina

Durante los últimos meses, quienes trabajamos en Argentina en el ámbito de la atención primaria como médicos de cabecera hemos recibido muchas consultas de pacientes solicitando nuestra opinión sobre una vacuna que no está actualmente incluida en el Calendario Nacional de Vacunación y que además estaba fuera de nuestra agenda: la vacuna contra el herpes zóster. Este artículo editorial pretende ayudar a los equipos de salud a realizar con sus pacientes un proceso de toma de decisiones compartidas en las consultas acerca de esta nueva vacuna. (AU)

During the last few months, those of us who work in Argentina in the field of primary care as general practitioners have received many inquiries from patients requesting our opinion about a vaccine that is not currently included in the National Vaccination Schedule and that, in addition, was off our scope: the herpes zoster vaccine. This editorial article aims to help our health teams carry out a shared decision-making process with their patients regarding this new vaccine. (AU)

Prevalence of Neuropathic Pain in Patients with Osteoarthritis / Prevalência de dor neuropática em pacientes com osteoartrite

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of neuropathic pain and characterize the quality of life of patients with osteoarthritis who consulted a pain clinic in Southwestern Colombia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted via telephone survey. Participants ≥18 years of age with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis were included. The LANSS questionnaire was used to evaluate symptoms and signs of neuropathic pain, and the Short Form-8 was used to evaluate quality of life. Results Response rate was 54.1% (46/85). The male-to-female ratio was 5:1, with an average age of 72 ±10 years. Most participants (91.3%) had severe pain. The prevalence of neuropathic pain was 28.3% (95%CI = 15.99-43.46), and the prevalence of neuropathic pain amongst women was 84.6% (95%CI = 54.55-98.01 ). Dysesthesias and paroxysmal pain were present in 92.3% of individuals with neuropathic pain. Regarding quality of life, limitations in physical activity were the most significant, as 63% of individuals reported such limitations. Conclusion Neuropathic pain was found to be prevalent and had a negative impact on physical function, highlighting the need for therapeutic strategies targeted to specific neuropathic pain pathways in patients with osteoarthritis.

Resumo Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a prevalência de dor neuropática e caracterizar a qualidade de vida de pacientes com osteoartrite que consultaram um ambulatório de dor no sudoeste da Colômbia. Métodos Este foi um estudo transversal realizado por meio de entrevista telefônica. Foram incluídos participantes ≥18 anos de idade com diagnóstico de osteoartrite. O questionário Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) foi utilizado para avaliação dos sintomas e sinais de dor neuropática e o Short Form-8 analisou a qualidade de vida. Resultados A taxa de resposta foi de 54,1% (46/85). A razão homem:mulher foi de 5:1, com média de idade de 72 ±10 anos. A maioria dos participantes (91,3%) apresentava dor intensa. A prevalência de dor neuropática foi de 28,3% (intervalo de confiança [IC] de 95% = 15,99-43,46) e a prevalência de dor neuropática entre mulheres foi de 84,6% (IC 95% = 54,55-98,01). Disestesias e dor paroxística foram relatadas por 92,3% dos indivíduos com dor neuropática. Em relação à qualidade de vida, as limitações na prática de atividade física foram as mais significativas e relatadas por 63% dos indivíduos. Conclusão A dor neuropática foi prevalente e tinha impacto negativo na função física. Isso destaca a necessidade de estratégias terapêuticas direcionadas a vias específicas da dor neuropática em pacientes com osteoartrite.

Actualización sobre el síndrome de Eagle y sus complicaciones neurocardiológicas: casos clínicos / An update on Eagle´s syndrome and its neuro-cardiological complications: clinical cases

El síndrome de Eagle o síndrome estilohioideo o sín-drome de la arteria carótida es un trastorno que se origina por la mineralización y elongación del pro-ceso estiloides. Factores traumáticos agudos y cró-nicos, así como otras teorías, han sido propuestos para explicar la etiología y patogenia de esta altera-ción. El conjunto de síntomas puede incluir: dolor fa-ríngeo, odinofagia, disfagia, cefalea, con irradiación a oreja y zona cervical. Si bien existen varias clasifi-caciones, de manera universal se acepta que existen principalmente dos formas de presentación de esta patología: el tipo I o clásico, generalmente asociado a un trauma faríngeo y acompañado de dolor en la zona faríngea y cervical, y el tipo II o carotídeo, que sue-le presentar molestia cervical, cefalea y alteración de la presión arterial, con riesgo de daño de la ac-tividad cardíaca. La identificación de este síndrome suele ser confusa dada la similitud de los síntomas con otras afecciones. El diagnóstico debe realizarse en base a los síntomas y a los estudios por imágenes específicos. El tratamiento puede ser conservador y actuar simplemente sobre los síntomas, o bien, qui-rúrgico. El objetivo del presente trabajo es realizar una revisión actualizada de la literatura sobre el sín-drome de Eagle y presentar tres casos clínicos con distintas manifestaciones (AU)

Eagle's syndrome or styloid syndrome or stylo-carotid artery syndrome is a disease caused by mineralization and elongation of the styloid process. Acute and chronic traumatic factors, along with other hypothesis, have been proposed to explain the aetiology and pathogenesis of this condition. Symptoms can include: pharynx pain, odynophagia, dysphagia, headache, with radiating pain to the ear and neck. Despite there are several classifications, it is universally accepted that this pathology can present in two forms: the type I or classic, generally associated to tonsillar trauma and characterized by pharyngeal and neck pain, and the type II or carotid artery type, which frequently presents with neck pain, headache, blood pressure variation, with risk of damage to cardiac function. Identifying of Eagle's syndrome is often confusing because some symptoms are shared with other pathologies. Diagnosis must be made on the basis of symptoms and imaging studies. Treatment can be conservative, acting only on symptoms, or surgical. The aim of this paper is to provide an updated review of the literature on Eagle syndrome and to present three clinical cases with different manifestations (AU)

Paroxysmal Hemicrania-Trigeminal Neuralgia (PH-Tic) syndrome with no structural lesion in a Brazilian woman: the first case-report / Síndrome de Neuralgia Paroxística Hemicrânia-Trigêmea (PH-Tic) sem lesão estrutural em mulher brasileira: primeiro relato de caso

Introduction: In Brazil there is only one case report of a patient diagnosed with Paroxysmal Hemicrania-Trigeminal (PH-Tic) syndrome reported, however it was observed in a patient with Chiari I malformation. Objective: Here, we describe the first case of primary PH-Tic syndrome in the country. Method: Case report. CARE guideline was used to guide the structuring of this article. This case report was approved by the ethics committee and has been registered under the protocol number 70705623.7.0000.5440 on "Plataforma Brasil". Results:A 72-year-old woman with a five-month history of headaches was admitted at our headache outpatient clinic. The pain was sharp, intense, localized in the periorbital and left temporal regions. Blood counts, liver, renal and thyroid function were normal, as well as brain magnetic resonance imaging. Despite using carbamazepine, the patient had pain in only the left side of the face. Indomethacin was added until the dose of 100 mg a day and resulted in improvement of headache frequency. Conclusion: PH-Tic should be hypothesized in patients with short-lasting headaches associated with facial pain that partially improve with carbamazepine or indomethacin.

Introdução: No Brasil há apenas um relato de caso de paciente com diagnóstico de síndrome Paroxística Hemicrania-Trigeminal (PH-Tic), porém foi observado em um paciente com malformação de Chiari I. Objetivo: Descrevemos aqui o primeiro caso de síndrome PH-Tic primária no país. Método: Relato de caso. A diretriz CARE foi utilizada para orientar a estruturação deste artigo. Este relato de caso foi aprovado pelo comitê de ética e registrado sob o número de protocolo 70705623.7.0000.5440 na "Plataforma Brasil". Resultados: Uma mulher de 72 anos com história de cefaleias há cinco meses foi internada em nosso ambulatório de cefaleias. A dor era aguda, intensa, localizada nas regiões periorbital e temporal esquerda. Os hemogramas, as funções hepática, renal e tireoidiana estavam normais, assim como a ressonância magnética cerebral. Apesar do uso de carbamazepina, o paciente apresentava dor apenas no lado esquerdo da face. A indometacina foi adicionada até a dose de 100 mg ao dia e resultou em melhora da frequência da cefaleia. Conclusão: O PH-Tic deve ser hipotetizado em pacientes com cefaleias de curta duração associadas a dores faciais que melhoram parcialmente com carbamazepina ou indometacina.

Tourette's Syndrome cervical dystonia induced occipital neuralgia remedied by peripheral nerve stimulation: A case report / Síndrome de Tourette, distonia cervical induzida por neuralgia occipital remediada por estimulação nervosa periférica: relato de caso

BACKGROUND: Dystonia is uncommon in Tourette's syndrome, and occipital neuralgia secondary to Tourette's dystonia is more rare, affecting quality of life. Occipital peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is an excellent alternative by being adjustable and minimally invasive. Our case demonstrates occipital PNS as an effective option for refractory Tourette's dystonia. CASE PRESENTATION: A thirty-four-year-old male with poorly controlled Tourette's cervical dystonia presented with severe occipital neuralgia. Various medications were prescribed including propranolol and amitriptyline, and bilateral third-occipital nerve rhizotomies and occipital nerve blocks were trialed. Distal nerve blocks at the occipital protuberance were most effective. Therefore, an occipital PNS trial was done, and a PNS was implanted with no complications. Upon follow-up, the patient reported drastic pain reduction. CONCLUSION: Our case illustrates neuromodulation benefits for a rare presentation of refractory occipital neuralgia secondary to Tourette's-related dystonia. Occipital PNS should be considered for refractory cases because it is safe, easy to implant, and effective.

FUNDAMENTO: A distonia é incomum na síndrome de Tourette, e a neuralgia occipital secundária à distonia de Tourette é mais rara, afetando a qualidade de vida. A estimulação do nervo periférico occipital (SNP) é uma excelente alternativa por ser ajustável e minimamente invasiva. Nosso caso demonstra o SNP occipital como uma opção eficaz para a distonia de Tourette refratária. APRESENTAÇÃO DO CASO: Um homem de 34 anos com distonia cervical de Tourette mal controlada apresentou neuralgia occipital grave. Vários medicamentos foram prescritos, incluindo propranolol e amitriptilina, e foram testadas rizotomias bilaterais do nervo terceiro-occipital e bloqueios do nervo occipital. Os bloqueios dos nervos distais na protuberância occipital foram mais eficazes. Portanto, foi feito um ensaio de PNS occipital e um PNS foi implantado sem complicações. Após o acompanhamento, o paciente relatou redução drástica da dor. CONCLUSÃO: Nosso caso ilustra os benefícios da neuromodulação para uma apresentação rara de neuralgia occipital refratária secundária à distonia relacionada a Tourette. O PNS occipital deve ser considerado para casos refratários porque é seguro, fácil de implantar e eficaz.

A transformation of trigeminal neuralgia into SUNCT/SUNA: A case report and literature review / Uma transformação da neuralgia do trigêmeo em SUNCT/SUNA: relato de caso e revisão da literatura

Introduction: Trigeminal neuralgia and Short-lasting Unilateral Neuralgiform Headache with Conjunctival injection and Tearing (SUNCT)/Short-lasting Unilateral Neuralgiform Headache Attacks with Cranial Autonomic Symptoms (SUNA) are characterized by similar clinical manifestations, which may lead to diagnostic confusion. However, the transformation of trigeminal neuralgia into SUNCT/SUNA is a rare phenomenon. This report describes a case of trigeminal neuralgia transformation into SUNCT/SUNA due to neurovascular compression and reviews all previously published cases of trigeminal neuralgia to SUNCT/SUNA transformation in the literature. Case presentation: A 49-year-old Thai male patient presented with progressive right facial pain for a period of three months. One year prior, he developed trigeminal neuralgia along the maxillary branch of the trigeminal nerve, characterized by electrical shock-like pain in the right upper molar, exacerbated by eating. His symptoms were effectively managed with carbamazepine. Nine months later, he began experiencing recurrent electrical shock-like pain along the ophthalmic division of the right trigeminal nerve, accompanied by lacrimation, which failed to respond to continued treatment with carbamazepine. Three months prior to presentation, his symptoms evolved into SUNCT/SUNA, characterized by electrical shock-like pain in the right periorbital area and conjunctival injection, lacrimation. Neuroimaging revealed high-grade neurovascular compression of the right trigeminal nerve by the right superior cerebellar artery. The patient's symptoms resolved following microvascular decompression. Conclusion: Clinicians should be aware that patients with longer disease duration of trigeminal neuralgia who develop new neuralgic pain in the ophthalmic branch division with mild autonomic symptoms may be at risk for transformation into SUNCT/SUNA.

Introduction: Trigeminal neuralgia and Short-lasting Unilateral Neuralgiform Headache with Conjunctival injection and Tearing (SUNCT)/Short-lasting Unilateral Neuralgiform Headache Attacks with Cranial Autonomic Symptoms (SUNA) are characterized by similar clinical manifestations, which may lead to diagnostic confusion. However, the transformation of trigeminal neuralgia into SUNCT/SUNA is a rare phenomenon. This report describes a case of trigeminal neuralgia transformation into SUNCT/SUNA due to neurovascular compression and reviews all previously published cases of trigeminal neuralgia to SUNCT/SUNA transformation in the literature. Case presentation: A 49-year-old Thai male patient presented with progressive right facial pain for a period of three months. One year prior, he developed trigeminal neuralgia along the maxillary branch of the trigeminal nerve, characterized by electrical shock-like pain in the right upper molar, exacerbated by eating. His symptoms were effectively managed with carbamazepine. Nine months later, he began experiencing recurrent electrical shock-like pain along the ophthalmic division of the right trigeminal nerve, accompanied by lacrimation, which failed to respond to continued treatment with carbamazepine. Three months prior to presentation, his symptoms evolved into SUNCT/SUNA, characterized by electrical shock-like pain in the right periorbital area and conjunctival injection, lacrimation. Neuroimaging revealed high-grade neurovascular compression of the right trigeminal nerve by the right superior cerebellar artery. The patient's symptoms resolved following microvascular decompression. Conclusion: Clinicians should be aware that patients with longer disease duration of trigeminal neuralgia who develop new neuralgic pain in the ophthalmic branch division with mild autonomic symptoms may be at risk for transformation into SUNCT/SUNA

Effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with radiofrequency ablation of dorsal root ganglia in the treatment of herpes zoster neuralgia / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of combining repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) with radiofrequency ablation (RF) of dorsal root ganglia in treating herpes zoster infection and neuralgia.Methods:Eighty-four individuals with a herpes zoster infection who had suffered from neuralgia for no more than 7 days were divided randomly into a control group, an rTMS group, an RF group, and an observation group, each of 21. All were treated with gabapentin, valciclovir and mecobalamin. The rTMS group received rTMS treatment, 5 days per week, for 2 consecutive weeks. The RF group received RF treatment of the dorsal root ganglia on the 15th day after enrollment, while the observation group received only the medication. Before the experiment as well as after 3, 7, 16, 30 and 60 days, all of the subjects self-assessed their discomfort using a pain visual analog scale (VAS). The Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), Quality of Life Assessment Scale (QOL-SF36), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were also administered.Results:The average VAS, HAMA, HAMD, QOL-SF36, and PSQI scores of the observation group improved continuously and significantly during and after the treatment. Beyond 16 days all of those results were significantly better than the control group′s averages, and the observation group′s average VAS, HAMA and HAMD results were also significantly better than those of the rTMS group. The observation group′s average VAS, HAMA, HAMD and PSQI scores had improved significantly more than the RF group′s averages beyond 30 days.Conclusion:Combining rTMS and dorsal root ganglion RF can effectively alleviate the early pain symptoms of herpes zoster infection and neuralgia, relieve anxiety and depression, and significantly improve sleep and life quality. Such therapy is worthy of clinical promotion and application.

Application status of electrical stimulation and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in postherpetic neuralgia / 中华皮肤科杂志

For the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia, drugs have always played a major but unsatisfactory role. As auxiliary or alternative therapies for postherpetic neuralgia, non-pharmacological interventions, such as electrical stimulation and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, not only have shown favorable efficacy, but also can decrease adverse reactions to drugs with high safety and patient acceptance, and are benificial for management of patients with postherpetic neuralgia.

Analysis of influencing factors for poor effect of short-term electrical spinal cord stimulation in treatment of postherpetic neuralgia / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To analyze the factors influencing the poor effect of short-term electrical spinal cord stimulation in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).Methods:The medical records of PHN patients of either sex, aged 40-85 yr, of American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification Ⅰ or Ⅱ, who received short-term electrical spinal cord stimulation from July 2017 to July 2022, were retrospectively collected. The therapeutic effect was evaluated using the modified MacNab criteria at 3 months after operation, and the patients were divided into good efficacy group (excellent and good efficacy) and poor efficacy group (fair and poor efficacy). General information, disease course, lesion site, complicated diseases, ossification of the yellow ligament in the diseased spinal segment, severity of pain in the herpetic stage, standard antiviral therapy in the herpetic stage (for more than 7 days) and use of neurotrophic drugs in the herpetic stage (for more than 7 days) were collected. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to screen the influencing factors for the poor effect of electrical spinal cord stimulation in the treatment of PHN.Results:A total of 168 patients were eventually enrolled, among which 69 had poor curative effect, and the rate of poor curative effect was 41.1%. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the patient′s age ( OR=2.230, P=0.015), course of disease ( OR=2.191, P=0.027), complication with diabetes mellitus( OR=8.859, P=0.010), ossification of ligamentum flavum at the same segment ( OR=6.602, P=0.019), severity of pain in the herpetic stage ( OR=5.788, P=0.038) and non-standard antiviral therapy in the herpetic stage ( OR=6.765, P=0.021) were the influencing factors for the poor effect of electrical spinal cord stimulation in the treatment of PHN. Conclusions:Age, course of disease, complication with diabetes mellitus, ossification of ligamentum flandum at the same segment, severity of pain in the herpetic stage and non-standard antiviral therapy in the herpetic stage are the factors influencing the poor effect of short-term electrical spinal cord stimulation in the treatment of PHN.