Methadone for neuropathic pain in adults
Abstract Background This review replaces an earlier review, “Methadone for chronic non-cancer pain in adults”. This review serves to update the original and includes only studies of neuropathic pain. Methadone belongs to a class of analgesics known as opioids, that are considered the cornerstone of therapy for moderate-to-severe postsurgical pain and pain due to life-threatening […]
Topical analgesics for acute and chronic pain in adults – an overview of Cochrane Reviews
Abstract Background Topical analgesic drugs are used for a variety of painful conditions. Some are acute, typically strains or sprains, tendinopathy, or muscle aches. Others are chronic, typically osteoarthritis of hand or knee, or neuropathic pain. Objectives To provide an overview of the analgesic efficacy and associated adverse events of topical analgesics (primarily nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory […]
Botulinum toxin for the treatment of strabismus
Abstract Background The use of botulinum toxin as an investigative and treatment modality for strabismus is well reported in the medical literature. However, it is unclear how effective it is in comparison to other treatment options for strabismus. Objectives The primary objective was to examine the efficacy of botulinum toxin therapy in the treatment of […]
Plasma exchange for Guillain-Barré syndrome
Abstract Background Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute paralysing disease caused by peripheral nerve inflammation. This is an update of a review first published in 2001 and last updated in 2012. Objectives To assess the effects of plasma exchange for treating GBS. Search methods On 18 January 2016 we searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Specialised Register, […]
Interventions to prevent and treat corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis and prevent osteoporotic fractures in Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Abstract Background Corticosteroid treatment is considered the ‘gold standard’ for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD); however, it is also known to induce osteoporosis and thus increase the risk of vertebral fragility fractures. Good practice in the care of those with DMD requires prevention of these adverse effects. Treatments to increase bone mineral density include bisphosphonates and […]
Treatments for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP): an overview of systematic reviews
Abstract Background Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is a chronic progressive or relapsing and remitting disease that usually causes weakness and sensory loss. The symptoms are due to autoimmune inflammation of peripheral nerves. CIPD affects about 2 to 3 per 100,000 of the population. More than half of affected people cannot walk unaided when symptoms […]
Symptomatic treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neuron disease
Abstract Background Motor neuron disease (MND), which is also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), causes a wide range of symptoms but the evidence base for the effectiveness of the symptomatic treatment therapies is limited. Objectives To summarise the evidence from Cochrane Systematic Reviews of all symptomatic treatments for MND. Methods We searched the Cochrane […]
Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) modulators for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neuron disease
Abstract Background Imbalance of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) and related modulators has been implicated as an important factor in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which is also known as motor neuron disease (MND). In this context, the role and mechanism of action of gabapentin and baclofen have been extensively investigated, although with conflicting […]
Stretch for the treatment and prevention of contractures
Abstract Background Contractures are a common complication of neurological and non-neurological conditions, and are characterised by a reduction in joint mobility. Stretch is widely used for the treatment and prevention of contractures. However, it is not clear whether stretch is effective. This review is an update of the original 2010 version of this review. Objectives […]
Paracetamol (acetaminophen) with or without codeine or dihydrocodeine for neuropathic pain in adults
Abstract Background Paracetamol, either alone or in combination with codeine or dihydrocodeine, is commonly used to treat chronic neuropathic pain. This review sought evidence for efficacy and harm from randomised double-blind studies. Objectives To assess the analgesic efficacy and adverse events of paracetamol with or without codeine or dihydrocodeine for chronic neuropathic pain in adults. […]