Non-drug therapies for lower limb muscle cramps
Abstract Background About one in every three adults are affected by lower limb muscle cramps. For some people, these cramps reduce quality of life, quality of sleep and participation in activities of daily living. Many interventions are available for lower limb cramps, but some are controversial, no treatment guidelines exist, and often people experience no […]
Pharmacologic interventions for treating phantom limb pain
Abstract Background This is an updated version of the original Cochrane review published in Issue 12, 2011. Phantom limb pain (PLP) is pain that arises in the missing limb after amputation and can be severe, intractable, and disabling. Various medications have been studied in the treatment of phantom pain. There is currently uncertainty in the […]
Valproic acid and sodium valproate for neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia in adults
Abstract Background Valproic acid and its sodium salt (sodium valproate) are antiepileptic drugs that are sometimes used to treat chronic neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia, although they are not licensed for this use. Objectives To evaluate the analgesic efficacy and adverse effects of valproic acid and sodium valproate in the management of chronic neuropathic pain and […]
Treatment for idiopathic and hereditary neuralgic amyotrophy (brachial neuritis)
Abstract Background Neuralgic amyotrophy (also know as Parsonage-Turner syndrome or brachial plexus neuritis) is a distinct peripheral nervous system disorder characterised by episodes (attacks) of extreme neuropathic pain and rapid multifocal weakness and atrophy in the upper limbs. Neuralgic amyotrophy has both an idiopathic and hereditary form, with similar clinical symptoms but generally an earlier […]
Treatment for idiopathic and hereditary neuralgic amyotrophy (brachial neuritis)
Abstract Background Neuralgic amyotrophy (also know as Parsonage-Turner syndrome or brachial plexus neuritis) is a distinct peripheral nervous system disorder characterised by episodes (attacks) of extreme neuropathic pain and rapid multifocal weakness and atrophy in the upper limbs. Neuralgic amyotrophy has both an idiopathic and hereditary form, with similar clinical symptoms but generally an earlier […]
Vaccination for preventing postherpetic neuralgia
Abstract Background Herpes zoster virus vaccine was recommended for the prevention of herpes zoster and its sequelae by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) in 2006. To date the efficacy and safety of vaccination for preventing the most common complication of zoster, postherpetic neuralgia, has not been systematically reviewed. Objectives To assess the efficacy and safety of vaccination in preventing postherpetic neuralgia. […]
Pharmacological interventions for pain in patients with temporomandibular disorders
Abstract Background Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a group of disorders affecting the temporomandibular joints and the muscles of mastication. TMDs are treated with a wide range of drugs. The extent to which the use of these drugs is based upon evidence is unknown. Objectives To assess the effectiveness of pharmacological interventions both alone and in […]
Botulinum toxin for shoulder pain
Abstract Background Recent evidence suggests an anti-nociceptive effect of botulinum toxin. Objectives To compare the efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin in comparison to placebo or other treatment options for shoulder pain. Search methods We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library), Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL (via EBSCOhost), Ovid SPORTDiscus, EMBASE […]
Transient neurologic symptoms (TNS) following spinal anaesthesia with lidocaine versus other local anaesthetics
Abstract Background Spinal anaesthesia has been in use since 1898. During the last decade there has been an increase in the number of reports implicating lidocaine as a possible cause of temporary and permanent neurologic complications after spinal anaesthesia. Follow up of patients who received uncomplicated spinal anaesthesia revealed that some of them developed pain […]
Antidepressants for non-specific low back pain
Abstract Background Antidepressants are commonly used in the management of low-back pain. However, their use is controversial. Objectives The aim of this review was to determine whether antidepressants are more effective than placebo for the treatment of non-specific low-back pain. Search methods Randomised controlled trials were identified from MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsycINFO (to November 2008), […]