Antiviral therapy for Ramsay Hunt syndrome (herpes zoster oticus with facial palsy) in adults
Abstract Background Herpes zoster oticus (HZO) is a viral infection of the ear and when associated with acute facial paralysis is known as Ramsay Hunt syndrome. Antiviral agents are the standard first-line treatment for herpes zoster infections at other body sites and are thought to reduce or minimise nerve damage, thereby improving outcomes. It has […]
Decompressive surgery of lower limbs for symmetrical diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Abstract Background Symmetrical peripheral neuropathy is a common complication of diabetic neuropathy. No treatments are known to be effective for progressive pain and sensory loss associated with diabetic neuropathy. Alternative effective treatment strategies have been sought. Objectives To systematically review the evidence from randomized controlled trials concerning the role of decompressive surgery of lower limbs […]
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for chronic pain
Abstract Background Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a popular pain treatment modality but its effectiveness in chronic pain management is unknown. This review is an update of the original Cochrane review published in Issue 3, 2001. Objectives To evaluate the effectiveness of TENS in chronic pain. Search methods The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE and […]
Corticosteroids as adjuvant to antiviral treatment in Ramsay Hunt syndrome (herpes zoster oticus with facial palsy) in adults
Abstract Background Inflammation and oedema of the facial nerve due to viral infection by the herpes zoster virus are implicated in the aetiology and clinical manifestation of Ramsay Hunt syndrome (herpes zoster oticus with facial palsy). Corticosteroids, with their powerful anti-inflammatory effect, have a potential role to play in the reduction or minimisation of nerve […]
Injection therapy for subacute and chronic low-back pain
Abstract Background The effectiveness of injection therapy for low-back pain is still debatable. Heterogeneity of target tissue, pharmacological agent and dosage generally found in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) points to the need for clinically valid comparisons in a literature synthesis. Objectives To determine if injection therapy is more effective than placebo or other treatments for […]
Lumbar supports for prevention and treatment of low back pain
Abstract Background Lumbar supports are used in the treatment of low-back pain patients, to prevent the onset of low-back pain (primary prevention) or to prevent recurrences of a low-back pain episode (secondary prevention). Objectives To assess the effects of lumbar supports for prevention and treatment of non-specific low-back pain. Search methods We updated the search […]
Low level laser therapy for nonspecific low-back pain
Abstract Background Low-back pain (LBP) is a major health problem and a major cause of medical expenses and disablement. Low level laser therapy (LLLT) can be used to treat musculoskeletal disorders such as back pain. Objectives To assess the effects of LLLT in patients with non-specific LBP. Search methods We searched CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library […]
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for low back pain
Abstract Background Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most frequently prescribed medications worldwide and are widely used for patients with low-back pain. Selective COX-2 inhibitors are currently available and used for patients with low-back pain. Objectives The objective was to assess the effects of NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors in the treatment of non-specific low-back pain […]
Antidepressants for neuropathic pain
Abstract Background This is an updated version of the original Cochrane review published in Issue 3, 2005 of The Cochrane Library. For many years antidepressant drugs have been used to manage neuropathic pain, and are often the first choice treatment. It is not clear, however, which antidepressant is more effective, what role the newer antidepressants can play […]
Exercise for treating fibromyalgia syndrome
Abstract Background Fibromyalgia (FM) is a syndrome expressed by chronic widespread body pain which leads to reduced physical function and frequent use of health care services. Exercise training is commonly recommended as a treatment. This is an update of a review published in Issue 2, 2002. Objectives The primary objective of this systematic review was […]