Characteristics and natural disease history of persistent idiopathic facial pain, trigeminal neuralgia, and neuropathic facial pain.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to characterize key features, and to assess the clinical development of common nondental facial pain syndromes such as persistent idiopathic facial pain (PIFP), trigeminal neuralgia (TN), and neuropathic facial pain (NEUROP). METHODS: This is a longitudinal study in which prospective questionnaire data of patients presenting to a specialized outpatient clinic were collected from 2009 to 2019. A telephone interview was conducted with the same patients in 2020 to assess the natural disease history. RESULTS: n = 411 data sets of patients with chronic facial pain were compiled. Among these were n = 150 patients with PIFP, n = 111 patients with TN, and n = 86 patients with NEUROP. Guideline therapy had not been initiated in 38.7% (58/150; PIFP), 19.8% (22/111; TN), and 33.7% (29/86; NEUROP) patients. Of the patients with PIFP, 99.3% (149/150) had primarily consulted a dentist due to their pain syndrome. The additional telephone interview was completed by 236 out of the 411 patients (57.4%). Dental interventions in healthy teeth had been performed with the intention to treat the pain in many patients (78/94 [83.0%] PIFP; 34/62 [54.8%] TN; 19/43 [44.2%] NEUROP), including dental extractions. 11.3% (7/43) of the patients with TN had never profited from any therapy. In contrast, 29.8% (28/94) of the patients with PIFP had never profited from any therapy. Furthermore, the primary pharmaceutical therapy options suggested by national guidelines were, depending on the substance class, only considered to be effective by 13.8% (13/94; antidepressants) and 14.9% (14/94; anticonvulsants) of the patients with PIFP. CONCLUSIONS: Facial pain syndromes pose a considerable disease burden. Although treatment of TN seems to be effective in most patients, patients with PIFP and NEUROP report poor effectiveness even when following guideline therapy suggestions. In addition, unwarranted dental interventions are common in facial pain syndromes.

A pain in the ear: Two case reports of nervus intermedius neuralgia and narrative review.

OBJECTIVE: Present two cases of nervus intermedius neuralgia (NIN) in which patients described unilateral deep ear pain as their primary complaint and present a summary of NIN cases reported in the literature. BACKGROUND: The nervus intermedius is a tiny branch of the facial nerve that, with neuralgia, can present as a deep ear pain (NIN). The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition, (ICHD-3) criteria for an NIN diagnosis include a unilateral deep ear pain with possible radiation that occurs in paroxysms with sharp pain and a tactile trigger. METHODS: A PubMed search was conducted for NIN and geniculate neuralgia. Two patients recently diagnosed with NIN at a single clinic were selected for case reports to highlight the variability of symptom presentation. RESULTS: The two cases reported here and the 127 cases reported in the literature show a wider range of presentations than included in the ICHD-3 criteria, including variable pain radiation sometimes diagnosed as concurrent trigeminal, glossopharyngeal, or occipital neuralgia. Pain was reported as constant or paroxysmal, as well as dull, sharp, or neuralgiform with inconsistent presence of triggers. While ICHD-3 does mention reported taste change, lacrimation, and salivation, the literature reports a much wider range of potential features associated with NIN. Optimal medical treatment is unclear given the predominance of surgical reporting of positive response to microvascular decompression, nerve sectioning, or other procedures. The two cases described here were successfully managed medically. CONCLUSION: NIN can present as described in the ICHD-3, but a more variable presentation may be possible. More studies are needed to clarify presentation, optimal medical treatment, and surgical indications for patients with NIN, especially when patients have no clear neurovascular conflict on neuroimaging.

Anatomy of Trigeminal Neuromodulation Targets: From Periphery to the Brain.

The trigeminal nerve complex is a very important and somewhat unique component of the nervous system. It is responsible for the sensory signals that arise from the most part of the face, mouth, nose, meninges, and facial muscles, and also for the motor commands carried to the masticatory muscles. These signals travel through a very complex set of structures: dermal receptors, trigeminal branches, Gasserian ganglion, central nuclei, and thalamus, finally reaching the cerebral cortex. Other neural structures participate, directly or indirectly, in the transmission and modulation of the signals, especially the nociceptive ones; these include vagus nerve, sphenopalatine ganglion, occipital nerves, cervical spinal cord, periaqueductal gray matter, hypothalamus, and motor cortex. But not all stimuli transmitted through the trigeminal system are perceivable. There is a constant selection and modulation of the signals, with either suppression or potentiation of the impulses. As a result, either normal sensory perceptions are elicited or erratic painful sensations are created. Electrical neuromodulation refers to adjustable manipulation of the central or peripheral pain pathways using electrical current for the purpose of reversible modification of the function of the nociceptive system through the use of implantable devices. Here, we discuss not only the distal components, the nerve itself, but also the sensory receptors and the main central connections of the brain, paying attention to the possible neuromodulation targets.

First Bite Syndrome Following Carotid Endarterectomy.

A 67-year-old man with a high position carotid plaque presented with severe pain in ipsilateral parotid region several days after carotid endarterectomy (CEA). The pain occurred at the first bite of each meal and resolved as further bite. We diagnosed the pain as first bite syndrome (FBS). FBS is infrequent but known as a complication associated with parapharyngeal space surgery. The pain is characterized by sharp pain in the parotid region associated with mastication. The cause is unclear but thought to the result from sympathetic denervation of the parotid gland, followed by parasympathetic nerve hypersensitivity. Only five cases associated with carotid endarterectomy (CEA) have been reported. We should be in mind that CEA for high position plaque is one of the risk factors to cause FBS associated with CEA. Neurologists and vascular surgeons as well as otolaryngologists should all be informed FBS as one of the complications after carotid endarterectomy.

Differences in the Clinical Characteristics of Persistent Idiopathic Facial Pain (Atypical Odontalgia) Patients with or Without Neurovascular Compression of the Trigeminal Nerve.

BACKGROUND: Persistent idiopathic facial pain (PIFP) is the unexplained pain along the territory of the trigeminal nerve, including nonorganic tooth pain called atypical odontalgia (AO). Though PIFP is debilitating to patients' livelihood and well-being, its pathophysiology remains poorly understood. Although neurovascular compression (NVC) of the trigeminal nerve is known to be associated with trigeminal neuralgia (TN), the relationship between NVC and other orofacial pains has not been fully elucidated. METHODS: In this study, we investigated the differences in the characteristics of PIFP (primarily AO) patients in the presence or absence of NVC. A retrospective analysis was performed on data from 121 consecutive patients who had been diagnosed with unilateral PIFP according to the criteria of the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD)-3 and underwent magnetic resonance imaging scans of the head. RESULTS: In the group without NVC, characteristic findings were significant for psychiatric morbidity, somatization, and pain disability, when compared with the group with NVC. Furthermore, the group without NVC exhibited significant headache, noncardiac chest pain, shortness of breath, and pain catastrophizing. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that PIFP patients can be divided into two groups: one consistent with a neuropathic pain phenotype when NVC is present and a functional somatic symptom phenotype when presenting without NVC. Our findings may enable a more precise understanding of pathophysiology of PIFP and lead to better treatment strategies.

Comparative study of shockwave therapy and low-level laser therapy effects in patients with myofascial pain syndrome of the trapezius.

The objective of the study was to compare the effects of shockwave therapy and laser therapy on pain, neck functionality, and quality of life in patients with myofascial pain syndrome of the trapezius. 61 patients (> 18 years) were randomly allocated to two treatment groups: (1) 31 patients received soft laser therapy once daily in a 3-week period for a total of 15 sessions, (2) 30 patients received shockwave therapy once in a week for 3 weeks, totalling 3 treatments. Resting pain and pain tolerance were assessed by a 100 mm visual analogue scale; functional status and quality of life were measured by specific questionnaires (Neck Disability Index, SF-36) before and after the 3-week therapy and at the 15th week follow-up visit. All measured parameters improved significantly in both groups at week 3 and week 15. Comparing the two groups, patients receiving shockwave therapy demonstrated significantly better changes in pain tolerance (mean between-group differences at visit 1-0 = 14.911, 95% CI = 2.641-27.182, mean between-group differences at visit 2-0 = 17.190, 95% CI = 4.326-30.055 in the left trapezius), neck functionality (mean between-group differences at visit 1- 0 = 0.660, 95% CI = - 1.933 to 3.253, mean between-group differences at visit 2-0 = 1.072, 95% CI = - 2.110 to 4.254), and in all domains using SF-36 QoL questionnaire. The only parameter in which the laser group showed significantly higher benefits was at week 15 for resting pain (mean between-group differences at visit 2-0 = - 1.345, 95% CI = - 14.600 to 11.910). The results of our study point to a conclusion that both laser and shockwave therapy are effective in myofascial pain syndrome, though we found shockwave therapy to be somewhat more beneficial. Clinical trial registration number NCT03436459 ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03436459 ).

Effect of myofascial techniques for treatment of persistent arm pain after breast cancer treatment: randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of myofascial therapy in addition to a standard physical therapy program for treatment of persistent arm pain after finishing breast cancer treatment. DESIGN: Double-blinded (patient and assessor) randomized controlled trial. SETTING: University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium. PATIENTS: A total of 50 patients with persistent arm pain and myofascial dysfunctions after breast cancer treatment. INTERVENTION: Over three months, all patients received a standard physical therapy program. The intervention group received in addition 12 sessions of myofascial therapy, and the control group received 12 sessions of placebo therapy. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Main outcome parameters were pain intensity (primary outcome) (maximum visual analogue scale (VAS) (0-100)), prevalence rate of arm pain, pressure hypersensitivity (pressure pain thresholds (kg/cm2) and pain quality (McGill Pain Questionnaire). Measures were taken before and after the intervention and at long term (6 and 12 months follow-up). RESULTS: Patients in the intervention group had a significantly greater decrease in pain intensity compared to the control group (VAS -44/100 vs. -24/100, P = 0.046) with a mean difference in change after three months between groups of 20/100 (95% confidence interval, 0.4 to 39.7). After the intervention, 44% versus 64% of patients still experienced pain in the intervention and control group, respectively ( P = 0.246). No significant differences were found for the other outcomes. CONCLUSION: Myofascial therapy is an effective physical therapy modality to decrease pain intensity at the arm in breast cancer survivors at three months, but no other benefits at that time were found. There were no long-term effects at 12 months either.

[Real Time Fuctional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Biofeedback: a New Generation of Neurotherapy].

The review summarizes the data related to the potential of the real time fMRI biofeedback (the rt-fMRI), a novel technology implementing instructing patients to modify the neural activity in the certain brain regions related to the disordered function. The recent positive results were gained for a treatment of the post-stroke impairments, the Parkinson disease, the pain syndrome, the tinnitus, the alcohol and nicotine abuse, the major depression, and phobias of contamination and spiders. The intervention Was found to be less promising for schizophrenia and nearly ineffective for the criminal antisocial personality disorder. The reliability of the results is mostly poor due to suboptimal study designs, lack of the control groups, and insufficient sample sizes. The article deals with biological basis of the technology, its current applications and perspectives; and also its method- ologicdl and methodical problems.

Comparative evaluation of somatosensory mechanisms involved in orofacial somatic, visceral and neuropathic pain / Avaliação comparativa dos mecanismos somatossensoriais envolvidos na gênese das dores orofaciais de origem somática, visceral e neuropática

Orofacial pain conditions can be classified into somatic, visceral or neuropathic pain. Somatic pain is triggered by a noxious stimulus generally inducted by peripheral traumas, such as dental implants surgeries (IMP). Visceral pain initiates within internal body tissues and is normally triggered by inflammation, as in inflammatory toothaches (IT). The third condition is neuropathic pain, which results from persistent injury to the peripheral nerve as in Atypical Odontalgia (AO). The aims of this study were: 1- to investigate somatosensory abnormalities, using mechanical, painful, and electrical quantitative sensory testing (QST), in somatic (IMP patients), visceral (IT) and neuropathic pain (AO); 2- to quantify how accurately QST discriminates an IT or AO diagnosis; and 3- to investigate the influence implant surgeries or pulpectomy may have on somatosensory system and sensory nerve fibers. Sixty subjects were divided in three groups: IMP (n = 20), IT (n = 20) and AO group (n = 20). A sequence of five QSTs and the Conditioned Pain Modulation Test (CPM) were performed one month and three months after dental implant surgery (IMP group) or pulpectomy (IT group). AO group was evaluated only at baseline. QST comprehended Mechanical Detection Threshold (MDT), Mechanical Pain Threshold (MPT), Dynamical Mechanical Allodynia (DMA), Current Perception Threshold (CPT) for A-beta (frequency of 2000Hz), A-delta (250Hz) and C fibers (5Hz) and Temporal Summation Test (TS). "Z" score transformation were applied to the data, and within and between groups were statistically analyzed using two-way ANOVA. In addition, the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios, and diagnostic odds ratio of QSTs were calculated (α = 5%). The findings of this study proved that: 1- loss of function for touch threshold and electrical threshold of C fibers is present in inflammatory toothache; 2- allodynia, hyperalgesia, gain of function for touch and pain thresholds and impaired pain modulation is detected in atypical odontalgia; 3- some QSTs may be used as complementary tests in the differential diagnosis of atypical odontalgia and inflammatory toothache with strong accuracy; 4- the most accurate QSTs for differential diagnosis between subjects with AO and IT were MDT, MPT and DMA where touch threshold forces > 1 g/mm2 and pain threshold forces > 10g/mm2 can be used to accurately discriminate AO from IT; and 5- no somatosensory modification is found after implant surgery and reduced electrical threshold in C fiber is found for patients with inflammatory toothache after 3 months of pulpectomy.(AU)

As dores orofaciais podem ser classificadas em dores somáticas, viscerais ou neuropáticas. A dor somática está relacionada a um estímulo nocivo evidente, geralmente associada a um trauma periférico, como por exemplo, nas cirurgias de implantes (IMP). As dores viscerais têm origem dentro dos órgãos e cavidades internas do corpo e são ativadas pela inflamação, como no exemplo da dor de dente do tipo Pulpite Aguda (PA). A terceira condição é a dor neuropática, que resulta de uma lesão persistente ao nervo periférico, como ocorre na Odontalgia Atípica (OA). Os objetivos deste estudo foram: 1- avaliar as alterações somatossensoriais, por meio do uso de Testes Sensoriais Quantitativos (TSQ) mecânicos, dolorosos e elétricos em dores somáticas (pacientes IMP), viscerais (PA) e neuropáticas (OA); 2- quantificar a acurácia dos TSQs na descriminação diagnóstica de uma PA ou OA; e 3- investigar alterações somatossensoriais e nas fibras nervosas sensoriais após cirurgia de instalação de implantes dentários ou pulpectomia. Sessenta sujeitos foram divididos em três grupos: IMP (n = 20), PA (n = 20) e OA (n = 20). Uma sequência de cinco TSQs e o teste de Controle da Modulação da Dor (CMD) foram realizados um mês e três meses após cirurgia de implantes (grupo IMP) ou pulpectomia (grupo PA). No grupo OA, os testes foram realizados somente uma vez no início do estudo. Os TSQs englobaram o Limiar de Detecção Mecânica (LDM), Limiar de Dor Mecânica (LDoM), Alodinia Mecânica Dinâmica (AMD), Limiar de Percepção de Corrente (LPC) para fibras A-beta (frequência de 2000Hz), A-delta (250Hz) e C (5 Hz), e o teste de Somação Temporal (ST). A transformação em escores de "Z" foi aplicada aos dados, e diferenças intra e inter-grupos foram analisadas usando ANOVA de medidas repetidas. Ainda, a acurácia diagnóstica dos TSQs foi medida por meio da sensibilidade, especificidade, razão de verossimilhança e razão de chances para diagnóstico (α = 5%). Os resultados deste estudo mostraram que: 1- perda da função em limiar táctil e limiar elétrico de fibras C está presente na Pulpite Aguda; 2- alodinia, hiperalgesia, ganho de função nos limiares de tato e de dor, e modulação da dor prejudicada são encontrados em pacientes com odontalgia atípica; 3- alguns TSQs podem ser usados como testes diagnósticos complementares ao diagnóstico diferencial entre PA e OA; 4- os TSQs com maior acurácia para o diagnóstico diferencial entre indivíduos com PA e OA foram LDM LDoM e AMD, onde uma força maior que 1 g/mm2 para limiar de tato e maior que 10 g/mm2 para limiar de dor podem ser usados com precisão; e 5- nenhuma alteração somatossensorial é encontrada após cirurgia de implantes e uma redução no limiar elétrico em fibras C é encontrado em pacientes com PA após 3 meses da pulpectomia.(AU)

[Pathophysiology of cluster headache]. / Physiopathologie de l'algie vasculaire de la face (AVF).

The aetiology of cluster headache is partially unknown. Three areas are involved in the pathogenesis of cluster headache: the trigeminal nociceptive pathways, the autonomic system and the hypothalamus. The cluster headache attack involves activation of the trigeminal autonomic reflex. A dysfunction located in posterior hypothalamic gray matter is probably pivotal in the process. There is a probable association between smoke exposure, a possible genetic predisposition and the development of cluster headache.

[Epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, natural history and screening of cluster headache]. / Épidémiologie, description clinique, diagnostic positif clinique, évolution naturelle, dépistage de l'AVF.

This review is focused on the essential data about epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, natural history and screening for cluster headache.

The effects of levetiracetam, sumatriptan, and caffeine in a rat model of trigeminal pain: interactions in 2-component combinations.

BACKGROUND: Levetiracetam is an antiepileptic drug with analgesic efficacy shown in pain models and small clinical trials. Sumatriptan is used in acute migraine treatment. Caffeine is widely consumed in some beverages/foods and is also an adjuvant in analgesic formulations. We examined the effects of systemic levetiracetam, sumatriptan, and caffeine and their interactions in 2-component combinations in the rat orofacial formalin test, a model of trigeminal pain. METHODS: Rats received a subcutaneous injection of formalin solution into the perinasal area, and the total time spent in nociceptive behavior (face rubbing) was quantified. The antinociceptive effect of drugs/drug combinations was assessed 1 hour after per os administration. The type of interaction between levetiracetam/sumatriptan and caffeine was examined by comparing the effects of a fixed, effective dose of levetiracetam/sumatriptan alone with the effects of the same dose applied with increasing, subeffective doses of caffeine. The type of interaction between levetiracetam and sumatriptan was determined by isobolographic analysis. RESULTS: Levetiracetam (1-50 mg/kg) and sumatriptan (0.5-5 mg/kg) produced significant and dose-dependent antinociceptive effects in both phases of the orofacial formalin test (P ≤ 0.001). Caffeine (7.5-100 mg/kg) produced significant antinociception in the second phase of the test (P = 0.04). Caffeine (1-7.5 mg/kg) significantly reduced the antinociceptive effects of levetiracetam (25 mg/kg) (first phase P = 0.002, second phase P < 0.001) and sumatriptan (2.5 mg/kg) (first phase P = 0.014, second phase P = 0.027); dose-dependent inhibition was observed in the second phase. Levetiracetam and sumatriptan exerted an additive interaction in the second phase of the orofacial formalin test. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that levetiracetam may be useful for treatment of pain in the trigeminal region. Dietary caffeine might decrease the effects of levetiracetam and sumatriptan; this needs to be considered in clinical settings. A levetiracetam-sumatriptan combination could also be useful in trigeminal pain treatment. Its efficacy and adverse effects should be examined clinically.

Ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion block: safety and efficacy.

Cervical sympathetic and stellate ganglion blocks (SGB) provide a valuable diagnostic and therapeutic benefit to sympathetically maintained pain syndromes in the head, neck, and upper extremity. With the ongoing efforts to improve the safety of the procedure, the techniques for SGB have evolved over time, from the use of the standard blind technique, to fluoroscopy, and recently to the ultrasound (US)-guided approach. Over the past few years, there has been a growing interest in the ultrasound-guided technique and the many advantages that it might offer. Fluoroscopy is a reliable method for identifying bony surfaces, which facilitates identifying the C6 and C7 transverse processes. However, this is only a surrogate marker for the cervical sympathetic trunk. The ideal placement of the needle tip should be anterolateral to the longus colli muscle, deep to the prevertebral fascia (to avoid spread along the carotid sheath) but superficial to the fascia investing the longus colli muscle (to avoid injecting into the muscle substance). Identifying the correct fascial plane can be achieved with ultrasound guidance, thus facilitating the caudal spread of the injectate to reach the stellate ganglion at C7-T1 level, even if the needle is placed at C6 level. This allows for a more effective and precise sympathetic block with the use of a small injectate volume. Ultrasound-guided SGB may also improve the safety of the procedure by direct visualization of vascular structures (inferior thyroidal, cervical, vertebral, and carotid arteries) and soft tissue structures (thyroid, esophagus, and nerve roots). Accordingly, the risk of vascular and soft tissue injury may be minimized.

[The therapy of masticatory muscle pain with oral splints]. / Therapie von Kaumuskelschmerzen mit Okklusionsschienen.

Myofascial masticatory muscle pain is the second most frequent pain-related complaint in the orofacial region. Like unspecific musculoskeletal pain in other body segments, masticatory muscle pain is characterised by a multifactorial aetiology. The aim of this article is to document the current knowledge about the therapy with oral splints. It is shown that in both the short and long term, oral appliances can achieve sufficient pain relief in the majority of patients. In chronic myofascial jaw pain associated with psychosocial impairment in patients, effectiveness of splint therapy is limited, though. Within an interdisciplinary pain management programme, additional involvement of a psychotherapist is essential.

Interaction of IL-1ß and P2X(3) receptor in pathologic masseter muscle pain.

The exact mechanism underlying chronic masseter muscle pain, a conspicuous symptom in temporomandibular disorder, remains unclear. We investigated whether expression of P2X3 receptor (P2X3R) is involved in mechanical hyperalgesia after contraction of masseter muscle (CMM). As compared with sham rats, the head-withdrawal threshold (HWT) to mechanical pressure stimulation of masseter muscle (MM) (but not after similar stimulation of facial skin) was significantly lower, and IL-1ß level was significantly higher, in CMM rats on day 7 after CMM. The mean percentage of FG-labeled P2X3R-positive neurons was significantly increased in TG following successive IL-1ß injections into the MM for 7 days. Successive administration of an IL-1ß receptor-antagonist into the MM attenuated the increase of P2X3-IR cells in the TG. ATP release from MM after 300-g pressure stimulation of MM was also significantly enhanced after CMM. Administration into MM of the selective P2X3,2/3 receptor antagonist A-317491 attenuated the decrement of HWT in CMM rats. A significant increase in HWT was also observed at 30 min after A-317491 (60 µg) injection in IL-1ß-injected rats. These findings suggest that P2X3R expression associated with enhanced IL-1ß expression and ATP release in MM has a possible important role in MM mechanical hyperalgesia after excessive muscular contraction.

Effects of different physiotherapy applications on pain and mobility of connective tissue in patients with myofascial pain syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of electrotherapy and exercise on pain intensity and mobility of connective tissue in patients with myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) in their cervical region. METHODS: 60 patients were divided into 3 groups using a random allocation programme method. A hotpack was applied, and ultrasound was carried out on the patients in the treatment group who were also given exercise training. Exercise training was only given to the exercise group while the control group was given two weeks rest. The demographic characteristics, autonomic symptoms, and other MPS-associated symptoms of patients were recorded. The Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire was used to evaluate the intensity and quality of pain, and a skin-roll test was used to evaluate connective tissue mobility. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between treatment and control group on the sensory pain, total pain, and Visual Analog Scale measurements (p< 0.05). There was a decrease in connective tissue sensitivity measurements in the treatment and control groups. The connective tissue tension measurements were also decreased after treatment in the treatment and exercise groups. CONCLUSION: We concluded that combined treatment was more effective to decrease pain intensity, and increase connective tissue mobility.

[Observation on therapeutic effect of myofascial pain syndrome of the back in the military soldiers treated with moxibustion].

OBJECTIVE: To provide a set of the self-help and mutual-aid treatment with moxibustion to deal with myofasicial pain syndrome (MPS) of the back for the military soldiers. METHODS: Fifty-eight cases were randomly devided into a moxibustion group (30 cases) and a plaster application group (28 cases). In the moxibustion group, the suspended moxibustion was applied to Yanglingquan (GB 34) for 15 min. The moxibustion massage device was used to massage the pain area. Under the physician's guides, the self-help or mutual-aid treatment was adopted. In the plaster application group, Goupi Gao (a black plaster used in TCM) was used on the local pain area. The treatment was given once every day in either group, lasting for 5 days. The clinical symptom scale, clinical physical sign scale, functional disturbance scale, functional disturbance index, comprehensive economic benefit and the others were adopted to analyze and compare the clinical efficacies between the two groups. RESULTS: Both moxibustion and the plaster application achieved a certain efficacy on MPS of the back in the soldiers and either of them received the obvious improvements in the clinical symptoms, physical signs and functional disturbance (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). The results in the moxibustion group were superior to those in the plaster application group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). In terms of the comprehensive economic benefit index, the result in the moxibustion group was better than that in the plaster application group. The total effective rate was 96.7% (29/30) in the moxibustion group and was 35.7% (10/28) in the plaster application group. The efficacy in the moxibustion group was superior to that in the plaster application group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The self-help or mutual-aid treatment with moxibustion achieves the satisfactory clinical efficacy on MPS of the back in the military soldiers. It reduces the conventional medical cost and the military medical expenditure. This therapeutic approach is suitable to be promoted in the military.

The pterygopalatine ganglion and its role in various pain syndromes: from anatomy to clinical practice.

The postsynaptic fibers of the pterygopalatine or sphenopalatine ganglion (PPG or SPG) supply the lacrimal and nasal glands. The PPG appears to play an important role in various pain syndromes including headaches, trigeminal and sphenopalatine neuralgia, atypical facial pain, muscle pain, vasomotor rhinitis, eye disorders, and herpes infection. Clinical trials have shown that these pain disorders can be managed effectively with sphenopalatine ganglion blockade (SPGB). In addition, regional anesthesia of the distribution area of the SPG sensory fibers for nasal and dental surgery can be provided by SPGB via a transnasal, transoral, or lateral infratemporal approach. To arouse the interest of the modern-day clinicians in the use of the SPGB, the advantages, disadvantages, and modifications of the available methods for blockade are discussed.▪

First-bite syndrome complicating carotid endarterectomy: a case report and literature review.

First-bite syndrome (FBS) is an infrequently encountered complication of parapharyngeal space surgery. Patients experience excruciating pain in the ipsiltateral parotid gland region at the first bite of each meal, which improves with subsequent mastication. This is thought to be due to parotid gland sympathetic denervation from surgery with resultant hypersensitivity to parasympathetic impulses. There is no consensus on best treatment for FBS although symptoms tend to improve with time. There are only 2 case reports linking carotid endarterectomy and FBS so far. We report the third case of FBS after carotid endarterectomy to raise awareness among vascular surgeons of the possibility of this complication.