Giustino Varrassi

• MD
• CEO at Fondazione Paolo Procacci

Ibuprofen arginine (IBA) combines well-established analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties with enhanced pharmacokinetics. The addition of arginine significantly improves solubility and absorption, leading to a faster onset of action compared to conventional ibu-profen. Clinical studies consistently demonstrate that IBA achieves meaningful pain...

Background: Buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, has gained attention for its use in chronic pain management due to its lower risk of abuse and respiratory depression compared to traditional opioids. The utilization of buprenorphine for chronic pain has increased in recent years. This study aimed to analyze trends in buprenorphine prescribing...

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a prevalent and debilitating condition, with significant impacts on patients’ quality of life. Vertebrogenic pain, often linked to vertebral endplate degeneration and modic changes, represents a distinct subset of CLBP. Intraosseous basivertebral nerve (BVN) ablation has emerged as a minimally invasive treatment targ...

Background Neuropathic pain represents a significant public health concern due to its complex pathophysiology and the disability it can cause. Despite advancements in understanding its underlying mechanisms and potential treatments, challenges persist in achieving effective management. This bibliometric analysis aims to offer a comprehensive overvi...

Purpose of Review Chronic non-cancer pain in children and adolescents represents a significant public health issue, affecting physical, psychological, and social well-being. Defined as pain persisting for over three months, this condition is influenced by developmental, socioeconomic, and cultural factors. However, its prevalence remains uncertain...

Background. Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is characterized by chronic widespread pain, sleep disturbances, fatigue and cognitive impairment. Methods. In this retrospective study, we analyzed data collected between 2017 and 2022 regarding Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) as an add-on treatment in 183 adult patients with FMS according to the 2016 ACR (American...

The recent growth of wearable medical device technology in fitness trackers, smartwatches, smartphone apps, and patient monitoring systems has created people-generated health data (PGHD) that may benefit medical science with large amounts of continuous real-world data. The prevalence of these devices speaks to their broad popularity and user-friend...

Background Accidental dural puncture during epidural lead insertion for Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) is a recognized surgical complication that may lead to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage and subsequent postdural puncture headache (PDPH). The optimal technical approach to prevent CSF leakage remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate a...

Clear cell sarcoma (CCS) is a rare, aggressive soft tissue sarcoma with a strong predilection for the extremities. It is often misdiagnosed as melanoma. Despite surgical resection, CCS carries a high risk of early metastasis, most commonly to the lungs, bones, and lymph nodes, with limited effective systemic therapies available. We present the case...

Background The term “mixed pain” is frequently used in clinical practice to describe the coexistence of nociceptive, neuropathic, and nociplastic pain mechanisms. However, its inconsistent use and lack of a formal definition warrant further investigation. This bibliometric analysis aims to explore publication trends, research networks, and key them...

This systematic review aims to reassess the expanding role of the cerebellum in pain perception , challenging its traditional and simplis-tic association with the motor domain. Pain perception is a complex experience shaped by sensory, emotional, and cognitive factors, with recent findings underlining the cerebel-lum's influence over these systems....

Acute pain, a critical aspect of patient care, presents a challenge due to its subjective nature and complex biological underpinnings. Biomarkers for acute pain promise a paradigm shift in how pain is perceived, diagnosed, and managed. The study of genetic, inflammatory, and neurotransmission markers associated with pain experience may hold the key...

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune and autoinflammatory disorder defined by abnormal skin cell turnover and inflammation, resulting in the formation of plaques on the skin. Although biologic therapies targeting interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-23 have significantly improved the treatment landscape for moderateto-severe psoriasis, they are not effective fo...

Pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a critical medical condition that poses significant challenges in diagnosis, management, and prognosis. This comprehensive review explores the stepwise approach to the initial evaluation of pediatric TBI patients, emphasizing the importance of maintaining cerebral perfusion through hemodynamic stabilization...

Introduction Bilateral lumbar radicular symptoms are commonly treated with interlaminar epidural steroid injections (ILESIs). The parasagittal approach often results in unilateral contrast spread, which may influence the degree of bilateral symptom relief. This study evaluates whether unilateral contrast spread correlates with symptom improvement i...

The interplay between psychiatric conditions and dermatological disorders is complex and multifaceted, often resulting in significant challenges for both diagnosis and treatment. This narrative review examines associations between specific psychiatric conditions, trichotillomania, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar dis...

Vitamin E, primarily in its active form α-tocopherol, is a well-known antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative stress and free radical damage. It plays an essential role in maintaining cellular integrity and supporting immune function, making Vitamin E a widely popular and easily accessible dietary supplement for overall health and wellness....

Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome is a clinical condition characterized by impaired venous return from the upper body due to intrinsic or extrinsic obstruction of the SVC. Endovascular stenting has become an effective intervention for symptomatic relief. However, the procedure carries a rare risk of life-threatening complications, including SVC per...

Endoscopic botulinum toxin injections (EBTI) are used to treat refractory gastroparesis in various patient populations, but their use still needs to be standardized. The PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were searched for studies focusing on using endoscopic, intrapyloric botulinum toxin injections to treat refractory gastroparesis. Re...

Chronic non-cancer pain, defined by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as lasting beyond three months, significantly affects individuals’ quality of life and is often linked to various medical conditions or injuries. Its management is complex. Cannabis, containing the key compounds Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol...

Emesis (e.g., vomiting and nausea) can be a nebulous condition to treat, as it has many and highly varied etiologies. Understanding the underlying causes of emesis is crucial in selecting the appropriate antiemetic therapy. At present, there are a plethora of medications on the market to treat emesis, known as antiemetics. For the healthcare profes...

Nociplastic pain is the fourth category of pain defined in recent years. It is a pain arising from altered nociception, despite the lack of clear evidence of actual or threatened tissue damage that causes activation of peripheral nociceptors nor evidence for disease or lesion of the somatosensory system causing the pain. This type of pain is usuall...

Background: The pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block is a novel ultrasound-guided regional technique that may provide analgesia to patients undergoing hip surgery. It has been extensively studied in recent years, but the evidence of superiority over other regional anaesthetic techniques is inconclusive. This review aimed to compare outcomes of the...

Introduction Ischial bursitis is a challenging chronic pain condition often resistant to conservative treatments. Ischial bursa injections, including fluoroscopically guided and landmark-based approaches, are commonly used when first-line interventions fail. This study aims to compare the efficacy of these two techniques in providing pain relief an...

Although the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into medicine and healthcare holds transformative potential, significant challenges must be necessarily addressed. This technological innovation requires a commitment to ethical principles. Key issues concern autonomy, reliability, and bias. Furthermore, AI development must guarantee rigorous...

Background Epidural analgesia is widely regarded as the gold standard for pain relief during labor. Despite its effectiveness, significant disparities in adoption persist due to cultural, medical, and informational factors. This study aimed to analyze online search behaviors related to epidural analgesia in the six most populous European countries,...

Pain is one of the most frequently reported symptoms in hemodialyzed (HD) patients, with prevalence rates between 33% and 82%. Risk factors for chronic pain in HD patients are older age, long-lasting dialysis history, several concomitant diseases, malnutrition, and others. However, chronic pain assessment in HD patients is rarely performed by speci...

Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are chronic diseases with increasing prevalence, underscoring the urgent need for effective treatment and management strategies. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have emerged as an essential class of drugs for managing both obesity and T2DM, offering additional benefits for cardiovasc...

Background/Objectives: Osteoporosis causes a bone mass reduction and often determines acute and chronic pain. Understanding the biochemical and neurophysiological mechanisms behind this pain is crucial for developing new, effective rehabilitative and therapeutic approaches. This systematic review synthesizes recent advances in muscle–bone interacti...

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a complex psychiatric condition characterized by pervasive patterns of instability in emotions, interpersonal relationships, and self-image. This comprehensive review explores the current diagnostic practices, treatment modalities, and ongoing controversies surrounding BPD. We discuss established and propose...

Meralgia paresthetica (MP) is a sensory mononeuropathy affecting the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. Diagnosis is typically made clinically, often utilising multiple diagnostic aids such as imaging and electrophysiology. Upon diagnosis, the management of MP follows the standard ladder, with conservative management first line, followed by steroid i...

The management of postoperative pain in pediatric patients undergoing emergency surgical procedures, particularly in non-pediatric hospitals, presents significant challenges due to the unique physiological requirements of children. The utilization of opioid analgesia may result in severe complications, necessitating a transition toward multimodal a...

Cancer-related pain represents one of the most common complaints of cancer patients especially for those with advanced-stage of disease and/or bone metastases. More effective therapeutic strategies are needed not only to improve the survival of cancer patients but also to relieve cancer-related pain. In the last decade, immune checkpoint inhibitor...

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) has been prescribed in neuropathic pain management for over 20 years. This study aims to summarize what has been published on the topic in the last 15 years and determine the appropriate-ness of the prescribing. It describes the pharmacological aspect of PEA, especially focusing on its pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinet-...

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that more commonly affects African American people, although it is seen in people of all racial backgrounds. This condition is characterized by a dysregulated immune response resulting in widespread inflammation. Clinical manifestations caused by this inflammation include arthritis, anemia...

The present investigation evaluated transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for the nonpharmacological treatment of post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). PHN is the most common complication of the Herpes Zoster virus, affecting one in every five patients with shingles, and presents as intense neuropathic pain that can persist for 90 days or lon...

Background: Posterior fossa syndrome (PFS), also known as cerebellar mutism syndrome, occurs in about 25% of pediatric patients undergoing resection of a posterior cranial fossa medulloblastoma. It is characterized primarily by mutism or reduced/impaired speech and may include variable symptoms such as motor dysfunction (apraxia, ataxia, hypotonia)...

Group A Streptococcus (GAS), particularly Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes), is a significant human pathogen responsible for infections often ranging from mild superficial conditions to severe, life-threatening diseases like necrotizing fasciitis (NF) and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS). This case report details the rapid deterioration...

Introduction: Endometriosis affects 5% to 10% of reproductive age women and may be associated with severely painful and debilitating symptoms as well as infertility. Endometriosis involves hormonal fluctuations, angiogenesis, neurogenesis, vascular changes and neuroinflammatory processes. The neuroinflammatory component of endometriosis makes it a...

This narrative review examines the role of the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine in global tuberculosis (TB) control efforts, with particular emphasis on the differences in vaccination policies between countries, such as the US, where routine BCG administration is not practiced. A significant complication of the BCG vaccine is false positive r...

Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is a very common and troublesome gastrointestinal side effect following the use of opioids. Despite existing international guidelines, OIC is largely underdiagnosed and undertreated. ECHO OIC is a European project designed to improve the diagnosis and management of OIC at the primary care level. The next phase of t...

Hereditary multiple exostoses (HME) is a genetic disorder defined by the formation of benign bone tumors known as exostoses, which can lead to chronic pain and functional impairment. This case report details a 57year-old man with a long-standing history of severe diffuse bone pain attributed to HME. Despite various treatments, his pain remained poo...

The term "kratom" refers to a plant species formally known as Mitragyna speciosa. Kratom is composed of over 40 alkaloids, a type of organic compound that contains nitrogen. These compounds work primarily via binding to opioid receptors expressed on neurons, where they stimulate signal transduction mechanisms involving the activation of G proteins....

Introduction: Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients may experience neuropathic pain (NP) due to radiotherapy (RT), which may become chronic. Pregabalin, an anticonvulsant, alters the transmission of painful stimuli at the synaptic level, modifying their perception. Pregabalin is used in NP treatment, but limited data exist on RT-treated HNC patients....

Purpose of Review With the ongoing opioid crisis, there is a continued need to develop multimodal pain management strategies inclusive of non-pharmacological treatments. Virtual reality (VR) offers a non-invasive treatment approach for the management of acute and chronic pain including postoperative pain. The aim of this review is to describe the u...

Cardiovascular diseases represent the largest worldwide cause of morbidity and mortality. Common signs and symptoms of cardiovascular disease are well characterized and taught in medical curricula, allowing clinicians to quickly recognize and diagnose the more acute and emergent cardiovascular diseases. Dermatological features associated with cardi...

Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is a precise and effective technique for treating skin cancers, necessitating high accuracy and real-time decision-making to ensure complete tumor removal while preserving healthy tissue. The introduction of the Apple Vision Pro (AVP), an advanced mixed-reality headset, presents a potential technological advancement...

Menopause is characterized by the cessation of menstruation for 12 consecutive months. In this narrative review, we describe the transitional stages of menopause, clinical presentation, pharmacological management of symptoms, and effects on fluctuating hormone levels. To standardize the stages of menopause, the Stages of Reproductive Aging Workshop...

Our immune system acts to protect us in times of stress and traumatic injury. As part of the immune response, the body produces various cytokines, which mediate or modulate immune functions. Such cytokines include tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) and IL-17. These cytokines can also act on the nervous system to influence pain per...

Congenital bleeding disorders involve specific deficiencies in factors that can alter hemostasis, increasing the risk of bleeding. This case report describes a patient with Von Willebrand’s disease who was diagnosed with severe thoracic facet arthritis with pain scores of 9/10. An antihemophilic factor (vWF, Humate-P) injection was administered by...

Please confirm that an ethics committee approval has been applied for or granted : Yes: I’m uploading the Ethics Committee Approval as a PDF file with this abstract submission Background and Aims The aim of the study was to analyse the relationship between the preoperative emotional state and the prevalence and intensity of postoperative pain in p...

Purpose of Review Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a minimally invasive and reversible therapy for the treatment of severe neuropathic pain. There are several biologic complications that can arise during the implantation of SCS systems. This review aims to consolidate recent research on complications associated with SCS, specifically focusing on bi...

The recent growth of wearable medical device technology in the form of fitness trackers, smart watches, smartphone apps, and patient monitoring systems has created people-generated health data (PGHD) that may benefit medical science with large amounts of continuous real-world data. The prevalence of these devices speaks to their broad popularity an...

Pain diagnosis remains a challenging task due to its subjective nature, the variability in pain expression among individuals, and the difficult assessment of the underlying biopsychosocial factors. In this complex scenario, artificial intelligence (AI) can offer the potential to enhance diagnostic accuracy, predict treatment outcomes, and personali...

Introduction: The Gnana laryngeal mask airway II (GLA-II) is a supraglottic airway device similar to the classic laryngeal mask airway, except it has an additional suction port. This suction port allows for the removal of secretions and saliva. A previous version of the Gnana laryngeal airway 4 was made of silicone, while this newer version is made...

Background & aims Chronic migraine poses a global health burden, particularly affecting young women, and has substantial societal implications. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of Greater Occipital Nerve Block (GONB) in individuals with chronic migraine, focusing on the impact of local anesthetics compared with placebo. Methods A meta-analy...

Background Children under the age of 3 years have been diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). They were found to be functionally disadvantaged and psychologically distressed in relation to children with other painful conditions. Case presentation An 18-month-old baby girl was referred to the pain clinic with a history of severe righ...

Pain diagnosis remains a challenging task due to its subjective nature, the variability in pain expression among individuals, and the difficult assessment of the underlying biopsychosocial factors. In this complex scenario, artificial intelligence (AI) can offer the potential to enhance diagnostic accuracy, predict treatment outcomes, and personali...

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive autoimmune disease modulated by autoantibodies that inflame and destroy the myelin sheath encasing neuronal axons, impairing proper axonal conduction and function. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists have been demonstrated to exert antiinflammatory and neuroprotective effects, making t...

Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a common inflammatory skin condition characterized by itchy, sensitive patches of greasy, flaky skin in areas rich in sebaceous glands, such as the scalp. Cases range from asymptomatic to debilitating, with effective treatment in severe cases proving crucial to patient quality of life. Ketoconazole shampoo is a topical...

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a common and often misinterpreted clinical entity responsible for various symptoms affecting the upper aerodigestive tract. This narrative literature review aims to review the pathophysiology, symptoms, and management of LPR, emphasizing the emerging understanding of gastric content reflux in aerodigestive tissue i...

Osteoarthritis, the most common joint disease of adults worldwide, is increasing in prevalence due to an increase in aging and rates of obesity in developed countries. Treatment options include physical therapy, pharmacologic management, non-pharmacologic management, and total knee replacement surgery. When conservative measures fail, total knee re...

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stands as a pervasive psychiatric condition, exerting a profound impact on millions across the globe. Despite the availability of traditional therapeutic modalities, many individuals continue to grapple with suboptimal treatment outcomes, underscoring the urgent need for novel interventions. In recent years, st...

Emergency laparotomy is a surgical procedure associated with significantly higher mortality rates compared to elective surgeries. Awake laparotomy under neuraxial anaesthesia has recently emerged as a promising approach in abdominal surgery to improve patient outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and potential benefits of using neur...

Dorsal root ganglion pulsed radiofrequency (DRG-PRF) is frequently used for the treatment of chronic lumbar radicular pain with good outcomes in terms of pain management. Transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) is often administered immediately after DRG-PRF to increase the anti-inflammatory effects, but support for the synergic mechanism...

Background: Virtual reality (VR) emerges as a promising non-pharmacological intervention for managing symptoms and providing distraction during chemotherapy. This study aims to assess VR’s effectiveness on cancer-related symptoms, vital signs, and the patients’ perception of chemotherapy in lung cancer patients. Methods: A quasi-experimental study...

Purpose of Review Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a frequent complication of cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents; its incidence largely varies, depending on type, dose, agent and preexisting risk factors. Oral-and-perioral-CIPN (OCIPN) is underreported. Neurotoxic agents can cause jaw pain or numbness. This review aims to present...

Purpose of Review Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is a complex chronic pain condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and numerous other debilitating symptoms. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview, based on everyday clinical practice, of the drugs presently employed in the treatment of FMS. Recent Findings...

Neurodegenerative diseases are broadly hallmarked by impaired energy metabolism and toxic intracellular accumulations such as damaged organelles or reactive oxygen species (ROS). Gold nanoparticles readily cross the blood-brain barrier and increase nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide + hydrogen (NADH) oxidation to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (N...

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex autoimmune disease pre-senting with a wide organ-manifestation. One out of three pa-tients with SS is affected by calcinosis, i.e. the deposition of apatite in soft tissue. The association between digital ulcers and calcinosis suggests a role of tissue hypoxia and inflammation in its pathogenesis. Treatment of...

Allopurinol lowers urate production through the inhibition of xanthine oxidase. It is oxidatively hydroxylated to oxypurinol and is the most prescribed medication for gout treatment. Although it has a beneficial effect in the treatment of this common disease, like many medications, it is also known for having numerous adverse effects. Stevens-Johns...

Pain is a significant issue in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PSA) and can have a negative impact on patients’ quality of life. Despite optimal control of inflammatory disease, residual chronic pain remains a major unmet medical need in RA. Pain in RA can be secondary to inflammation but can also generate neuroendocrine response...

Art therapy, dance therapy, and music therapy have emerged as complementary and integrative approaches to healthcare, providing powerful avenues for healing, growth, and self-discovery. This narrative review explores the multifaceted role of these therapeutic interventions, examining their mechanisms, applications, and evidence-based benefits in pr...

Background One million individuals in the USA die from acute myocardial infarction (MI), which currently affects 3 million people globally. The available data about the early and late outcomes of both biodegradable polymer drug-eluting stents (BP-DES) and durable polymer drug-eluting stents exhibit inconsistency. We performed a meta-analysis compar...

Purpose of Review Despite ongoing research into alternative postsurgical pain treatments, opioids remain widely used analgesics regardless of associated adverse effects, including dependence and overdose, as demonstrated throughout the current opioid crisis. This is likely related to a failure in proving the efficacy of alternative analgesics in cl...

Hypertension is attributable long-term to various negative health outcomes, including atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and, more broadly, to cardiovascular events such as congestive heart disease, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and stroke. Effective hypertension treatment is essential to lower the risk of these outcomes. Treatment of h...

The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has increased over the last decade. In this regard, many emerging therapies have been described as ASD therapies. Although ASD does not have a cure, there are several management options available that can help reduce symptom severity. ASD is highly variable and, therefore, standard treatment protocol...

Introduction: Emergency laparotomy is a surgical procedure associated with significantly higher mortality rates compared to elective surgeries. Awake laparotomy under neuraxial anaesthesia has recently emerged as a promising approach in abdominal surgery to improve patient outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and potential benefits...

Chronic pain is a complex condition that often poses diagnostic and management challenges due to its multifactorial etiology. This case report describes a 49-year-old pastor who presented with a three-year history of chronic pain affecting multiple sites, including the neck, bilateral shoulders, thoracic region, lower back, and bilateral knees. Add...

Purpose of Review This review aims to summarize current knowledge on the pathophysiology of pain and the role of neuro-immune crosstalk in the development of acute and chronic pain (CP). Specifically, the review focuses on the role of immune cells involved in the innate and acquired immune response, emphasizing their bidirectional interactions with...

Introduction: Dexketoprofen/tramadol 25/75 mg (DKP/TRAM) is a fixed-dose combination of a cyclooxygenase inhibitor and opioid receptor agonist. To better understand the efficacy and safety of DKP/TRAM in the treatment of moderate to severe acute lower back pain (LBP) with or without radiculopathy, we carried out a large explorative phase IV interna...

Background: Virtual Reality (VR) emerges as a promising non-pharmacological intervention for managing symptoms and providing distraction during chemotherapy. This study aims to assess VR's effectiveness on cancer-related symptoms, vital signs, and patients' perception of the chemotherapy in lung cancer patients. Methods: A quasi-experimental study...

Robotic surgery provides precision and safety for minimally invasive gynecological operations but introduces unique anesthetic challenges, especially for individuals with pre-existing conditions like Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome. This case report addresses the anesthetic management of a 32-year-old female with WPW syndrome undergoing a myom...

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common heart arrhythmias, and due to its variable presentation, detecting and treating AF appropriately can reduce some of its serious complications. Among treatment options, surgical ablation and antiarrhythmic drug therapy are two of the most widely used choices. A systematic review and meta-analysis we...

Background and aims: Hip fractures are common in the elderly and lead to serious health issues. Effective pain management during this period is vital for recovery and preventing compli- cations like deep vein thrombosis and muscle atrophy. While opioids are key for pain relief during the perioperative phase, they carry risks like respiratory depres...

Tuberculosis remains one of the most significant bacterial infections plaguing the medical community worldwide. The bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis retains the ability to manifest as an active infection, latent infection, miliary infection, or reactivation of latent infections in times of immunosuppression. Therefore, the medication regimen to...

Rabies, a millennia-old viral infection transmitted through animal bites, poses a lethal threat to humans, with a historic fatality rate of 100% if left untreated. Louis Pasteur's introduction of the rabies vaccine in 1885 marked a turning point in the battle against rabies, preventing numerous cases. The purpose of this paper is to review the hist...

Introduction: Trigeminal neuralgia is a rare condition that can be effectively treated by carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine but these older drugs are associated with dose-dependent and potentially treatment-limiting adverse effects. Third-generation anticonvulsants, new calcitonin gene-related peptide blockers for migraine, and older drugs such as ke...

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare systems are facing extraordinary challenges. Our approaches to medicine have changed and created a whole new generation of people who have chronic pain. Various medical services were postponed. The pandemic significantly impacted the bio-psychosocial model of pain and the management of chronic pain. These new...

The occipital nerve block involves the injection of a local anesthetic and possibly a corticosteroid near the occipital nerves at the base of the skull and aims at providing relief from chronic headaches by temporarily numbing or reducing inflammation around the occipital nerves. It has proven to be efficacious in treating chronic headaches, especi...

The lack of established laboratory tests or biomarkers for trigeminal neuralgia (TN) makes diagnosing this relatively rare condition extremely challenging. Trigeminal nerve compression observable on magnetic resonance imaging may indicate TN, but many patients do not have visible lesions or compression. In particular, TN may be confused with migrai...