Pain News and Research

Latest Pain News and Research

Morphine does not alleviate acute pain in preterm neonates

Preterm neonates undergo many painful procedures as part of their standard care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Preterm babies are able to experience pain and indeed are highly sensitive to it.

2 May 2004

Botox helps children with cerebral palsy

Botox, or botulinum toxin, offers a new, non-surgical option for improving the upper extremity function of children with cerebral palsy (CP), report researchers from Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. L. Andrew Koman, M.D., orthopedic surgeon at Brenner Children’s Hospital, and his team recently completed a study using Botox to treat muscle spasticity of the arm and hand in children with CP.

1 May 2004

Researchers to improve the quality of life for stroke survivors

Researchers at the University of Birmingham are investigating how to improve the quality of life for stroke survivors in nursing and residential homes, by helping them to become more active.

30 Apr 2004

FDA updates Zelnorm labeling a treatment of women with irritable bowel syndrome

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today announced the addition of new risk information to the health professional labeling for Zelnorm (tegaserod maleate). Zelnorm is a prescription medication for the short-term treatment of women with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) whose primary bowel symptom is constipation.

30 Apr 2004

Funding for new biomaterials for spinal disc repair and regeneration

Orthonics, Inc., an Atlanta start-up company developing new biomaterials for spinal disc repair and regeneration, has received initial funding from Viscogliosi Brothers, LLC, a New York-based closely held venture capital/private equity and merchant banking firm focused on the musculoskeletal/orthopedics industry. Terms of the funding were not disclosed.

30 Apr 2004

Researchers helping people overcome their fears

If the very thought of heights, touching a spider or riding in an elevator makes you feel sick, then researchers at The University of Queensland may be able to help.

29 Apr 2004

Researchers develop hinged figure skate prevent to joint injuries

Researchers at the University of Delaware have redesigned the traditional figure skate, with the goal of reducing the joint injuries that plague many competitive skaters.

29 Apr 2004

Increased blood levels of a heart cell “stress” protein called ST2 were linked to a higher risk of death

Increased blood levels of a heart cell “stress” protein called ST2 were linked to a higher risk of death and congestive heart failure in the 30 days after a heart attack, researchers report in today’s rapid access issue of Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.

29 Apr 2004

Studies show pregabalin does not affect male reproductivity or interfere with oral contraceptives

Two studies presented today at the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) 56th Annual Meeting show that pregabalin, when used as an add-on treatment for epilepsy, does not affect male reproductive function or interfere with the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.

29 Apr 2004

Chlamydia may cause infertility in men as well as long-term health problems for women

Swedish study suggests Chlamydia the most common sexually transmitted infection might cause infertility in men as well as long-term health problems for women.

29 Apr 2004

People infected with anthrax continued to report health problems, poor life adjustment, and psychological distress

In 2001, bioterrorist activities involving the U.S. Postal Service infected 22 individuals with Bacillus anthracis (anthrax), according to background information in the article. Six survivors had inhalational anthrax and 11 cutaneous anthrax disease. Little is known about potential long-term health effects of bioterrorism-related anthrax infection.

29 Apr 2004

Patients don't recognize physical symptoms as possible indicators of depression and anxiety disorders

Each year, millions of Americans visit their doctor with physical complaints such as headaches or fatigue, but few realize that these symptoms can be common signs of depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), which can result in an improper diagnosis.

29 Apr 2004

Exercise provides therapeutic benefits, such as easing fatigue during radiation treatments

Doctors have known for quite awhile that exercise plays a role in preventing some cancers. But in a new twist, a researcher at the James C. Wilmot Cancer Center is studying whether exercise provides therapeutic benefits, such as easing fatigue during radiation treatments.

28 Apr 2004

Serious allergic reactions in cancer patients require expert intervention

Studies show that up to 35 percent of cancer patients are at risk for an allergic reaction to their cancer therapy. Yet, the same drug causing the reaction could be the drug that best helps to control the disease.

28 Apr 2004

$Untreated postmenopausal women with osteoporosis are at risk for first spinal fracture within one year$

Untreated postmenopausal women with osteoporosis are at risk for first spinal fracture within one year

Results of a new analysis found that, without treatment, one out of 13 postmenopausal osteoporotic women who were initially fracture-free were likely to experience a spinal fracture within one year.

28 Apr 2004

Less complications with open surgery when dealing with hernia repair

A Veterans Affairs study of nearly 1,700 hernia-repair operations found fewer recurrences and complications overall with open surgery than with laparoscopic surgery. The study is being presented April 25 at the spring meeting of the American College of Surgeons in Boston.

28 Apr 2004