Drugs used for pain management in gastrointestinal surgery and their implications

Pain is the predominant symptom troubling patients.Pain management is one of the most important aspects in the management of surgical patients leading to early recovery from surgical procedures or in patients with chronic diseases or malignancy.Various groups of drugs are used for dealing with this;however,they have their own implications in the form of adverse effects and dependence.In this article,we review the concerns of different pain-relieving medicines used postoperatively in gastrointestinal surgery and for malignant and chronic diseases.

Research progress of pain catastrophizing in patients with lumbar disc herniation

Pain catastrophization is one of the negative emotional factors and an important psychological factor associated with patients with lumbar disc herniation(LDH).Currently,the concept of pain catastrophization of LDH is relatively mature abroad;however,there are only few research studies on this in China.To understand the status quo of pain catastrophization(PC)in patients with LDH and its influencing factors,the intervention measures of PC and their efficacy were further analyzed.In the present paper,the research status of PC at home and abroad is briefly expounded,and the influencing factors and clinical intervention measures for PC are analyzed.This paper reviews the concept of PC,the assessment tools,influencing factors,and the relevant intervention measures.In order to evaluate the pain degree of patients,understand the incidence of pain in patients,and improve the cure rate and quality of life of patients,the basic situation of patients with pain disaster is summarized to provide reference for medical personnel.

重型创伤性脑损伤去骨瓣减压应用改良Paine点穿刺监测脑室内颅内压的优势

目的探讨重型创伤性脑损伤(TBI)开颅去骨瓣减压术(DC)中应用改良Paine点穿刺行脑室内颅内压(ICP)监测探头置入的优势。方法回顾性分析2020年4月-2022年4月嘉兴市第二医院收治的48例重型TBI患者的临床资料。所有患者均行DC联合脑室内ICP监护术,按照ICP监测术式的不同,分为观察组(23例)与对照组(25例),其中观察组行DC切口内改良Paine点穿刺脑室内ICP监测探头置入术,对照组行传统DC对侧切口颅骨钻孔经Kocher点脑室内ICP监测探头置入术。比较两组术前一般资料、手术用时、术后甘露醇使用剂量及持续时间、ICP监测持续时间、术后再出血率、颅内感染率、术后3个月时格拉斯哥预后评分(GOS)。结果两组一般资料、甘露醇使用剂量、甘露醇持续时间和ICP监测持续时间比较差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05);观察组手术用时、术后再出血率、颅内感染率明显少于或低于对照组(P<0.05);两组术后3个月GOS评分比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论相较传统的DC对侧切口颅骨钻孔经Kocher点行脑室内ICP监测探头置入术,重型脑外伤DC术中通过切口内改良Paine点穿刺行脑室内ICP监测探头置入术可缩短手术用时,降低术后再出血率、颅内感染率。

Effect of ankle versus thigh tourniquets on post-operative pain in foot and ankle surgery

BACKGROUND Tourniquets are commonly used in elective extremity orthopaedic surgery to reduce blood loss,improve visualization in the surgical field,and to potentially reduce surgical time.There is a lack of consensus in existing guidelines regarding the optimal tourniquet pressure,placement site,and duration of use.There is a paucity of data on the relationship between the site of a tourniquet and postoperative pain in foot and ankle surgery.AIM To explore the relationship between tourniquet site and intensity of post-operative pain scores in patients undergoing elective foot and ankle surgery.METHODS Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on 201 patients who underwent foot and ankle surgery in a single institution was undertaken.Intraoperative tourniquet duration,tourniquet pressure and site,and postoperative pain scores using Visual Analogue Score were collected in immediate recovery,at six hours and at 24 h post-op.Scatter plots were used to analyse the data and to assess for the statistical correlation between tourniquet pressure,duration,site,and pain scores using Pearson correlation coefficient.RESULTS All patients who underwent foot and ankle surgery had tourniquet pressure of 250 mmHg for ankle tourniquet and 300 mmHg for thigh.There was no correlation between the site of the tourniquet and pain scores in recovery,at six hours and after 24 h.There was a weak correlation between tourniquet time and Visual Analogue Score immediately post-op(r=0.14,P=0.04)but not at six or 24 h post-operatively.CONCLUSION This study shows that there was no statistically significant correlation between tourniquet pressure,site and postop pain in patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery.The choice of using a tourniquet is based on the surgeon's preference,with the goal of minimizing the duration of its application at the operative site.

Genetic Evidence for Causal Association Between Hypertension and Chronic Pain:A Bidirectional Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study

Objective The extent to which the association between hypertension and chronic pain in observational studies is either causally linked or influenced by other shared risk factors has not been substantially addressed.In the present study,Mendelian randomization(MR)was employed to examine the potential causal relationship between hypertension and risk of chronic pain.Methods The study data were derived from the pooled dataset of the genome-wide association study(GWAS),enabling the evaluation of the causal effects of hypertension on various types of chronic pain including chronic headache as well as chest,abdominal,joint,back,limb,and multisite chronic pain.We performed a bidirectional two-sample MR analysis using random effect inverse variance weighting(IVW),MR-Egger,weighted median,and weighted mode,quantified by odds ratio(OR).Results Genetically predicted essential hypertension was associated with an increased risk of chronic headache(OR=1.007,95%CI:1.003-1.011,P=0.002)and limb pain(OR=1.219,95%CI:1.033-1.439,P=0.019).No potential causal associations were identified between chronic pain and essential hypertension in the reverse direction MR(P>0.05).In addition,there was no potential causal association between secondary hypertension and chronic pain(P>0.05).Conclusion This study provided genetic evidence that a unidirectional causal relationship exists between essential hypertension and the increased risks of chronic headache and limb pain,and no causal relationship was found between secondary hypertension and chronic pain.These findings offer theoretical underpinnings for future research on managing hypertension and chronic pain.

Differences between the healthcare systems of Quebec and France for the treatment of pain due to spinal disorders

In Quebec,Canada,the public healthcare system offers free medical services.However,patients with spinal pain often encounter long waiting times for specialist appointments and limited physiotherapy coverage.In contrast,private clinics provide expedited care but are relatively scarce and entail out-of-pocket expenses.Once a patient with pain caused by a spinal disorder meets a pain medicine specialist,spinal intervention is quickly performed when indicated,and patients are provided lifestyle advice.Transforaminal epidural steroid injections are frequently administered to patients with radicular pain,and steroid injections are administered on a facet joint to control low back or neck pain.Additionally,medial branch blocks are performed prior to thermocoagulation.France’s universal healthcare system ensures accessibility at controlled costs.It emphasizes physical activity and provides free physical therapy services.However,certain interventions,such as transforaminal and interlaminar epidural injections,are not routinely used in France owing to limited therapeutic efficacy and safety concerns.This underutilization may be a potential cause of chronic pain for many patients.By examining the differences,strengths,and weaknesses of these two systems,valuable insights can be gained for the enhancement of global spinal pain management strategies,ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes and satisfaction.

Percutaneous cervical cordotomy for managing refractory pain in a patient with a Pancoast tumor:A case report

BACKGROUND According to the World Health Organization analgesic ladder,cancer-related pain generally begins with pharmacotherapy in a stepwise approach.Nevertheless,some patients continue to experience poorly controlled pain despite medications,particularly when considering adverse effects and self-care quality.Percutaneous cervical cordotomy is an alternative interventional procedure for unremitting unilateral intractable cancer-related pain.CASE SUMMARY The patient was diagnosed with lung cancer with destruction of the brachial plexus and ribs.For 2 mo,the patient experienced progressive severe weakness and pain in the right upper extremity.Notably,the pain intensity reached an extreme level,particularly when lying supine,even under heavy sedation.This heightened pain response posed a significant challenge;as a result,the patient was unable to undergo further evaluation through magnetic resonance imaging.Ultimately,he underwent percutaneous cervical cordotomy for symptom relief,resulting in complete resolution of right arm pain.After a 3-mo follow-up,the pain did not recur,and only a flurbiprofen local patch was required for mild scapular tightness.CONCLUSION Cordotomy,under careful patient selection,appears to enhance the quality of life of patients with unilateral cancerrelated pain.

Protocol for lower back pain management: Insights from the French healthcare system

In this editorial we comment on the article published in a recent issue of the World Journal of Clinical Cases.This article described a novel ultrasound-guided lateral recess block approach in treating a patient with lateral recess stenosis.The impact of spinal pain-related disability extends significantly,causing substantial human suffering and medical costs.Each county has its preferred treatment strategies for spinal pain.Here,we explore the lower back pain(LBP)treatment algorithm recommended in France.The treatment algorithm for LBP recommended by the French National Authority for Health emphasizes early patient activity and minimal medication use.It encourages the continuation of daily activities,limits excessive medication and spinal injections,and incorporates psychological assessments and non-pharmacological therapies for chronic cases.However,the algorithm may not aggressively address acute pain in the early stages,potentially delaying relief and increasing the risk of chronicity.Additionally,the recommended infiltrations primarily involve caudal epidural steroid injections,with limited consideration for other injection procedures,such as transforaminal or interlaminar epidural steroid injections.The fixed follow-up timeline may not accommodate patients who do not respond to initial treatment or experience intense pain,potentially delaying the exploration of alternative therapies.Despite these limitations,understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the French approach could inform adaptations in LBP treatment strategies globally,potentially enhancing patient outcomes and satisfaction across diverse healthcare systems.

Optimizing pain management in elderly patients post-knee surgery:A novel collaborative strategy

Total knee replacement,a common surgery among the elderly primarily necessitated by osteoarthritis,replaces the damaged knee joint with an artificial one.Given the aging population and the increasing prevalence of such surgeries,the article highlights the critical need for effective postoperative care strategies.This editorial provides an overview of rehabilitation care for pain in elderly knee replacement patients,emphasizing the importance of a multimodal approach to postoperative recovery.Furthermore,the article advocates for a patient-centered,comprehensive rehabilitation regimen that enhances recovery and quality of life in elderly patients undergoing knee replacement surgery.

Reconstructive surgery for phantom and residual limb pain in post-conflict settings

Traumatic amputations remain one of the most frequent and disturbing wounds of armed conflict.In this scenario,most amputees develop residual and phantom limb pain,impacting their quality of life.There are several elective surgical procedures available for both conditions,such as neuroma excision followed by nerve reconstruction,nerve relocation,e.g.,surgically implanting a transected nerve into a muscle,nerve transfers in cases of associated paralysis,and most recently,regenerative peripheral nerve interface surgery.Whenever possible in the post-conflict phase,a coordinated effort between traveling humanitarian surgeons specializing in reconstructive microsurgery and local healthcare providers is essential for successfully treating phantom and chronic residual limb pain in post-conflict amputees.While providing a detailed logistical framework for global humanitarian missions is beyond the scope of this article,we provide a brief perspective on a topic of utmost importance for reconstructive surgeons worldwide:the high-quality care and treatment of refugees and those whose lives have been impacted by conflict,disaster,or displacement.

Pain management in acute musculoskeletal injury: Effect of opioid vs nonopioid medications

BACKGROUND The use of opioids for pain is linked to an increased risk of developing opioid use disorder,and has resulted in the emergence of the opioid crisis over the last few years.AIM The systematic review question is“How does the use of opioid medications in pain management,compared with non-opioid medications,affect pain intensity over the short,intermediate,and long-term in adults with acute traumatic pain?”.METHODS The protocol was prospectively registered on the International Prospective Re-gister of Systematic Reviews:CRD42021279639.Medline and Google Scholar were electronically searched for controlled peer-reviewed studies published in full,with the PICO framework:P:Adult patients with traumatic injuries,I:Opioid medications,C:Non-opioid medi-cations,O:A minimum clinically important difference(MCID)in pain.RESULTS After full-text screening,we included 14 studies in the qualitative synthesis.Of these 14 studies,12 were rando-mized clinical trials(RCTs)and 2 were pseudo-RCTs with a total of 2347 patients enrolled.There was heteroge-neity in both medication utilized and outcome in these studies;only two studies were homogeneous regarding the type of study conducted,the opioid used,its comparator,and the outcome explored.The MCID was evaluated in 8 studies,while in 6 studies,any measured pain reduction was considered as an outcome.In 11 cases,the setting of care was the Emergency Department;in 2 cases,care occurred out-of-hospital;and in one case,the setting was not well-specified.The included studies were found to have a low-moderate risk of bias.CONCLUSION Non-opioids can be considered an alternative to opioids for short-term pain management of acute musculoskeletal injury.Intravenous ketamine may cause more adverse events than other routes of administration.

Early Application Study of Intravenous Pain Pump Combined with Parecoxib Injection in Relieving Pain in Patients after Thoracoscopy

Objective: To explore the clinical effectiveness of combined use of intravenous pain pump with Parecoxib injection in alleviating pain in patients during the early postoperative period after thoracoscopic surgery. Methods: Eighty patients who underwent thoracoscopic surgery in a tertiary hospital were selected as the study subjects and randomly divided into two groups, with 40 patients in each group. The control group received routine postoperative treatment with intravenous pain pump, while the experimental group received Parecoxib in addition to the standard postoperative pain pump treatment. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores were used to evaluate postoperative pain relief in both groups, along with adverse reactions, postoperative complications, and patient satisfaction with pain relief. Results: Patients who received Parecoxib injection in addition to the routine use of intravenous pain pump had VAS pain scores lower than 3 points at 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 36 h postoperatively compared to those in the control group. The incidence of postoperative lung collapse, pleural effusion, and pulmonary infections was also significantly lower in the experimental group. The differences between the two groups were statistically significant (P Conclusion: Early combined use of Parecoxib injection in the early postoperative period after thoracoscopic surgery has shown good clinical efficacy. It can reduce the level of pain in patients, promote effective coughing and expectoration, facilitate early mobilization of patients, improve patient compliance, reduce complications, shorten hospital stay, and expedite patient recovery. Therefore, it is worth promoting the widespread clinical application of Parecoxib injection in this setting.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: Outpatient Pain Management in the Chronic Setting: A Case Report

Background: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), previously known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy and causalgia, is a neuropathic pain condition that usually develops after an injury to an extremity. CRPS can be a debilitating condition with high levels of pain and reduced function. Aim: This case report aims to discuss the multimodal approach in the management of a patient who presented with ongoing poorly controlled pain secondary to CRPS from an injury that happened years prior. Case Presentation: A 45-year-old female was involved in a motor vehicle accident where her right leg was injured. She underwent several surgeries and developed CRPS that significantly reduced her mobility and quality of life. She presented to the pain clinic years after her initial injury and a multimodal regimen was started for her resulting in significantly improved function. Conclusion: CRPS can be a severely debilitating condition. While early diagnosis and management are important, ongoing management in the outpatient chronic pain setting is important in maintaining a good level of function.

Galvanic Skin Response—Extinction Biofeedback Training for Psychogenic Abdominal Pain: A Validation Protocol

Abdominal and pelvic pain of psychogenic origin is a widespread, disabling, difficult to identify, and often inadequately treated medical condition. This condition is often associated with poor quality of life due to high pain interference with daily activities. Cognitive behavioral psychological therapy and neuromodulation with biofeedback are validated therapies for the treatment of this condition. Aim of the present research work is the validation of a therapeutic protocol that involves the use of both techniques in combination. 20 patients diagnosed with psychogenic abdominal pain, of both sexes, aged between 18 and 60 years who had not benefited from pharmacological therapies were enrolled. 10 patients were randomly assigned to the control group (psychological treatment only), another 10 patients were assigned to the study group (neuromodulation with biofeedback-Galvanic skin response-extinction in combination with psychological therapy). For both groups, the pain score, interference of pain with daily living activities, pain relief, and the share of anxiety associated with the pain condition were evaluated (pre- and post-treatment). The patients who underwent the combined treatment achieved statistically significant better scores than patients in the control group, respectively −4.9 ± 0.9 vs −1.0 ± 0.4 for Pain;−5.1 ± 1.1 vs −0.9 ± 0.3 for Interference with life;−7.2 ± 3.7 vs −2.2 ± 2.1 for HAMA;4.6 ± 1.2 vs 1.1 ± 0.6 for Relief.

Botulinum toxin type A for treating chronic low back pain:A double blinded randomized control study

BACKGROUND Low back pain(LBP)is a prevalent issue that orthopedic surgeons frequently address in the outpatient setting.LBP can arise from various causes,with stiffness in the paraspinal muscles being a notable contributor.The administration of Botulinum toxin type A(BoNT-A)has been found to alleviate back pain by relaxing these stiff muscles.While BoNT-A is approved for use in numerous conditions,a limited number of randomized clinical trials(RCTs)validate its efficacy specifically for treating LBP.AIM To study the safety and the efficacy of BoNT-A in minimizing pain and improving functional outcomes in patients of chronic LBP(CLBP).METHODS In this RCT,adults aged 18-60 years with mechanical LBP persisting for at least six months were enrolled.Participants were allocated to either the Drug group,receiving 200 Ipsen Units(2 mL)of BoNT-A,or the Control group,which received a 2 mL placebo.Over a 2-month follow-up period,both groups were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale(VAS)for pain intensity and the Oswestry Disability Index(ODI)for disability at the start and conclusion of the study.A decrease in pain by 50%was deemed clinically significant.RESULTS The study followed 40 patients for two months,with 20 in each group.A clinically significant reduction in pain was observed in 36 participants.There was a statistically significant decrease in both VAS and ODI scores in the groups at the end of two months.Nonetheless,when comparing the mean score changes,only the reduction in ODI scores(15 in the placebo group vs 16.5 in the drug group,clinically insignificant)was statistically significant(P=0.012),whereas the change in mean VAS scores was not significant(P=0.45).CONCLUSION The study concludes that BoNT-A does not offer a short-term advantage over placebo in reducing pain or improving LBP scores in CLBP patients.

Rehabilitation care for pain in elderly knee replacement patients

BACKGROUND Total knee arthroplasty(TKA)is recognized as the most effective surgical intervention for relieving pain and improving joint mobility and deformity in patients with knee osteoarthritis and other synovial diseases.The application of accelerated postoperative rehabilitation(enhanced recovery after surgery)has demonstrated its efficacy in improving patient outcomes,and early postoperative joint function exercise has become a key prognostic factor in knee replacement.The unexpected appearance of limb pain and swelling hindered the patient’s tendency for early mobilization,leading in prolonged hospitalization,delayed functional recovery and negative psychological responses.A retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of 116 patients who under-went TKA at our hospital between July 2019 and July 2021.The patients were divided into two groups:A control group(n=58)receiving programmatic nur-sing,and an observed group(n=58)receiving programmed nursing combined with a collaborative nursing model.A pain management team consisting of attending physicians,head nurses,and responsible nurses was established.Outcome measures included visual analogue scale(VAS)scores,activities of daily living(ADL)scale scores,and functional scores.The ADL scores of patients in both groups exhibited a continuous increase.However,there was no statistically significant difference in the ADL scores between the two groups at 48 h and the 7th d post-surgery(P>0.05).Upon reexamination at the 3rd mo,the observation group demonstrated higher ADL scores compared to the control group(67.48±14.69 vs 59.40±16.06,P<0.05).The VAS scores of both groups significantly decreased,with no significant difference observed between the groups at each time point(P>0.05).The functional status of patients in both groups exhibited a gradual increase prior to intervention and at the 1st,2nd,and 3rd month following discharge(P<0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in knee joint function scores between the two groups at the 1st month after discharge(47.52 vs 45.81,P>0.05).However,the knee joint function scores of patients in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group at the 2nd(59.38 vs 53.19,P<0.05)and 3rd month(71.92 vs 64.34,P<0.05)following discharge.CONCLUSION The utilization of programmed pain nursing in conjunction with collaborative nursing for out-of-hospital care of TKA patients has demonstrated favorable outcomes,encompassing pain reduction,enhanced prognosis,and improved nursing quality for patients.

Targeting the nitric oxide/cGMP signaling pathway to treat chronic pain

Nitric oxide(NO)/cyclic guanosine 3′,5′-monophosphate(cGMP) signaling has been shown to act as a mediator involved in pain transmission and processing. In this review, we summarize and discuss the mechanisms of the NO/cGMP signaling pathway involved in chronic pain, including neuropathic pain, bone cancer pain, inflammatory pain, and morphine tolerance. The main process in the NO/cGMP signaling pathway in cells involves NO activating soluble guanylate cyclase, which leads to subsequent production of cGMP. cGMP then activates cGMP-dependent protein kinase(PKG), resulting in the activation of multiple targets such as the opening of ATP-sensitive K+ channels. The activation of NO/cGMP signaling in the spinal cord evidently induces upregulation of downstream molecules, as well as reactive astrogliosis and microglial polarization which participate in the process of chronic pain. In dorsal root ganglion neurons, natriuretic peptide binds to particulate guanylyl cyclase, generating and further activating the cGMP/PKG pathway, and it also contributes to the development of chronic pain. Upregulation of multiple receptors is involved in activation of the NO/cGMP signaling pathway in various pain models. Notably the NO/cGMP signaling pathway induces expression of downstream effectors, exerting both algesic and analgesic effects in neuropathic pain and inflammatory pain. These findings suggest that activation of NO/cGMP signaling plays a constituent role in the development of chronic pain, and this signaling pathway with dual effects is an interesting and promising target for chronic pain therapy.

Relationship between Kawasaki disease and abdominal pain

This editorial presents an analysis of an article recently published in the World Journal of Clinical Cases.Kawasaki disease(KD)is a well-known pediatric vasculitis characterized by fever,rash,conjunctivitis,oral mucosal changes,and swelling of the extremities.This editorial aims to delve into the intricate relationship between KD and abdominal pain,drawing insights from recent research findings to provide a comprehensive understanding and potential avenues for future investigation.

Analysis of factors impacting postoperative pain and quality of life in patients with mixed hemorrhoids:A retrospective study

BACKGROUND Hemorrhoids are among the most common and frequently encountered chronic anorectal diseases in anorectal surgery.They are venous clusters formed by con-gestion,expansion,and flexion of the venous plexus in the lower part of the rec-tum.Mixed hemorrhoids bleed easily and recurrently,and this can result in severe anemia.Hence,they may have a negative effect on the health of the patient and surgical treatment is required.Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy has been widely used since 1937 for the treatment of grade III and IV hemorrhoids.How-ever,most patients experience different degrees of postoperative pain that may cause anxiety.with mixed hemorrhoids post-surgery.METHODS The clinical data of patients with mixed hemorrhoids who underwent Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy were collected retrospectively.The basic character-istics of the enrolled patients with mixed hemorrhoids were recorded,and based on the Goligher clinical grading system,the hemorrhoids were classified as grades III or IV.The endpoint of this study was the disappearance of pain in all patients.Quantitative data were presented as mean±SD,such as age,pain score,and QoL score.Student’s t-test was used to compare the groups.RESULTS A total of 164 patients were enrolled.The distribution of the visual analog scale pain scores of all patients at 3,7,14 and 28 d after surgery showed that post-surgery pain was significantly reduced with the passage of time.Fourteen days after the operation,the pain had completely disappeared in some patients.Twenty-eight days after the surgery,none of the patients experienced any pain.Comparing the World Health Or-ganization Quality of Life-BREF self-reporting questionnaire scores of patients between 14 and 28 d after surgery,we observed that the quality-of-life scores of the patients post-surgery had significantly improved.There were six items that were compared at 14-and 28-d post-surgery.The mean QoL score 28 d after surgery(4.79±0.46)was higher than that at 14 d post-surgery(3.79±0.57).The mean health condition score 28 d after surgery(4.80±0.41)was also higher than that at 14 d post-surgery(4.01±0.62).The mean physical health score 28 d after surgery(32.10±2.96)was significantly higher than that at 14 d post-surgery(23.41±2.85).The mean psychological health score 28 d after surgery(27.22±1.62)was significantly higher than that at 14 d post-surgery(21.37±1.70).The mean social relations score 28 d after surgery(12.21±1.59)was significantly higher than that at 14 d post-surgery(6.32±1.66).The mean surrounding environment score 28 d after surgery(37.13±2.88)was significantly higher than that at 14 d post-surgery(28.42±2.86).The differences in quality-of-life scores at day 14 and day 28 post-surgery were ob-served to be statistically significant(P<0.001).CONCLUSION Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy can significantly improve the postoperative QoL of patients.Age,sex,and the number of surgical resections were important factors influencing Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy.

Commentary on“Synchronized activity of sensory neurons initiates cortical synchrony in a model of neuropathic pain”

In pat i e nt s,a s well as in animal mod e l s,hypersensitivity to external stimuli(hyperalgesia and allodynia)or spontaneous pain is often the first,and the most disabling,symptom of neuropathy(Davis et al.,2020).The increased activity of sensitive neurons drives pain development,making ion channel modulation a fundamental target for current pharmacotherapy as well as one of the most investigated by the R&D departments of pharmaceutical companies(Bennett et al.,2019).