Pain
News from the FDA/CDC
CDC warns against misuse of opioid-prescribing guideline
Officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are advising against misapplication of the agency’s guideline on opioid prescribing....
Conference Coverage
In chronic pain, catastrophizing contributes to disrupted brain circuitry
MILWAUKEE – Brief cognitive-behavioral therapy holds promise to restore functional connectivity disrupted by pain and catastrophizing.
Conference Coverage
What is medical marijuana actually useful for?
PHILADELPHIA – In a field plagued by “squishy” data, standouts include neuropathic pain, nausea, spasticity, and...
Conference Coverage
No clear winner for treating neuropathic pain
PHILADELPHIA – More head-to-head trials of treatments for neuropathic pain are needed.
Conference Coverage
‘Fibro-fog’ confirmed with objective ambulatory testing
MILWAUKEE – Objective smartphone-based testing tracked with subjective assessment of cognitive function in fibromyalgia.
FDA/CDC
FDA to expand opioid labeling with instructions on proper tapering
The label changes are intended to be used when both the clinician and patient have agreed to reduce the opioid dosage.
Conference Coverage
NIH’s HEAL initiative seeks coordinated effort to tackle pain, addiction
MILWAUKEE – The two aims of research under the initiative are to improve treatments for misuse and addiction, and to enhance pain management.
From the Journals
Rituximab does not improve fatigue symptoms of ME/CFS
Results from the phase 3 RituxME trial found no difference in fatigue score symptoms after 24 months.
Feature
Report calls for focus on ‘subpopulations’ to fight opioid epidemic
“Methadone, buprenorphine, and extended-release naltrexone ... save lives” but most people with OUD get no treatment, new report says.
From the Journals
Surge of gabapentinoids for pain lacks supporting evidence
Review of 54 papers for gabapentin and 30 for pregabalin finds little evidence for effective pain control in off-label uses.
Video
Through the eyes of migraine: Ocular considerations
STOWE, VT. – Dr. Kathleen Digre discusses the eye’s role in migraine.