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Medicine (Baltimore) 2019 Apr;98(14):e15105

Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.

We tested the responsiveness of the modified Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) for patients with low back pain (LBP) and sciatica and made a comparison with the modified Roland-Morris Disability Scale for sciatica (RMS-L) and self-reported pain intensity measured by visual analogue scale (VAS).One hundred and forty-eight participants were recruited from 2 university hospitals. The evaluation included demographic data, LBP history, and the modified LEFS, RMS-L, and VAS, with a follow-up one month later. Read More

Acta Myol 2018 Dec 1;37(4):241-251. Epub 2018 Dec 1.

Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy.

Late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD) is characterized by progressive muscle weakness, respiratory muscle dysfunction, and minor cardiac involvement. Although in LOPD, as in other neuromuscular diseases, controlled low impact sub-maximal aerobic exercise and functional ability exercise can improve general functioning and quality of life, as well as respiratory rehabilitation, the bulk of evidence on that is weak and guidelines are lacking. To date, there is no specific focus on rehabilitation issues in clinical recommendations for the care of patients with Pompe disease, and standard practice predominantly follows general recommendation guidelines for neuromuscular diseases. Read More

Med Sci Sports Exerc 2019 Mar 25. Epub 2019 Mar 25.

Univ Lyon, UJM-Saint-Etienne, Inter-university Laboratory of Human Movement Sciences, EA7424, Saint-Etienne, France.

Purpose: While strenuous exercise may expose sickle cell disease (SCD) patients to risks of vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC), evidence suggests that regular endurance exercise may be beneficial. To test i) the safety and usefulness of a submaximal incremental exercise in evaluating physical ability of SCD patients and identify a marker for the management of endurance exercise, and ii) the feasibility of endurance exercise sessions in SCD patients.

Methods: Twenty adults with sickle cell disease (12 men and 8 women) performed a submaximal incremental exercise stopped as soon as blood lactate concentration ([lactate]b) reached ≥ 4 mmolL and used to determine the first lactate threshold (LT1). Read More

PLoS One 2019 26;14(3):e0210574. Epub 2019 Mar 26.

Institute of Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Canada.

Background: Population trends of disease prevalence and incidence over time measure burden of disease and inform healthcare planning. Neuromuscular disorders (NMD) affect muscle and nerve function with varying degrees of severity and disease progression.

Objective: Using health administrative databases we described trends in incidence, prevalence, and mortality of adults and children with NMD. Read More

Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2019 Mar 2. Epub 2019 Mar 2.

School of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada; Groupe de recherche interdisciplinaire sur les maladies neuromusculaires (GRIMN), Neuromuscular Clinic, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean, Jonquière, Québec, Canada; Centre de recherche Charles-Le Moyne - Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean sur les innovations en santé (CR-CSIS), Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean, Chicoutimi, Québec, Canada.

Objective: To describe and compare changes in participation over a 9-year period in women and men with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). To compare participation restrictions with available reference values from a typical aging population living in the community.

Design: Descriptive longitudinal design comparing data from baseline (2002) with data from follow-up (2011). Read More

Pain Physician 2019 01;22(1):69-74

Weill Cornell Medical College, Center for Comprehensive Spine Care, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, New York, NY.

Background: Pain arising from the lumbar facet joints is a common cause of axial back pain in adults. Radiofrequency neurotomy (RFN) of the medial branches of the spinal dorsal rami has been used as a treatment option. The most common side effect is transient, localized, burning, neuritic-type pain, termed post-neurotomy neuritis (PNN). Read More

Respiration 2019 24;97(3):185-196. Epub 2019 Jan 24.

Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Science (Di.Chir.On.S.), Section of Anesthesia, Analgesia, Intensive Care and Emergency, Policlinico Paolo Giaccone, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.

Background: Noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) is an effective treatment in patients with neuromuscular diseases (NMD) to improve symptoms, quality of life, and survival.

Summary: NIV should be used early in the course of respiratory muscle involvement in NMD patients and its requirements may increase over time. Therefore, training on technical equipment at home and advice on problem solving are warranted. Read More

Toxicon 2019 Mar 17;159:41-44. Epub 2019 Jan 17.

Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 3, 35128, Padova, Italy.

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is characterized by hyperalgesia, autonomic and trophic alterations of bones, muscles and skin. It is supported by neurogenic inflammation and impairment of sympathetic nervous system. Botulinum Toxin (BTX) is an option for the management of pain, with level B evidence of efficacy in neuropathic, joint and myofascial pain syndrome. Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2019 Jan;98(2):e13895

Palliative Care Unit, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola.

Chronic pain is often difficult to treat, requiring a comprehensive multidisciplinary therapeutic intervention and a high level of management expertise.This is particularly true for patients who are unresponsive to standard treatments for chronic pain, for which Scrambler Therapy (ST) is indicated. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of ST on patient-reported moderate to severe chronic pain. Read More

Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am 2018 08 1;29(3):619-631. Epub 2018 Jun 1.

Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Temple University Hospital, 3401 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA.

Lower limb dysfunction associated with upper motor neuron syndrome can be complex due to interaction of muscle overactivity, weakness, impaired motor control, and contracture. Treatment should be goal-directed and address the patient's passive and active functional impairments in addition to their symptoms. Therefore, a comprehensive, multidisciplinary team approach tailored to each patient's unique needs and functional goals is warranted. Read More

Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am 2018 08 29;29(3):537-551. Epub 2018 May 29.

MossRehab, 60 Township Line Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027, USA; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA. Electronic address:

Intrathecal baclofen therapy is a well-established technique for spasticity management. This article briefly reviews the pharmacology of intrathecal baclofen as well as customary approach for utilization of this targeted drug delivery concept. Following these descriptions, four unusual presentations will be described, including the need for initial trialing, patient-directed boluses during chronic intrathecal baclofen therapy, use of medications other than baclofen for intrathecal therapy in spastic patients, and intraventricular baclofen delivery. Read More

Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am 2018 08 1;29(3):483-500. Epub 2018 Jun 1.

Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, Montefiore Medical Center, White Plains, NY 10605.

Spasticity is a major physical complication of many neurologic and traumatic conditions of the brain and spine and can lead to muscle contracture, joint stiffness, reduced range of movement, skin breakdown, and pain. The management of spasticity includes a range of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions, often used in combination to optimize outcomes. However, it is important to identify and prioritize the patient's and clinician's goals, in order to create common attainable goals. Read More

Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am 2018 08 4;29(3):437-444. Epub 2018 Jun 4.

MossRehab at Elkins Park, Einstein Healthcare Network, Elkins Park, PA, USA; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA. Electronic address:

There are several key components to the meaningful and comprehensive assessment of patients with acquired brain injuries with respect to management of the upper motor neuron syndrome. Type of brain injury, trajectory of recovery, relevant concomitant complications, development of appropriate goals, and an understanding of resources available for patients are all factors to assess when developing a treatment plan. Using appropriate outcome measures will help monitor the efficacy of interventions and guide ongoing management of spasticity. Read More

Plast Reconstr Surg 2019 Jan;143(1):111e-120e

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; and Kitakyushu, Japan From the Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, and the Department of Medicine, Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Alberta; and the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Occupational and Environmental Health.

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome is very common. Although surgery is effective in mild and moderate cases, recovery is often incomplete in severe cases. Therefore, adjuvant therapy to improve nerve regeneration in those patients is much needed. Read More

BMJ Case Rep 2018 Nov 28;11(1). Epub 2018 Nov 28.

Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.

Postoperative cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a known rare complication following lumbar disc surgery. Seldom are they seen following decompression for spinal stenosis and may be actually more frequent and under-reported? Emergent surgical exploration remains the mainstay of management as the factors responsible for postop CES remains a variety of compressive forces. Yet many a time postoperative imaging or surgical exploration fails to identify a pathology and this leads to an ischaemic theory responsible for CES. Read More

Pediatr Phys Ther 2019 01;31(1):61-66

Department of Pediatrics (Drs Kiefer and Wong), University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts; Division of Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy (Drs Kiefer, Bonarrigo, Quatman-Yates, and Fowler) and Division of Neurology (Drs Kiefer, Bonarrigo, Fowler, Horn, and Wong), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; Department of Pediatrics (Dr Horn), University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio; Department of Physical Therapy (Dr Quatman-Yates), The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.

Purpose: This study characterizes the progressive loss of ankle dorsiflexion range of motion in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), the relationship to functional decline, and the implications for physical therapy management.

Methods: Longitudinal data for 332 boys with DMD were extracted from medical records and analyzed. Summary statistics for age, number of visits, ankle dorsiflexion measures, and North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA) scores were computed. Read More

Neurol Sci 2019 Mar 15;40(3):457-468. Epub 2018 Dec 15.

Neurology IV - Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico "Carlo Besta", Via Celoria 11, 20133, Milan, Italy.

Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are genetic disorders due to mutations in genes encoding proteins involved in the neuromuscular junction structure and function. CMS usually present in young children, but perinatal and adult onset has been reported. Clinical presentation is highly heterogeneous, ranging from mild symptoms to severe manifestations, sometimes with life-threatening respiratory episodes, especially in the first decade of life. Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2018 Dec;97(49):e13455

Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Tung's Taichung Metroharbor Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.

Rationale: Compressive radial neuropathy by a synovial cyst in the radial tunnel during pregnancy is a rare occurrence. The management of radial nerve compression caused by a synovial cyst in a pregnant patient is a surgical dilemma owing to the fetal and maternal risks of treatment.

Patient Concerns And Diagnosis: A 37-year-old pregnant woman presented with progressive forearm pain at the gestational age of 12 weeks. Read More

Semin Neurol 2018 12 6;38(6):644-653. Epub 2018 Dec 6.

Department of Neurology, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts.

Neuropathic pain management is challenging, and typically requires a multifaceted approach. There are several treatment options, both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic. Of the available pharmacologic agents, those with the strongest supporting evidence include tricyclic antidepressants, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and certain antiseizure agents. Read More

Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2018 12 2;12:CD011215. Epub 2018 Dec 2.

School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Beom-eu, Meulgeum, Yangsan, Korea, South, 626-870.

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a compressive neuropathic disorder at the level of the wrist. Acupuncture and other methods that stimulate acupuncture points, such as electroacupuncture, auricular acupuncture, laser acupuncture, moxibustion, and acupressure, are used in treating CTS. Acupuncture has been recommended as a potentially useful treatment for CTS, but its effectiveness remains uncertain. Read More

J Child Neurol 2019 Feb 5;34(2):104-112. Epub 2018 Dec 5.

1 Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College, Department of Health Care Sciences, Palliative Research Centre, Stockholm, Sweden.

Background And Aims:: Children with severe spinal muscular atrophy have complex care needs due to progressive muscle weakness, eventually leading to respiratory failure. To design a care system adapted to families' needs, more knowledge about parents' experience of care and its coordination between settings is required. This study explores (1) whether parents felt that health professionals took every opportunity to help the child feel as good as possible, (2) parents' satisfaction with various care settings, and (3) parents' satisfaction with coordination between settings. Read More

Expert Rev Med Devices 2018 Dec 3;15(12):863-873. Epub 2018 Dec 3.

a Laboratory of Neuromodulation & Center for Clinical Research Learning, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation , Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School , Boston , MA , USA.

Introduction: Fibromyalgia affects more than 5 million people in the United States and has a detrimental impact on individuals' quality of life. Current pharmacological treatments provide limited benefits to relieve the pain of fibromyalgia, along with a risk of adverse effects; a scenario that explains the increasing interest for multimodal approaches. A tailored strategy to focus on this dysfunctional endogenous pain inhibitory system is transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the primary motor cortex. Read More

BMC Cancer 2018 Dec 4;18(1):1203. Epub 2018 Dec 4.

Phyllis F. Cantor Center for Research in Nursing and Patient Care Services, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, LW 518, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.

Background: Impaired physical function due to chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) symptoms may lead to diminished quality of life. However, even with the knowledge of the effects of CIPN on physical function, clinicians infrequently assess and manage CIPN. Interventions that prioritize the early identification of CIPN to provide prompt treatment may reduce the impact of CIPN on physical function. Read More

Handb Clin Neurol 2018 ;158:423-430

National Collegiate Athletic Association, Indianapolis, IN, United States.

Pain is common in athletes, and pain management in sport has traditionally been equated with injury management. Although both pain and injury interfere with sport performance, they are not synonymous. Acute musculoskeletal injury commonly manifests as nociceptive pain, inflammatory pain, or both. Read More

Handb Clin Neurol 2018 ;158:401-419

Division of Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States. Electronic address:

Peripheral nerve injuries are unusual in sport but impact an athlete's safe return to play. Nerve injuries result from either acute trauma (most commonly in contact/collision sports) or from repetitive microtrauma and overuse. Diagnosis of overuse nerve injuries includes nerve localization and surrounding soft-tissue anatomy, and must account for possible causes of repetitive microtrauma, including biomechanics, equipment, training schedule, and recovery. Read More

BMC Complement Altern Med 2018 Nov 26;18(1):310. Epub 2018 Nov 26.

Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Nigeria|, Enugu Campus, Enugu State, Nigeria.

Background: Many studies on transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) had been undertaken to explore its pain relieving efficiency on several medicals/surgical conditions but none, specifically, had been carried out to determine the effect it has on post-injection sciatic pain (PISP) which comes about from wrong administration of intramuscular pain. This study aims to assess the effects of TENS in the management of PISP.

Methods: A total of 72 PISP subjects comprising 40 test subjects and 32 control subjects participated in a non-randomized controlled clinical trial in the current study. Read More

Am J Case Rep 2018 Nov 19;19:1373-1377. Epub 2018 Nov 19.

Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA.

BACKGROUND Both spinal cord stimulators (SCS) and interdisciplinary chronic pain rehabilitation program (CPRP) are evidence-based treatments for chronic pain but differ on treatment foci. SCS focuses on decreasing the subjective pain experience as a means of improving function and quality of life. CPRP focuses on addressing the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral factors associated with chronic pain to improve function. Read More

PLoS One 2018 8;13(11):e0207310. Epub 2018 Nov 8.

Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Relief Center, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.

The underlying mechanisms of neuropathic pain remain to be elucidated. Basic animal research has suggested that lysophosphatidic acids, which are bioactive lipids produced by autotaxin from lysophosphatidylcholine, may play key roles in the initiation and maintenance of neuropathic pain. Here, we investigated the clinical relevance of lysophosphatidic acids signaling on neuropathic pain in humans. Read More

Pain Res Manag 2018 1;2018:2930632. Epub 2018 Oct 1.

Department of Physical Therapy Science, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Sakamoto 1-7-1, Nagasaki 852-8520, Japan.

Purpose: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effects of the following physical-agent modalities for pain relief in fibromyalgia (FM) patients.

Methods: We identified randomized controlled studies of adults with FM in the MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PEDro databases. The primary outcome measure was pain relief measured by a visual analogue scale (VAS), and the secondary outcome measures of interest were subjective improvements in the number of tender points, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), and quality of life (QOL) scores. Read More

Med Hypotheses 2018 Dec 29;121:15-20. Epub 2018 Aug 29.

Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, PO Box 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands.

Deciding for an amputation in case of complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS-I) is controversial. Evidence for favorable or adverse effects of an amputation is weak. We therefore follow a careful and well-structured decision making process. Read More

PLoS One 2018 5;13(11):e0206885. Epub 2018 Nov 5.

Centre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain (CPR Spine), School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom.

Background: Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain disorders represent a group of highly prevalent and often disabling conditions. Investigating the structure of motor variability in response to pain may reveal novel motor impairment mechanisms that may lead to enhanced management of motor dysfunction associated with MSK pain disorders. This review aims to systematically synthesize the evidence on the influence of MSK pain disorders on muscle synergies. Read More

J Neuromuscul Dis 2018 ;5(4):431-438

Department of Neurology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.

Background And Objective: Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is an established treatment for respiratory failure in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Several studies have shown room for improvement with regard to respiratory care for ALS patients, including latency of referral. These studies focused on the time period starting at the moment of referral to a home ventilation service (HVS) onwards. Read More

Pediatr Crit Care Med 2019 Jan;20(1):54-61

Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Charlotte R. Bloomberg Children's Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.

Objectives: To review important articles on pain, sedation, sleep, and delirium in the field of pediatric critical care published subsequent to the fifth edition of the Rogers' Textbook of Pediatric Critical Care.

Data Sources: The U.S. Read More

Neuromodulation 2019 Jan 25;22(1):44-52. Epub 2018 Oct 25.

University Hospital Bonn, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University Bonn, Bonn, Germany.

Objectives: Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and associated comorbidities have been linked to a pro-inflammatory state driven by different mediators. Targeted dorsal root ganglion stimulation (DRG ) suppressed pain levels and improved functional capacity in intractable CRPS. However, clinical trials assessing the impact of DRG stimulation on the neuroimmune axis are lacking. Read More

BMJ Case Rep 2018 Oct 16;2018. Epub 2018 Oct 16.

USAT College of Medicine, University of Science, Arts & Technology, Olveston, Montserrat.

A 34-year-old man with a history of gunshot wound (GSW) to the right upper chest developed secondary aortic valve endocarditis (AVE) and was treated with an artificial valve placement (AVP). Three months after, he presented to an outpatient pain management clinic right arm pain and was diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome type II (CRPS II). The patient underwent a diagnostic sympathetic ganglion block, before undergoing endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy surgery. Read More

Eur J Oncol Nurs 2018 Oct 27;36:135-141. Epub 2018 Sep 27.

School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong.

Purpose: The study aimed at uncovering the symptom experience of neurotoxicity, self-adopted approaches and perspectives in managing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathic (CIPN) symptoms in a sample of Chinese cancer survivors.

Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was used to explore individual experiences. A purposive sample of 12 female participants experiencing CIPN was invited to semi-structured interviews who were part of a larger prospective observational study investigating the natural progression and risk factors of CIPN. Read More

PLoS One 2018 15;13(10):e0205516. Epub 2018 Oct 15.

Department of Neurology, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.

Design: Randomized clinical trial.

Objective: To investigate the association of the Val158Met polymorphism with pain and function outcomes in women with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) who received surgery or manual therapy including desensitization manoeuvres of the central nervous system.

Methods: A pre-planned secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial investigating the efficacy of manual therapy including desensitization manoeuvres of the central nervous system vs. Read More

J Neuromuscul Dis 2018 ;5(4):481-495

New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA.

Dystrophinopathies are caused by mutations in DMD resulting in progressive muscle weakness. They are historically divided into the more severe Duchenne (DMD) and milder Becker (BMD) muscular dystrophy phenotypes. Classification is important for research and clinical care. Read More

J Neurol 2018 Dec 10;265(12):2927-2933. Epub 2018 Oct 10.

Division of Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.

Although anti-myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) antibody neuropathy is reported as a slowly progressive disease, it can lead to significant disability and impairment of health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) and social participation. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the functioning and HR-QoL determinants in 67 patients with anti-MAG neuropathy in terms of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). Evaluations included: Medical Research Council (MRC) sum score, Sensory Modality Sum score (SMS), Berg balance scale (BBS), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, 9-Hole Peg Test (9-HPT), 6-min Walk Distance (6MWD), Impact on Participation and Autonomy (IPA) and the physical component score (PCS) and mental component score (MCS) of the short-form-36 health status scale (SF-36) HR-QoL measure. Read More

Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2018 Dec;26(6):431-436

Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Texas Children's Hospital.

Purpose Of Review: Ansa to recurrent laryngeal nerve reinnervation, otherwise known as a nonselective laryngeal reinnervation (NSLR), is growing in popularity for the management of pediatric unilateral neuronal vocal fold movement impairment (VFMI). In this chapter, we will review the current treatment options for neuronal VFMI and role that NSLR plays in the treatment algorithm.

Recent Findings: In 2018, Bouhabel and Hartnick published a survey of fellowship trained pediatric otolaryngologists and found an increasing comfort level with NSLR. Read More

J Neurol 2018 Dec 8;265(12):2916-2926. Epub 2018 Oct 8.

Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.

Background: The majority of patients presenting with suspected clinical cauda equina syndrome (CES) have no identifiable structural cause for their symptoms ('scan-negative' CES). Understanding these patients aids clinical differentiation and management in CES.

Methods: A retrospective electronic note review was undertaken of patients presenting with suspected CES, defined as ≥ 1 of acute bladder, bowel, sexual dysfunction or saddle numbness, to a regional neurosciences centre. Read More

Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am 2018 11 17;29(4):761-776. Epub 2018 Sep 17.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Swedish Health Services, 1600 E. Jefferson, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98122, USA. Electronic address:

Learning to recognize the various clinical and electrodiagnostic patterns of peripheral neuropathy enables a targeted approach to etiologic investigation, and subsequently guides patient discussions of self-management, disease course, and prognosis. Moreover, as advancements in neuropathology and pharmacotherapy inform the many etiologies of polyneuropathy, it is imperative for clinicians to identify the underlying etiology to appropriately guide treatment options and prevent complications. Read More

Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am 2018 11 5;29(4):701-719. Epub 2018 Sep 5.

Oncology Rehabilitation, University of Kansas, Comprehensive Spine Center, 4000 Cambridge Street, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA. Electronic address:

Cancer treatments continue to advance the management and survival of patients. However, use of these regimens can lead to significant side effects both temporary and permanent. Neuromuscular side effects include chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and radiation fibrosis syndrome. Read More

Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am 2018 11 7;29(4):669-680. Epub 2018 Sep 7.

Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Box 359612, Seattle, WA 98104, USA.

Electrodiagnostic testing provides insight into subclinical aspects of disease in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and helps to diagnose and exclude other diagnoses. It may also help to manage or track disease progression. Mapping the extent of subclinical disease may guide the clinician to supportive interventions. Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2018 Oct;97(40):e12303

Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and Rehabilitation Institute of Neuromuscular Disease.

In advanced Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), patients with high bone fracture risk due to osteoporosis, it is difficult to measure spinal bone mineral density (BMD) because of maintaining proper posture. This study began with the idea that if we diagnose and manage osteoporosis by predicting spinal BMD through easily testable radial BMD, we could prevent fracture and improve quality of life in DMD patients. In 61 DMD patients aged 20 years or older who were admitted to Gangnam Severance Hospital from April 2013 to May 2015, radial BMD and spinal BMD were measured to compare their Z-scores. Read More

Neuromodulation 2019 Jan 4;22(1):108-114. Epub 2018 Oct 4.

Department of Anesthesiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.

Objective: Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) can relieve postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) caused by herpes zoster (HZ) infection. Nevertheless, its curative effect can vary and may be related to the duration of treatment period. The following study investigates the efficacy and safety of CT-guided PRF modulation on HZ neuralgia over different periods and different time points. Read More

Prosthet Orthot Int 2019 Apr 4;43(2):140-147. Epub 2018 Oct 4.

1 University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK.

Background:: Use of proprioceptive knee braces to control symptomology by altering neuromuscular control mechanisms has been shown in patellofemoral pain. Although their potential in patients with knee osteoarthritis is vast, little research has examined their efficacy.

Objectives:: This study examines the effect of a proprioceptive knee brace on lower limb kinematics and kinetics in healthy participants and in participants with OA. Read More

Pain Physician 2018 09;21(5):449-468

Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Veterans Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea.

Background: Epidural injection is performed for treatment of back and radicular pain in patients with lumbosacral disc herniation (LDH). Steroids are usually administered to effectively remove inflammatory mediators, and local anesthetics or saline also contribute to pain reduction by washing out chemical mediators or blocking the nociceptor activity. Controversy exists regarding whether steroids produce superior clinical effects compared with local anesthetics or saline. Read More

Pain Physician 2018 09;21(5):433-448

Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Veterans Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea.

Background: Epidural injection (EI) is used to treat back or radicular pain from lumbosacral disc herniation (LDH). Although several reports have stated that the transforaminal approach in EI (TFEI) has an advantage in target specificity and yields better clinical efficacy than the interlaminar approach in EI (ILEI), other studies have indicated that the clinical efficacy of ILEI was not inferior to that of TFEI and that ILEI also has the ability to spread medication into the ventral space to a degree similar to that of TFEI. There has been controversy about whether TFEI is superior to ILEI in clinical efficacy. Read More

Nutrients 2018 Oct 1;10(10). Epub 2018 Oct 1.

Department of Health, Exercise and Sports Science, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.

This study investigated the effect of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) supplementation on recovery from eccentric exercise. Twenty males ingested either a BCAA supplement or placebo (PLCB) prior to and following eccentric exercise. Creatine kinase (CK), vertical jump (VJ), maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), jump squat (JS) and perceived soreness were assessed. Read More