Burning Pain Research Articles

Human pain ratings to electrical sinusoids increase with cooling through a cold-induced increase in C-fibre excitability.

Low-frequency sinusoidal current applied to human skin evokes local axon reflex flare and burning pain, indicative of C-fibre activation. Because topical cooling works well as a local analgesic, we examined the effect of cooling on human pain ratings to sinusoidal and rectangular profiles of constant current stimulation. Unexpectedly, pain ratings increased upon cooling the skin from 32 to 18°C. To explore this paradoxical observation, the effects of cooling on C-fibre responses to stimulation with sinusoidal and rectangular current profiles were determined in ex vivo segments of mouse sural and pig saphenous nerve. As expected by thermodynamics, the absolute value of electrical charge required to activate C-fibre axons increased with cooling from 32°C to 20°C, irrespective of the stimulus profile used. However, for sinusoidal stimulus profiles, cooling enabled a more effective integration of low-intensity currents over tens of milliseconds resulting in a delayed initiation of action potentials. Our findings indicate that the paradoxical cooling-induced enhancement of electrically evoked pain in people can be explained by an enhancement of C-fibre responsiveness to slow depolarization at lower temperatures. This property may contribute to symptoms of enhanced cold sensitivity, especially cold allodynia, associated with many forms of neuropathic pain.

Food, Dietary Patterns, or Is Eating Behavior to Blame? Analyzing the Nutritional Aspects of Functional Dyspepsia.

Functional dyspepsia is a gastrointestinal disorder characterized by postprandial fullness, early satiation, epigastric pain, and epigastric burning. The pathophysiology of the disease is not fully elucidated and there is no permanent cure, although some therapies (drugs or herbal remedies) try to reduce the symptoms. Diet plays a critical role in either the reduction or the exacerbation of functional dyspepsia symptoms; therefore dietary management is considered to be of high importance. Several foods have been suggested to be associated with worsening functional dyspepsia, such as fatty and spicy foods, soft drinks, and others, and other foods are thought to alleviate symptoms, such as apples, rice, bread, olive oil, yogurt, and others. Although an association between functional dyspepsia and irregular eating habits (abnormal meal frequency, skipping meals, late-night snacking, dining out, etc.) has been established, not many dietary patterns have been reported as potential factors that influence the severity of functional dyspepsia. A higher adherence to Western diets and a lower adherence to FODMAPs diets and healthy patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet, can contribute to the worsening of symptoms. More research is needed on the role of specific foods, dietary patterns, or specific eating habits in the management of functional dyspepsia.

Burning Mouth Syndrome Treated with Mandibular and Maxillary Nerve Blocks.

Burning mouth syndrome is a condition characterized by a painful burning sensation in the oral mucosa lasting at least 3-6 months with no definitive etiology. The pathophysiology is not well understood, though there appears to be a connection with other neuropsychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. We briefly discuss our experience with a patient who suffered from this conidtion and how it was treated with mandibular and maxillary nerve blocks after failing more conservative pharmacological options.

Complete Resolution of Peptic Ulcer by Individualised Homoeopathic Anti-Miasmatic Treatment—A Case Report

AbstractPeptic ulcer is a lifestyle disorder and is becoming very common nowadays. A dull or burning pain in abdomen is the most common symptom of a peptic ulcer. Less common symptoms may include bloating, burping, poor appetite, vomiting and weight loss. Conventional treatments of peptic ulcer, such as proton pump inhibitors and histamine-2 receptor antagonists, have demonstrated adverse effects, relapses and various drug interactions. Homoeopathy offers an effective and safe treatment of cases through its unique holistic approach and can prevent surgery. The case reported here is of peptic ulcer in a 70-year-old male presenting with burning pain and bloating in abdomen along with regurgitation of food. Endoscopy showed multiple erosions with deep ulcers at pyloric opening and in the duodenum. He was successfully treated as evident by subsequent radiological study by anti-miasmatic individualised homoeopathic treatment with single medicine Phosphorus. It has been observed that apart from healing of the ulcer, the general health of the patient also improved with homoeopathic treatment.

High-frequency ultrasound assessment of vulvar lichen sclerosus treated with photodynamic therapy.

Patients with vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) are faced with a decreased quality of life and an increased risk of vulvar malignancy. 5-Aminolevulinic acid-based photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) can serve as an alternative for refractory VLS patients. However, high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) has never been introduced in the ALA-PDT outcome assessment for VLS patients. A prospective study was conducted. Refractory VLS patients received two treatment courses of ALA-PDT (3 times of remedies at 2-week intervals for each course), and underwent clinical, HFUS and histopathological assessment. Statistical analysis comparing parameters at baseline and after ALA-PDT was performed. Thirty-one VLS patients were included. Both subjective symptoms (itch and burning pain) and objective severity (lesion size and hypopigmentation) were relieved significantly after ALA-PDT treatment. Hypoechoic dermal band (HDB) thickness revealed by HFUS decreased progressively with successive ALA-PDT treatment, and the reduction value had a positive correlation with the reduction of inflammatory infiltration depth in histopathology. Collagen homogenization depth decrease was also noticed. Besides, adverse effects were recorded, mainly as mild and transient post-treatment edema and pain. ALA-PDT is an effective and safe therapeutic option for refractory VLS patients. HFUS can act as a complement to the non-invasive treatment monitoring for its objectivity, quantifiability and precision in the distinct vertical perspective.

A Case of Chronic Venous Ulcer Managed with Homoeopathy

AbstractA 57-year-old male farmer reported a painful shallow burning ulcer with serosanguinous discharge for 1 year on the lateral malleolus of his right lower limb. In addition, he also had eczema and oedema in the affected limb. On examination, the ulcer was 7 to 8 cm (approximately), with an irregular margin, red and yellow floor; warm, firm, hyperpigmented and non-tender with varicose veins in the surrounding areas. The patient was thermally hot and his main complaints increased at night and subsided with cold application. Based on the complaints presented and the clinical appearance, a diagnosis of a chronic venous ulcer was made. The surgeon had advised surgery. A painful varicose ulcer in the lower extremities that alleviated with cold application and the patient's thermal reaction led to repertorisation of the case and the final selection of Fluoric acid 200 in consultation with the Materia Medica. Medicine was prescribed once a week, thrice a day with the placebo, and this continued for 4 months. Fluoric acid was discontinued after 4 months and the placebo only continued for the next 2 months. After 6 months of regular treatment, the ulcer had healed and the swelling also reduced significantly. The patient was also advised to practice good hygiene, avoid standing for long periods of time, elevate the legs when at rest etc.

On the mechanism of painful burn sensation in tattoos on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Magnetic substances in tattoo inks used for permanent makeup (PMU) identified: Magnetite, goethite, and hematite.

Persons with cosmetic tattoos occasionally experience severe pain and burning sensation on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). To explore the culprit magnetic substances in commonly used permanent makeup inks. 20 inks used for cosmetic tattooing of eyebrows, eyeliners, and lips were selected. Ink bottles were tested for magnetic behavior with a neodymium magnet. Eight iron oxide inks qualified for the final study. Metals were analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The magnetic fraction of inks was isolated and analyzed by X-ray fluorescence(XRF). Magnetic iron compounds were characterized by Mössbauer spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). ICP-MS showed iron in all magnetic samples, and some nickel and chromium. Mössbauer spectroscopy and XRD detected ferromagnetic minerals, particularly magnetite, followed by goethite and hematite. This original study of cosmetic ink stock products made with iron oxide pigments reports magnetic impurities in inks for cosmetic tattooing, e.g., magnetite, goethite, and hematite. These may be the main cause of MRI burn sensation in cosmetic tattoos. The mechanism behind sensations is hypothesized to be induction of electrical stimuli of axons from periaxonal pigment/impurity activated by magnetic force. Magnetite is considered the lead culprit.

Spinal disinhibition: evidence for a hyperpathia phenotype in painful diabetic neuropathy.

The dominant sensory phenotype in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy and neuropathic pain is a loss of function. This raises questions as to which mechanisms underlie pain generation in the face of potentially reduced afferent input. One potential mechanism is spinal disinhibition, whereby a loss of spinal inhibition leads to increased ascending nociceptive drive due to amplification of, or a failure to suppress, incoming signals from the periphery. We aimed to explore whether a putative biomarker of spinal disinhibition, impaired rate-dependent depression of the Hoffmann reflex, is associated with a mechanistically appropriate and distinct pain phenotype in patients with painful diabetic neuropathy. In this cross-sectional study, 93 patients with diabetic neuropathy underwent testing of Hoffmann reflex rate-dependent depression and detailed clinical and sensory phenotyping, including quantitative sensory testing. Compared to neuropathic patients without pain, patients with painful diabetic neuropathy had impaired Hoffmann reflex rate-dependent depression at 1, 2 and 3 Hz (P ≤ 0.001). Patients with painful diabetic neuropathy exhibited an overall loss of function profile on quantitative sensory testing. However, within the painful diabetic neuropathy group, cluster analysis showed evidence of greater spinal disinhibition associated with greater mechanical pain sensitivity, relative heat hyperalgesia and higher ratings of spontaneous burning pain. These findings support spinal disinhibition as an important centrally mediated pain amplification mechanism in painful diabetic neuropathy. Furthermore, our analysis indicates an association between spinal disinhibition and a distinct phenotype, arguably akin to hyperpathia, with combined loss and relative gain of function leading to increasing nociceptive drive.

Subgrouping patients with zoster-associated pain according to sensory symptom profiles: A cluster analysis.

Patients with zoster-associated pain exhibit a variety of sensory symptoms and forms of pain and complain of different pain patterns. The purpose of this study is to subgroup patients with zoster-associated pain who visited a hospital using painDETECT sensory symptom scores, analyze their respective characteristics and pain-related data, and compare similarities and differences among the groups. The characteristics of 1,050 patients complaining of zoster-associated pain and pain-related data were reviewed retrospectively. To identify subgroups of patients with zoster-associated pain according to sensory symptom profiles, a hierarchical cluster analysis was performed based on the responses to a painDETECT questionnaire. Demographics and pain-related data were compared among all subgroups. Patients with zoster-associated pain were classified into 5 subgroups according to the distribution of sensory profiles, with each subgroup exhibiting distinct differences in the expression of sensory symptoms. Patients in cluster 1 complained of burning sensations, allodynia, and thermal sensitivity, but felt numbness less strongly. Cluster 2 and 3 patients complained of burning sensations and electric shock-like pain, respectively. Cluster 4 patients complained of most sensory symptoms at similar intensities and reported relatively strong prickling pain. Cluster 5 patients suffered from both burning and shock-like pains. Patient ages and the prevalence of cardiovascular disease were significantly lower in cluster 1. Patients in clusters 1 and 4 reported longer pain duration compared with those in clusters 2 and 3. However, no significant differences were found with respect to sex, body mass index, diabetes mellitus, mental health problems, and sleep disturbance. Pain scores, distribution of dermatomes and gabapentinoid use were also similar among the groups. Five different subgroups of patients with zoster-associated pain were identified on the basis of sensory symptoms. A subgroup of younger patients with longer pain duration showed specific and distinct symptoms, such as burning sensations and allodynia. Unlike patients with acute or subacute pain, patients with chronic pain were associated with diverse sensory symptom profiles.

Impact of Topical Cyclosporine-A or Topical Chloroquine on Post-LASIK Ocular Surface Stability- A Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose To compare effect of topical cyclosporine-A 0.05% (CsA) and chloroquine phosphate 0.03% (CHQ) as an adjunct to standard therapy in maintaining post-laser assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) ocular surface stability Methods Randomized controlled trial on 100 eyes undergoing femtosecond-LASIK randomized into three groups- 33 eyes in Group I (Standard Treatment group), 34 eyes in Group II (CsA group) and 33 eyes in Group III (CHQ group). Standard treatment included topical moxifloxacin, topical prednisolone and carboxymethyl cellulose. Group II received topical CsA 0.05% twice daily for three months and group III received topical CHQ 0.03% twice daily for three months in addition to standard treatment. Primary outcome measure was change in ocular surface disease index (OSDI) at 6 months. Secondary outcome measures were tear break up time (TBUT), Schirmer-I score, tear film osmolarity, tear film MMP-9 and visual acuity. Follow up was performed at postoperative 1, 3 and 6 months. Results At 6 months, OSDI score, MMP-9, tear osmolarity, TBUT and Schirmer score were significantly better in both CsA and CHQ groups as compared with controls (p < 0.001). OSDI, Tear osmolarity, TBUT, MMP-9 levels were comparable in CsA and CHQ group (p > 0.05). In CsA group, tear film MMP-9 levels at 6 months were comparable to preoperative baseline (p = 0.09). There was no significant change in the Schirmer score from baseline in the CsA group; in addition, the Schirmer score was significantly better than the CHQ group at 6 months (p = 0.02). Visual acuity was comparable in all three groups. Adverse effects including burning sensation, stinging, pain and redness were reported by ten patients (CsA group- 3, CHQ group-7; p = 0.28). Conclusion Both CsA and CHQ are useful adjuncts to standard therapy in maintaining ocular surface stability after refractive surgery. Cyclosporine A has more potent and sustained anti-inflammatory effect with less ocular irritative effects.

Palm-Plant Pain, Sign of a Severe Systemic Disease? Case Report and Review of Literature.

Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disease, second in prevalence after Gaucher disease. The onset of symptoms occurs in childhood or adolescence with palmo-plantar burning pains, hypo hidrosis, angiokeratomas, and corneal deposits. In the absence of diagnosis and treatment, the disease will progress to the late phase, characterized by progressive cardiac, cerebral and renal damage, and possible death. We present the case of an 11-year-old male boy who was transferred to the Pediatric Nephrology Department for palmo-plantar burning pain and end stage renal disease. Following the evaluations for the etiology of end stage renal disease we excluded the vasculitis, the neurologic diseases, extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Because of suggestive aspect at CT scan and lack of etiologic diagnosis of renal insufficiency we performed lymph node and kidney biopsy, with a surprising result for storage disease. The specific investigation confirmed the diagnosis.

Cutaneous Exposure to Arsenicals Is Associated with Development of Constrictive Bronchiolitis in Mice.

Organoarsenicals, such as lewisite and related chloroarsine, diphenylchloroarsine (DPCA), are chemical warfare agents developed during World War I. Stockpiles in Eastern Europe remain a threat to humans. The well-documented effects of cutaneous exposure to these organoarsenicals include skin blisters, painful burns, and life-threatening conditions such as acute respiratory distress syndrome. In survivors, long-term effects such as the development of respiratory ailments are reported for the organoarsenical sulfur mustard; however, no long-term pulmonary effects are documented for lewisite and DPCA. No animal models exist to explore the relationship between skin exposure to vesicants and constrictive bronchiolitis. We developed and characterized a mouse model to study the long-term effects of cutaneous exposure on the lungs after exposure to a sublethal dose of organoarsenicals. We exposed mice to lewisite, DPCA, or a less toxic surrogate organoarsenic chemical, phenyl arsine oxide, on the skin. The surviving mice were followed for 20 weeks after skin exposure to arsenicals. Lung microcomputed tomography, lung function, and histology demonstrated increased airway resistance, increased thickness of the smooth muscle layer, increased collagen deposition in the subepithelium, and peribronchial lymphocyte infiltration in mice exposed to arsenical on skin.

A Case of Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma at the High Specialty Hospital of Veracruz, Mexico

Fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma is a primary hepatic malignancy, primarily affecting adolescents and young adults without underlying liver disease. We present the case of a 22-year-old male farmer who presents burning pain in the epigastrium with an intensity of 2/10 on the VAS scale, on palpation with the presence of a tumor in the right hypochondrium with ultrasound of the liver and bile ducts with evidence of liver mass in the segment VIII, in addition to exploratory laparoscopy with the discovery of multiple implants in 70% of the liver surface. In the histopathological analysis with morphological findings compatible with fibrolamellar carcinoma. In the laboratory with AST 356 UI/L, ALT 205 UI/L, GGT 930 U/L, LDH 343 UI/L AF 638 UI/L, for which treatment was started with atezolizumab 1200 mg and bevacizumab 1000 mg. Continuing to follow up. Fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma is a variant of hepatocellular carcinoma, which usually presents with non-specific symptoms. The imaging approach is fundamental in the diagnosis, being the anatomopathological confirmation. Despite being low frequency tumors, they should be suspected in all young patients with a palpable mass in the liver.

Clinical characteristics of pain in patients with trigeminal neuralgia: data from a neurosurgical clinic

Among the pain syndromes caused by damage to cranial nerves, trigeminal nerve pathology occupies the main place. Trigeminal neuralgia is an exhausting condition characterized by acute shooting recurrent pain in the face. However, according to modern classification of facial pain types, there is also a distinction made for the second type of neuralgia, in which the mentioned pain alternates with dull, burning pain in the area of trigeminal nerve innervation. Numerous clinical and diagnostic criteria which can influence the results of surgical treatment of trigeminal neuralgia are being actively studied. However, the data varies both in terms of the number of criteria considered and the nature of the study, as well as the research outcomes.Objective ‒ to determine the demographic, clinical, and anatomical characteristics of patients with classical trigeminal neuralgia upon their admission in the neurosurgical ward for microvascular decompression of the trigeminal nerve.Materials and мethods. A retrospective analysis of medical data from 92 patients with trigeminal neuralgia, who were admitted to the Regional Clinical Center of Neurosurgery and Neurology from 2011 to 2023 was performed. The data included: patient's gender and age, type of neuralgia according to K. Burchiel and colleagues' classification (2009), involvement of trigeminal nerve branches, duration of pain prior to hospitalization, medication for conservative therapy and its dosage. Results. Trigeminal neuralgia most commonly affects elderly patients. This may be associated with systemic atherosclerotic vessel damage, leading to increased irritation by a denser vessel wall. Another cause of late disease manifestation may be gradual demyelination in the vicinity of the neurovascular conflict. Women are more likely to be affected than men. Right-sided trigeminal nerve involvement and the involvement of lower and upper jaw branches are more characteristic, with pain more frequently being paroxysmal in nature. In seven out of ten patients, the cause of neurovascular conflict is an artery, with the upper cerebellar artery being the most typical conflict.Conclusions. Demographic and clinical-diagnostic indicators vary among patients with trigeminal neuralgia. There are numerous variables that can influence the long-term effects of conservative and surgical treatment in patients with trigeminal neuralgia. A comprehensive assessment of these factors can identify a group of patients who are likely to have the most successful long-term treatment outcomes for trigeminal neuralgia.

Risk Factors of Computer Vision Syndrome and its Prevention

Background: The 21st century is thought to need these gadgets. They are employed in households, as well as in recreational settings and educational organizations, in addition to workplaces and businesses. The term "video display terminal" is used to refer to a computer screen (VDT). It includes computers, tablets, e-readers, smartphones, and other electronic gadgets. According to estimates, 45 million employees use computers directly by gazing at VDTs nonstop for long periods. Aim: The goal of this study was to count how many CMT (college of Medical Technology) students have computer vision syndrome and to identify the risk factors that go along with it. Methods: This cross-sectional research was conducted on 198 CMT students at Pakistan institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan, from 1st April 2022, to 30th September, 2022. The research covered all students between the ages of 17 and 25 who had used a computer in the month before the programs start date. Those students who were using eye medications, those with underlying systemic conditions like diabetes or hypertension, those with pre-existing eye problems, and those who did not provide informed written permission were excluded from the study. To demonstrate relationships between categorical data, the chi-square test was performed. The SPSS version 23 was used to analyze the data. Results: Age of 20.16 ± 3.81 years on average. Out of 198 respondents, 133 (67.2%) said they had at least one of the following symptoms of computer vision syndrome: headache, eye tiredness, burning, eye irritation, neck discomfort, and shoulder pain. Computer users' eye complaints included eye irritability (48%), burning (33%), and eye weariness (15%). Extraocular symptoms range from headaches (38%) to neck and shoulder discomfort (21.8%). Computer use time (240 minutes/four hours) was substantially correlated with eye tiredness and headache. Practical Implication: The benefit of this study is to identify the risk variables linked with computer vision syndrome and its incidence among undergraduate medical students. It will aid in raising public awareness of the health risks associated with computers and other digital electronic devices, as well as assisting public health experts and other stakeholders in taking action to address this public health problem Conclusions: The ailment known as "Computer Vision Syndrome" affects a lot of young students who use computer regularly Keywords: Computer Vision Syndrome, Risk, Prevention, households, irritability, pain, eye tiredness, .

Development of diagnosis and treatment in the iliotibial band syndrome

Introduction and objective: The iliotibial band (ITB) is a complex structure located in the lateral part of the thigh and consists of longitudinally arranged fascial connective tissue. The aim of this study is to analyze the current literature regarding etiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, and conservative treatment of iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS). Materials and methods: PubMed database were searched. The criteria for qualifying the article for the review were the following keywords: running, iliotibial band syndrome, knee injuries, conservative treatment, physical therapy modalities. 11 articles from 2017 to 2022 were analyzed. The searches included systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and review articles. Description of the state of knowledge: Iliotibial band syndrome is the most common cause of lateral knee pain in runners and cyclists. It is presumably caused by excessive tension in the iliotibial band. Excessive tension is the result of overuse disorder of the lateral knee. Key symptom of ITBS is sharp or burning pain in the region of the lateral femoral epicondyle.. Pain typically occurs during physical activity, after a reproducible time or distance of running. The diagnosis is achieved through taking clinical history and physical assessment. Summary: Treatment of ITBS is based on therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, neuromuscular re-education, modalities and anti-inflammatory medications. Eliminating modifiable risk factors helps prevent ITBS from recurring.

The over-expression of miRNA-206 in peripheral blood of patients with burning mouth syndrome and its relationship with anxiety and depression.

Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is characterized by persisting burning pain of the oral mucosa, and its etiopathogenesis remains poorly understood. Our study aimed to detect the expression of miRNA-206 in the blood and clarify the relationship among miRNA-206, pain, anxiety and depression of BMS patients. Thirty patients with BMS and 30 healthy individuals were enrolled in the experimental and control groups, respectively. Data on medical history and clinical oral examination for all participants were collected. Simultaneously, scores of Visual Analogous Scale (VAS), Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) were administered. The expression level of miRNA-206 in plasma were determined by RT-(q)PCR. Finally, and the relationship of miRNA-206 expression with the VAS score, SAS score, and SDS score was analyzed. χ2 test, t-test were used for statistical analysis of the data, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The majority of the patients with BMS identified the tongue as the main pain area, and showed dry mouth and poor sleep quality. The SAS and SDS scores of patients with BMS were higher than those of healthy controls (P <0.05) and were positively correlated with VAS pain score. In addition, miRNA-206 expression was higher in patients with BMS than in healthy individuals (P <0.05), and was positively correlated with the VAS and SDS scores (P < 0.05). Patients with BMS suffer from pain and tend to be more anxious and depressed than healthy controls. miRNA-206 expression in the peripheral blood of patients with BMS is positively correlated with pain and depression, which may be involved in the pathogenesis of BMS.

Partial ileectomy for intestinal Komagataella phaffii and Fusobacterium mortiferum co-infection

A 75-year-old woman presented with an acute onset of repeated hypogastralgia without evident predisposition, the symptoms worsened after ingestion of food or drink and were accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. 6 days later, the patient developed abdominal burning pain and fever (maximum 37·7°C). She had previous history of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cerebral infarction for the past decade. On day 1 of admission, physical examination showed abdominal distension, pain, and rebound tenderness.

Cortical oscillatory changes during thermal grill illusion.

The thermal grill illusion (TGI) can cause a burning pain sensation when the skin is subjected to simultaneously harmless hot and cold stimuli, and the pain is reported to be similar to central neuropathic pain. Although electroencephalography (EEG) is commonly used in pain research, no reports have revealed EEG activity during TGI. One healthy subject was enrolled, and EEG activity was recorded during the experience of the TGI and a warm sensation. Independent component analysis (ICA) was applied to preprocessed EEG data, which was divided into several clusters. Theta and alpha bands in the insular cortex and parietal operculum clusters were significantly more desynchronized under the TGI condition than under the warm condition ( P < 0.05). Additionally, theta, alpha and beta bands in the frontal (middle and inferior frontal gyrus) cluster showed significantly more desynchronization under the TGI condition than under the warm condition ( P < 0.05). EEG oscillations in these brain areas could be useful markers of central neuropathic pain.

Effects of massage therapy on pain and anxiety intensity in patients with burns: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine the effects of massage therapy on pain and anxiety intensity in patients with burns. A comprehensive, systematic search was conducted in various international electronic databases, such as Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Persian electronic databases such as Iranmedex, and Scientific Information Database using keywords extracted from Medical Subject Headings such as 'Massage therapy', 'Musculoskeletal manipulations', 'Acute pains', 'Burning pain', and 'Burn' from the earliest to October 17, 2022. Cochran's tool is used to check the risk of bias for randomised clinical trial (RCT) articles. The methodological index for non-randomised studies was used to assess the risk of bias in quasi-experimental studies. STATA version 14 software was used to perform the meta-analysis. A 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to determine statistical significance. Heterogeneity was investigated with I2 . A P-value less than .1 was considered statistically significant for publication bias value. A total of 733 patients with burns were included in seven studies. Five studies had an RCT design and two studies had a quasi-experimental design. The duration of the study was reported in five studies, with a mean of 42.40 weeks. The duration of the intervention was reported in seven studies with a mean of 22.86 minutes. The results of the meta-analysis showed using various types of massage therapy interventions significantly reduced pain intensity in the intervention group compared with the control group (weighted mean difference: -2.08, 95% CI: -2.55 to -1.62, Z= 8.77, I2 : 67.1%, P< .001). Massage therapy intervention significantly reduced the intensity of anxiety in burn patients (standard mean difference: -7.07, 95% CI: -10.13 to -4.01, Z= 4.53, I2 : 98.2, P< .001). Overall, the present systematic review and meta-analysis showed that massage therapy can reduce the intensity of pain and anxiety in burn patients. Therefore, it is recommended that health managers and policymakers pay special attention to massage therapy as a simple, low-cost, and efficient non-pharmacological treatment to relieve pain and anxiety in burn patients.