Severe lumbar spinal stenosis combined with Guillain-Barré syndrome: A case report

BACKGROUNDGuillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare disorder that typically presents with ascending weakness, pain, paraesthesias, and numbness, which mimic the findings in lumbar spinal stenosis. Here, we report a case of severe lumbar spinal stenosis combined with GBS.CASE SUMMARYA 70-year-old man with a history of lumbar spinal stenosis presented to our emergency department with severe lower back pain and lower extremity numbness. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the diagnosis of severe lumbar spinal stenosis. However, his symptoms did not improve postoperatively and he developed dysphagia and upper extremity numbness. An electromyogram was performed. Based on his symptoms, physical examination, and electromyogram, he was diagnosed with GBS. After 5 d of intravenous immunoglobulin (0.4 g/kg/d for 5 d) therapy, he gained 4/5 of strength in his upper and lower extremities and denied paraesthesias. He had regained 5/5 of strength in his extremities when he was discharged and had no symptoms during follow-up.CONCLUSIONGBS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of spinal disorder, even though magnetic resonance imaging shows severe lumbar spinal stenosis. This case highlights the importance of a careful diagnosis when a patient has a history of a disease and comes to the hospital with the same or similar symptoms.     

Extrapontine myelinolysis caused by rapid correction of pituitrin-induced severe hyponatremia: A case report

BACKGROUND Severe hyponatremia is considered a rare complication of pituitrin,which is widely used for the treatment of pulmonary hemorrhage.However,the management of pituitrin-associated hyponatremia can be challenging because a rapid correction of hyponatremia may cause the development of osmotic demyelination syndrome,resulting in life-threatening neurological injuries.CASE SUMMARY A 20-year-old Chinese man with massive hemoptysis developed symptomatic hyponatremia(116 mmol/L)after therapy by a continuous intravenous drip of pituitrin.To normalize his serum sodium,a hypertonic saline infusion was applied for 3 d,and the pituitrin administration was stopped concurrently.Then,an overly rapid increase in serum sodium level(18 mmol/L in 24 h)was detected after treatment.One day later,the patient experienced a sudden onset of generalized tonic-clonic seizures,as well as subsequent dysarthria and dystonia.Magnetic resonance imaging revealed increased signal intensity in the bilateral symmetric basal ganglia on the T2-weighted images,compatible with a diagnosis of extrapontine myelinolysis.The patient received an intravenous administration of high-dose corticosteroids,rehabilitation,and neurotrophic therapy.Finally,his clinical abnormalities were vastly improved,and he was discharged with few residual symptoms.CONCLUSION Physicians should be fully aware that pituitrin can cause profound hyponatremia and its correction must be performed at a controlled rate to prevent the development of osmotic demyelination syndrome.     

Pharmacotherapy of trigeminal neuralgia.

The efficacy of the anticonvulsant drug carbamazepine in the management of trigeminal neuralgia is evidenced in several controlled trials, and the numbers needed to treat to obtain one patient with at least 50% pain relief (NNT) is 1.7. Single small trials have shown that baclofen alone provides pain relief (NNT = 1.4) and that lamotrigine has an additional effect in patients with insufficient relief using carbamazepine or phenytoin (NNT = 2.1). Uncontrolled observations and clinical practice indicate that phenytoin, clonazepam, sodium valproate, gabapentin, and lidocaine will also relieve trigeminal neuralgia. In case of lacking effect of a single drug, combination of two or more drugs may be used, but with the exception of the lamotrigine-carbamazepine combination, this is not evidence-based medicine. Acute exacerbation has successfully been treated with intravenous loading with phenytoin or lidocaine, but again these procedures have not been tested in controlled trials. In conclusion, carbamazepine is the mainstay of pharmacotherapy of trigeminal neuralgia, and secondary drug choices are baclofen, lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, gabapentin, and sodium valproate. Controlled trials testing the effect of some of these drugs, new drugs, and drug combinations are needed.     

Long-term cohort study comparing medical (oxcarbazepine) and surgical management of intractable trigeminal neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia is a recurrent severe shooting neuropathic pain which can be managed both pharmacologically and surgically. However, there are no prospective data that compare these two therapeutic strategies. This study therefore aimed to assess long-term outcome in patients with intractable trigeminal neuralgia treated with oxcarbazepine and later with surgery. Fifteen patients (11 females) with trigeminal neuralgia intractable to available drugs (carbamazepine, phenytoin and baclofen), were prospectively followed for 13 years (1986-1999) with a total follow up time from onset of disease of 16 +/- 6 years (mean +/- SD), range 8-30 years. All patients were contacted in 1999 and 12 replied, two had died and one had last replied in 1996. Patients were first treated with oxcarbazepine 1200 +/- 600 mg daily dosage (mean +/- SD) and subsequently with surgery of their choice. The outcome measures used were: McGill Pain Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, patient satisfaction questionnaire and clinicians' global evaluation. Pain control was initially achieved in all patients and oxcarbazepine was used continuously or intermittently for 4.0 +/- 3 years (mean +/- SD). Thirteen patients experienced some mild side effects and a dose-dependent hyponatraemia was noted. Subsequently, 12 patients required surgery (five microvascular decompressions and seven surgery at the level of the Gasserian ganglion) to control their pain and were followed up for 4.3 +/- 1.7 years post surgery (mean +/- SD). Three patients required repeat surgery to control their pain, which was successful in two. A further two patients continued with low dose medication post initially successful surgery. Three patients reported numbness and one hearing loss after surgery. Kaplan Meier analysis 3 years after oxcarbazepine use and then 3 years after surgery showed that the mean time for recurrence of pain after oxcarbazepine treatment was 10 months whilst for surgery it was 28 months (P<0.0001). Pain free periods and types of complications post surgery varied and depended on the type of surgery performed. Due to the small numbers, it was not possible to analyse the different types of surgical procedures individually. Outcomes after any type of surgery were better on all evaluations and eight patients felt that they should have had surgery earlier.Oxcarbazepine is a potent antineuralgic drug with very good acceptability and tolerability. However, its effectiveness was rather short term necessitating surgical intervention. As surgery was associated with better outcome, patients may therefore benefit from having surgery earlier rather than later in the disease process in order to improve quality of life, freedom from medication and the need for regular follow up. Surgery does not provide pain relief for all patients. This is the first study that has compared outcome in a group of patients who have had both pharmacological and surgical treatments. As these data cannot be extrapolated to other antineuralgic drugs, similar comparative studies would be appropriate.     

1. Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia is a common cause of facial pain. It has a significant impact on the quality of life and the socioeconomic functioning of the patient. The aim of this review is to provide recommendations for medical management of trigeminal neuralgia based on current evidence. Based upon the analyses of the literature combined with experience in pain management, symptoms, assessment, differential diagnosis, and treatment possibilities of trigeminal neuralgia are described and discussed. Recommendations for pain management are given and are displayed in a clinical practice algorithm. Treatment should be multidisciplinary. Various treatment options and their risks should be discussed with the patient. The first treatment of choice is carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine. In younger patients, the first choice of invasive treatment is probably microvascular decompression. For elderly patients, radiofrequency treatment of Gasserian ganglion is recommended and the technique is described in detail.     

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia referred from a pontine lesion

Paroxysmal pain in the form of glossopharyngeal neuralgia is less frequent and less well understood than that of trigeminal neuralgia. Diagnostic confusion can arise especially when both conditions occur in the one patient. We report a patient with a 20-year history of left-sided glossopharyngeal neuralgia with trigger zones in both the trigeminal and glossopharyngeal dermatomal distributions. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a single T2-weighted hyperintense signal in the left pons with no other abnormality. It is postulated that ephaptic transmission between central pain fibers and the trigeminal or glossopharyngeal fibers, which both enter the spinal trigeminal tract, resulted, respectively, in conventional and "referred" glossopharyngeal neuralgia.     

Citalopram-associated SIADH

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) associated with use of citalopram in an elderly male patient and to review the English-language literature for any previous reports of SIADH or hyponatremia caused by citalopram. CASE SUMMARY: An 87-year-old Filipino man was admitted to the hospital reporting malaise, confusion, dizziness, and falls approximately 3 weeks following an increase in his citalopram dosage from 10 to 20 mg/d. On physical examination, the patient was euvolemic and had no evidence of malignancy, cardiac, renal, or hepatic disease. Pertinent laboratory test results revealed hyponatremia, serum hypoosmolality, urine hyperosmolality, and elevated urine sodium concentration, leading to a diagnosis of SIADH. Citalopram was discontinued and fluid restrictions were instituted. The patient was discharged after his serum sodium increased from 122 to 128 mEq/L and he reported increased strength and decreased confusion. Five days after discharge, the patient denied experiencing any new falls, weakness, confusion, or lethargy. His serum sodium measured that day was 131 mEq/L; 2 months later, it was 135 mEq/L. DISCUSSION: We report the seventh case of citalopram-induced hyponatremia published in the English language and the second in a man. Review of the cases demonstrated that the onset of citalopram-induced hyponatremia or SIADH ranged from 6 to 20 days. Potential risk factors for SIADH due to citalopram included advanced age, female gender, concomitant use of medications known to cause SIADH or hyponatremia, and, possibly, higher citalopram doses. CONCLUSIONS: Elderly patients receiving citalopram should be monitored for signs and symptoms of SIADH, especially in the first few weeks of therapy, in the presence of risk factors, and during dose escalation.     

Efficacy of pregabalin in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia

This prospective, open-label study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of pregabalin treatment in patients suffering from trigeminal neuralgia with and without concomitant facial pain. Fifty-three patients with trigeminal neuralgia (14 with concomitant chronic facial pain) received pregabalin (PGB) 150–600 mg daily and were prospectively followed for 1 year. The primary outcome was number of patients pain free or with reduction of pain intensity by > 50% and of attack frequency by > 50% after 8 weeks. Secondary outcome was sustained pain relief after 1 year. Thirty-nine patients (74%) improved after 8 weeks with a mean dose of 269.8 mg/day (range 150–600 mg/day) PGB: 13 (25%) experienced complete pain relief and 26 (49%) reported pain reduction > 50%, whereas 14 (26%) did not improve. Patients without concomitant facial pain showed better response rates (32 of 39, 82%) compared with patients with concomitant chronic facial pain (7 of 14, 50%, P  = 0.020). Concomitant chronic facial pain appears to be a clinical predictor of poor treatment outcome. PGB appears to be effective in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia.     

Long-term pain control in trigeminal neuralgia with local anesthetics using an indwelling catheter in the mandibular nerve

OBJECTIVE: The authors sought to determine the usefulness of long-term continuous trigeminal nerve block with local anesthetics using an indwelling catheter in a patient with trigeminal neuralgia. DESIGN: The study design included pain control in a patient with trigeminal neuralgia until the time of neurosurgical operation. SETTING: The study was conducted in the Dental Hospital of Tokyo Medical and Dental University. PATIENT: The patient was a 78-year-old woman with trigeminal neuralgia in the right maxillary region. Her pain could not be controlled by carbamazepine and was unbearable. INTERVENTION: The authors estimated the patient's pain intensity, quality, and locality using a visual analog scale to determine the effectiveness of continuous nerve block. OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual analog scores were measured during treatment. The treatment term was divided into three periods according to the difference of the catheter location and injection protocol (premandibular nerve block, infuser injection, and patient-controlled analgesia [PCA] pump injection). The authors also examined the patient's general condition and blood concentration of drugs. RESULTS: The visual analog values were 44.8 +/- 3.6, 26.7 +/- 3.5, and 11.9 +/- 3.1 mm in each period, respectively. The value in the PCA pump infusion period was significantly lower than that in the other periods. No side effects of the local anesthetics were observed on the patient's systemic condition. CONCLUSIONS: The authors controlled trigeminal neuralgia pain by blocking the mandibular nerve with local anesthetics administered through an indwelling catheter. Because the continuous nerve block with local anesthetics is reversible and only mildly toxic, this method is beneficial for pain control in patients with trigeminal neuralgia scheduled to undergo microvascular decompression.     

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor-induced syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone: case report and review of the literature

Seventeen cases of severe hyponatremia induced by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor therapy have been reported in the literature. The mechanism of severe hyponatremia induced by ACE inhibitor is not clear. A 60-year-old white man with a history of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy was treated with enalapril, 20 mg daily, that had been started 2 weeks before heart transplantation. The serum sodium level was 138 mmol/L before initiation of enalapril therapy and 127 mmol/L just before cardiac surgery. In the post-heart transplantation period, enalapril therapy was withdrawn for the perianesthesia period, and the serum sodium level increased from 127 to 140 mmol/L. One month later, viral myocarditis developed in the patient and enalapril was reintroduced at 20 mg daily. Two weeks later, natremia decreased. Enalapril was discontinued. Three days later the serum sodium level rose to 140 mmol/L. Severe symptomatic hyponatremia induced by the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone should be considered a rare but possible complication associated with ACE inhibitor therapy.     

Anterior spinal cord syndrome after initiation of treatment with atenolol

Anterior spinal cord syndrome is a rare condition with a variety of precipitating factors. Patients typically complain of weakness or paralysis of the extremities, often accompanied by pain, but frequently without a history of trauma. A 48-year-old man presented to the emergency department complaining of neck pain and inability to move his legs in the absence of trauma. Several hours prior he had seen his private physician and was given a dose of atenolol for elevated blood pressure. He had not previously been on medications for hypertension. His neurological examination revealed bilateral paralysis of the lower extremities. In the upper extremities he had weakness and sensory loss at the level of C6. Rectal tone was decreased and without sensation. Cervical and thoracic spine magnetic resonance imaging showed spondylotic disc disease, with disc herniation at C6-7 causing severe spinal canal stenosis. Despite i.v. methylprednisolone, pressors, and a prolonged intensive care unit course, the patient was discharged 5 weeks later with continued neurological deficits. Anterior spinal cord syndrome results from compression of the anterior spinal artery and often occurs in the absence of traumatic injury. The recognition, management, and prognosis of this condition are discussed.     

急性脊髓损伤后并发重度低钠血症的临床分析

目的:探讨急性脊髓损伤后并发重度低钠血症的临床特点和治疗方法。方法:1997年10月至2005年12月间我科共收治358例急性脊髓损伤患者,其中121例(33.8%)发生低钠血症(血清钠<135mmol/L),对其中8例重度低钠血症(血清钠<120mmol/L)患者资料进行回顾性分析。结果:8例中男5例,女3例,年龄25～51岁,平均36岁,均因车祸或高处坠落致伤,7例为颈脊髓损伤,1例为胸髓损伤,均为完全性脊髓损伤(AsiaA级),2例合并有轻度闭合型颅脑损伤。平均出现低钠血症时间为伤后(5.7±1.8)d,最低血清钠浓度为(111.6±4.0)mmol/L,出现低钠高峰时间为伤后(8.1±2.0)d,低钠持续时间(20.9±5.9)d。8例均给予深静脉插管,行中心静脉压监测。6例经限水、补钠等治疗后低钠血症纠正,2例低钠血症进行性加重,出现呼吸、循环衰竭死亡。2例合并有肺部感染。结论:急性脊髓损伤后早期易并发低钠血症,由于其症状隐匿,常不被重视,一旦出现重度低钠血症,治疗非常棘手,死亡率高。     

急性颈髓损伤并发低钠血症的护理干预

目的探讨急性颈髓损伤并发低钠血症的护理干预措施。方法回顾性分析11例急性颈髓损伤并发低钠血症患者的护理干预,包括重点监测血钠、尿量和尿钠的改变,观察患者意识状态和生命体征变化,注意早期饮食、饮水的干预,重视高热护理、心理干预,实施正确的补液、补钠和抗利尿治疗等。结果10例患者血钠均逐渐恢复正常,症状好转出院;1例患者自行出院。结论早期发现和正确及时诊断急性颈髓损伤后并发低钠血症十分重要,给予恰当的治疗及护理于预对于纠正低钠血症、改善患者的预后尤为关键。     

Uncommon areas of electrical stimulation for pain relief

Uncommon stimulation refers to the use of peripheral nerve and spinal cord stimulation for nontraditional applications. There has been much interest recently with subcutaneous suboccipital stimulation for occipital neuralgia, sacral stimulation for pelvic pain, trigeminal stimulation for trigeminal neuralgia, and spinal cord stimulation for angina and peripheral ischemia. The indications and techniques used for accomplishing each method are discussed.     

Sumatriptan alleviates pain in patients with trigeminal neuralgia

OBJECTIVES: Arterial compression of the trigeminal root may lead to trigeminal neuralgia. 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonists may inhibit vasodilation and inflammation near the irritated trigeminal root. A recent study showed attenuation of mechanical allodynia by a 5-HT1A receptor agonist in a rat model of trigeminal neuralgia. The present study examined the effectiveness of a 5-HT1A/1B/1D receptor agonist, sumatriptan, on pain relief in patients with trigeminal neuralgia. METHODS: The study was conducted in 15 patients with idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia. The patients had been suffering from painful paroxysms for at least 1 month. Each patient was injected with 1 mL of saline subcutaneously (placebo), followed 15 minutes later with subcutaneous sumatriptan (3 mg in 1 mL saline). This was followed the next day by oral sumatriptan (50 mg twice daily) for 1 week. RESULTS: The visual analog scale did not change after saline, but significantly decreased after subcutaneous sumatriptan. Both 1 week after oral sumatriptan and 1 week after discontinuation of the drug, visual analog scale scores resulted in a significant decrease from the baseline. Adverse events after subcutaneous sumatriptan occurred in 4 patients: fatigue in 4 and nausea in 2. Side effects from the oral medication appeared in 4 patients: fatigue in 2, nausea in 1 and chest discomfort in 1. These side effects subsided soon after discontinuation of sumatriptan. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that subcutaneous injection followed by oral administration of sumatriptan produces prompt and continuous analgesia in patients with trigeminal neuralgia.     

Neuralgia

Neuralgia is defined here as chronic pain, without a known anatomic substrate; in the distribution of spinal or cranial nerves. Among the cranial neuralgias are tic douloureux, other trigeminal neuralgias, and occipital neuralgia. The spinal neuralgias include postherpetic neuralgia, postthoracotomy neuralgia, tabes dorsalis, and posttraumatic neuralgia.     

急性颈髓损伤后低钠血症37例临床分析

目的:探讨急性颈髓损伤后低钠血症的治疗.方法:回顾性分析2008年1月-2010年12月收治的急性颈髓损伤后低钠血症患者37例的临床资料.结果:血钠在120-130 mmol/L的32例经补盐和限制水摄入量治疗2-3周后低钠症状改善;血钠<120 mmol/L的5例,治疗6-8周后恢复正常2例,死亡3例.结论:颈髓损伤后低钠血症发生率与损伤程度密切相关,及早发现并补充钠盐和控制液体量是有效的治疗方法;能量支持及维持胶体渗透压能提高疗效.     

Cardiac Arrest Caused by Trigeminal Neuralgia

A 67-year-old man with a 12-year history of trigeminal neuralgia experienced multiple fainting episodes preceded by right facial pain. One episode resulted in cardiac arrest with successful resuscitation. Pacemaker insertion prevented further episodes of syncope despite the occurrence of pain. The fainting episodes and cardiac arrest are believed to be unusual manifestations of trigeminal neuralgia.     

A randomized, controlled trial of high-dose dextromethorphan in facial neuralgias. (National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, NIH, Bethesda, MD) Neurology 2000;55:964–971.

A randomized, double-blinded, crossover trial compared 6 weeks of oral dextromethorphan with active placebo (low-dose lorazepam) in 19 patients, stratified into three groups: 11 with facial pain and possible trigeminal neuropathy, 5 with anesthesia dolorosa, and 3 with idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia. Dosage was titrated in each patient to the highest level reached without disrupting normal activities. Patients completing the trial included 10 with possible trigeminal neuropathy, 4 with anesthesia dolorosa, and 2 with trigeminal neuralgia. In patients with possible trigeminal neuropathy and anesthesia dolorosa, dextromethorphan decreased pain by a mean of only 2% to 4%, and these estimates were not significant. Both patients with trigeminal neuralgia had more pain during dextromethorphan treatment than during placebo treatment. Of the 3 patients who demonstrated an analgesic response to dextromethorphan during the main trial, only 1 repeatedly responded in 4 subsequent confirmatory drug-placebo crossovers. Conclude dextromethorphan shows little or no analgesic efficacy in pain due to possible trigeminal neuropathy and anesthesia dolorosa. Additional trials are necessary to conclusively evaluate the efficacy of NMDA-receptor antagonists in trigeminal neuralgia.     

阿片类药物在慢性非癌性疼痛中的应用

目的:回顾性分析卡马西平和加巴喷丁治疗原发性三叉神经痛、带状疱疹以及带状疱疹后遗神经痛的疗效、安全性和不良反应。方法:102位患者进入本研究,比较卡马西平或加巴喷丁治疗前后患者疼痛强度的改变和对睡眠影响的改善;依据药物分类,比较两种药物的副作用和不良反应。结果:卡马西平治疗原发性三叉神经痛起效较加巴喷丁快,二者长期疗效相当;加巴喷丁治疗带状疱疹和带状疱疹后神经痛的疗效优于卡马西平;疗效随治疗时间的延长而增加。卡马西平的副作用和不良反应事件发生率较加巴喷丁高。结论:抗癫痫药物卡马西平和加巴喷丁是治疗神经病理性疼痛的有效药物,可以改善患者的睡眠,但副作用和不良反应发生率高。