Faculty Bibliography

Brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) and visual evoked potential (VEP) studies were undertaken in 8 patients with chronic cervical pain associated with auditory and visual symptoms of more than 6 months duration. The purpose of the study was to ascertain possible central abnormalities, including posterior cervical sympathetic syndrome (Barre-Lieou syndrome), in their auditory and/or visual pathways. Patients who had been treated surgically for cervical pain were excluded from the study group. All patients had normal cervical radiographs and electromyographic findings. Six also had normal CT scans and myelograms. A criterion of the study was that abnormal results would be considered significant only if ophthalmological and/or otolaryngological work-ups failed to reveal an underlying organic abnormality. The TECA-TE 42 was used throughout the study, as well as the international Ten-Twenty System of Electrode Placement. The results showed no abnormalities in the latency, amplitude, or waveform morphology of the evoked potentials. BAEP and VEP studies do not appear to reveal central abnormalities of the auditory and visual pathways in this group of patients. However, in view of the small number of patients included in the study, no conclusions can be made with certainty and the study is continuing

This report reviews the results of the first 2 1/2 years of a comprehensive multidisciplinary inpatient-outpatient treatment program for patients with chronic pain. Functional data indicate a 33 1/3% rate of return to work or involvement in work training programs, while self-report data indicate a 50% improvement rate. Future directions for research are suggested

The management of iatrogenic drug dependence in individuals with pain can be more difficult than the treatment of the pain itself. In addition to a multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of a patient with chronic pain, there is a need for a rapid, safe, and effective method of detoxification from opiate use. Clonidine HCl, a nonopiate, has been found, in this case presentation, to be a valuable option

Chronic pain is a leading health care problem with a wide range of physical and psychosocial outcomes. This report reviews the key intake findings of the first 227 patients admitted to a comprehensive inpatient/outpatient program for the treatment of chronic pain. Key trends in the data which suggest the different presentations of the chronic pain syndrome are highlighted and indications for future research are given