Effects of Embodiment in Virtual Reality for Treatment of Chronic Pain: Pilot Open-Label Study.

Background: Chronic pain has long been a major health burden that has been addressed through numerous forms of pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatment. One of the tenets of modern medicine is to minimize risk while providing efficacy. Further, because of its noninvasive nature, virtual reality (VR) provides an attractive platform for potentially developing novel therapeutic modalities.

Alleviating Thoracotomy Pain With Intercostal Liposomal Bupivacaine: A Case Report.

Unlabelled: Thoracotomy pain is common after chest surgery and may result from injury to the lung pleura, intercostal muscles, costovertebral joint, or intercostal nerves. Inappropriately controlled postoperative pain can hinder recovery and increase the risk of complications such as infection, atelectasis, blood clots, and development of post-thoracotomy pain syndrome. A number of treatment options for acute pain are available, most of which require systemic medications or indwelling catheters that may be contraindicated in patients on anticoagulants.

Functional Assessment in End-Stage Renal Disease: Enhancing Quality of Life.

Why do functional assessments in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) matter? Multiple studies show that new dialysis patients undergo a substantial decline among activities of daily living. Moreover, poor functional status in ESRD patients is associated with early morality. That is why CMS has developed new criteria to assess ESRD patients in regards to their functional, psychologic, and cognitive capabilities.