Ethics and Regulation of Opioid Prescriptions for Management of Pain: The Washington State Experience.

Painful conditions affect a significant population in the United States. As the scientific understanding of the benefits and harms of opioid therapy has evolved, so too has the application of prescription opioid therapy for the treatment of pain. The rapid increase in the use of prescription and illicit opioids over the past decade has contributed to a public health crisis commonly referred to as the "opioid crisis.

Patient-Reported Outcome Measures: Utility for Predicting Spinal Surgery in an Integrated Spine Practice.

Background: For the majority of patients, spinal surgery is an elective treatment. The decision as to whether and when to pursue surgery is complicated and influenced by myriad factors, including pain intensity and duration, impact on functional activities, referring physician recommendation, and surgeon preference. By understanding the factors that lead a patient to choose surgery, we may better understand the decision-making process, improve outcomes, and provide more effective care.

Reversible cytotoxic edema in a cirrhotic patient following TIPS.

The authors report the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in a 52-year-old man with cirrhosis from chronic hepatitis C who developed episodic acute hepatic encephalopathy Type C following placement of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). Brain MRI revealed hyperintense T2 signal and restricted diffusion distributed through the cerebral cortex. The patient's mentation improved with treatment of his hyperammonemia.