A device for the relief of phantom limb pain and rehabilitation in stroke.

Purpose: To determine if simple, robust spectacle mounted devices are feasible for the replacement of the mirror boxes currently used in the rehabilitation of patients suffering from phantom limb pain, complex regional pain syndrome and stroke.

Methods: Four devices, using three different optical systems were produced: plane mirror, astronomical telescope using cylindrical lenses and two reflecting prism systems.

Result: The illusory effect of the devices was similar to that of the mirror box.

Guilty until proven innocent: a qualitative study of the management of chronic non-cancer pain among patients with a history of substance abuse.

Introduction: Physicians are often reluctant to prescribe strong opioids for chronic non cancer pain (CNCP). No study has qualitatively examined physicians' beliefs about prescribing opioids for CNCP to patients with a history of substance abuse (PWHSA).

Aims: To describe physicians' attitudes and experience of prescribing opioids for CNCP to PWHSA.

Comorbid chronic non-cancer pain and opioid use disorders.

Patients with chronic non-cancer pain and opioid dependence are difficult to treat effectively. This article reviews the common issues that arise in relation to assessment and treatment, and recommends the adoption of an integrated approach to this patient population.

Vasoactive properties of lignocaine administered by iontophoresis in human skin.

The vasoactivity of lignocaine has an important influence on its clinical efficacy and systemic vascular absorption. The aim of this study was to evaluate its vasoactive properties when administered by the non-invasive technique of iontophoresis. We used laser Doppler imaging to measure the forearm skin blood flow responses of seven healthy young males to iontophoretic delivery of two preparations of 20 g/l of lignocaine hydrochloride, one containing the preservatives methylparaben and propylparaben and one without.