Publications by authors named "Lauren Berninger"

The experience of serious illness or injury frequently results in increased vulnerability. In cases in which decision-making capacity is compromised, this vulnerability is compounded by threats to a patient's autonomy. This case report presents an opportunity to explore the elaborately entwined relationship between autonomy and vulnerability in patients with severe impairment who are reliant on surrogate decision-makers.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: First-line medications for the treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) are associated with a substantial rate of discontinuation due to adverse effects or insufficient efficacy. Neuromodulation techniques have been used for PDN, but a comprehensive review of the literature that incorporates several distinct device categories has yet to be undertaken.

Objectives: We aimed to summarize the evidence regarding 4 major types of neuromodulation devices for the treatment of PDN.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The management of pain in patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA) is often inadequate, and treatments commonly result in adverse effects. A 63-year-old man with the parkinsonian subtype of MSA presented with bilateral neck, shoulder, upper extremity, lower extremity, and low back pain of 6 years' duration. His baseline pain was 5 of 10 with flares to 10 of 10.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Incident pain, described as pain induced by bone metastasis and produced by movement, can be devastating. The high doses of opioids needed to control such pain may sedate the patient and cause additional complications. Treatment of incident pain with pharmaceuticals has rarely been studied; only eight patients have been reported in the literature who did not receive additional opioids.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF