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Biomedical subjects

M Feuerstein

Publications and source records attributed to M Feuerstein.

59 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
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Reflex sympathetic imbalance. Response to epidural blockade.

Eleven patients (two male, nine female) were treated with epidural sympathetic blockade for reflex sympathetic imbalance, an incomplete manifestation of reflex sympathetic dystrophy. Each had developed severe pain, sensitivity, and disability disproportionate to associated trauma. One patient injured an ankle, and the remaining 10 patients one or both knees (12 knees). Seven patients had undergone previous surgery. All but one had a favorable response to initial blockade. This individual eventually failed treatment despite surgical sympathectomy. Seven have required readministration of a block for clinical relapse. Mean followup was 22 months (range, 10 to 41 months). Five underwent extensive psychological testing. All have required adjunctive forms of therapy including physical therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), antiinflammatory or other nonnarcotic agents. Recovery is typically prolonged, particularly if the diagnosis is delayed. Close attention to, and therefore prevention of, situations that trigger its recurrence is essential for successful rehabilitation.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Alexithymia and pain in an outpatient behavioral medicine clinic.

Alexithymia is defined as a "lack of words for feelings." This deficiency has been suggested to play a role in the formation and maintenance of somatic symptoms. Prior research has found alexithymia prevalent in "classic" psychosomatic disorders. The present study examines the prevalence of alexithymia and its relationship to patient age, sex, and report of pain. The sample was 208 consecutive outpatients evaluated on a Behavioral Medicine Service and presenting with pain as a primary symptom. Results indicated that the prevalence of alexithymia in this study is consistent with prior research using inpatient pain patients and a similar MMPI alexithymia subscale. Additional analyses of the MMPI clinical and validity scales revealed that alexithymic patients were more defensive and presented themselves in a favorable manner reflecting a "normal" picture of mental health. It is suggested that alexithymia may play a role in chronic pain syndromes. Further research is needed to examine this deficiency and its potential etiological significance in these disorders.

Adolescent↗