Application of Radiofrequency in Pain Management

The application of radiofrequency is a treatment for many clinical conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia, complex regional pain syndrome, chronic postsurgical pain, cancer pain, hyperhidrosis and facet joint pain requiring ablation of different nerve locations. In this procedure, a constant high-frequency, high-temperature electrical current is applied to target tissue. Sluijter has achieved significant pain relief using radiofrequency current at a temperature below 42°C that produced strong electromagnetic field with no thermal lesion and referred as pulsed radiofrequency. The use of pulsed radiofrequency is a non-neurodestructive and therefore less painful technique, and it serves as an alternative method to continuous radiofrequency. Many studies have demonstrated favorable outcomes with pulsed radiofrequency compared to continuous radiofrequency

Respiratory Depression Caused by Heroin Use

Summary Heroin is a semisynthetic narcotic analgesic and heroin abuse is common due to its pleasure-inducing effect. For the last 30 years heroin abuse has become an important worldwide public health problem. Heroin can be administered in many different ways as preferred. Heroin affects many systems including respiratory system, cardiovascular system and particulary the central nervous system. Overdose use of heroin intravenously can be fatal due to respiratory depression. In this letter, we wanted to engage attention to respiratory depression caused by heroin abuse and potential benefits of using naloxone. [TAF Prev Med Bull 2012; 11(2.000): 248-250