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Periodontal disease (PD) is an infectious-inflammatory oral disease that is highly prevalent among adolescence and adulthood and can lead to chronic orofacial pain and be associated with anxiety, stress and depression. This study aimed to identify anxiety-like behaviors in the ligature-induced murine preclinical model of PD in different phases of the disease (i.e., acute vs. chronic). Also, we investigated orofacial mechanical allodynia thresholds and superficial cortical plasticity along the orofacial motor cortex in both disease phases. To this aim, 25 male Wistar rats were randomly allocated in acute (14 days) or chronic (28 days) ligature-induced-PD groups and further divided into active-PD or sham-PD. Anxiety-like behavior was evaluated using the elevated plus maze, mechanical allodynia assessed using the von Frey filaments test and superficial motor cortex mapping was performed with electrical transdural stimulation. We observed increased anxiety-like behavior in active-PD animals in the acute phase, characterized by decreased number of entries into the open arm extremities [t(1,7) = 2.42, p = 0.04], and reduced time spent in the open arms [t(1,7) = 3.56, p = 0.01] and in the open arm extremities [t(1,7) = 2.75, p = 0.03]. There was also a reduction in the mechanical allodynia threshold in all active-PD animals [Acute: t(1,7) = 8.81, p < 0.001; Chronic: t(1,6) = 60.0, p < 0.001], that was positively correlated with anxiety-like behaviors in the acute group. No differences were observed in motor cortex mapping. Thus, our findings show the presence of anxiety-like behaviors in the acute phase of PD making this a suitable model to study the impact of anxiety in treatment response and treatment efficacy.

ABSTRACT Objective To identify temporomandibular disorders (TMD) symptoms in two groups of fibromyalgia patients according to the temporal relation between the onset of facial pain (FP) and generalized body pain (GBP). Cross-sectional study design: Fifty-three consecutive women with fibromyalgia and FP were stratified according to the onset of orofacial pain: Group-A (mean age 47.30 ± 14.20 years old), onset of FP preceded GBP; Group-B (mean age 51.33 ± 11.03 years old), the FP started concomitant or after GBP. Clinical assessment Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders and the Visual Analogue Scale. Results Myofascial pain with mouth opening limitation (p = 0.038); right disc displacement with reduction (p = 0.012) and jaw stiffness (p = 0.004) were predominant in Group A. Myofascial pain without mouth opening limitation (p = 0.038) and numbness/burning were more common in Group B. Conclusion All patients had temporomandibular joint symptoms, mainly muscle disorders. The prevalence of myofascial pain with limited mouth opening and right TMJ disc displacement with reduction were higher in Group A.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:Temporomandibular disorders are functional and/or structural temporomandibular joint changes, of multifactorial origin, thus difficult to treat. So, acupuncture is a very useful alternative to handle such disorders. This study aimed at evaluating in adults with temporomandibular disorders, after at least 12 months of acupuncture treatment, whether results were maintained.METHODS:Participated in the study 20 patients with temporomandibular disorders, treated in the acupuncture clinic of the Dentistry School of Piracicaba, State University of Campinas, who were evaluated in the beginning, immediately after treatment and at least 12 months after treatment, through the visual analog scale (VAS). Patients' history was obtained in the initial visit, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine patterns, being checked pain intensity reported by patients (VAS0). Acupuncture was performed aiming at the energetic balance according to diagnosed pattern and reported pain (VAS1) was again evaluated at treatment completion (mean of six sessions lasting 20 minutes). Patients were revaluated (VAS2) after at least 12 months (12 to 18 months). ANOVA was used to compare moments initial, post-treatment and one year after, with significance of 5%.RESULTS:Means for VAS0, VAS1 and VAS2 were 5.9, 1.65 and 2.45, respectively. There has been statistical difference between VAS0 and VAS1 (p0.05).CONCLUSION:Data have shown that acupuncture treatment in adults with temporomandibular disorders has decreased pain and that such decrease was maintained for at least 12 months.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The use of opioids as first and second line agents to adequately treat pain requires systematization in different clinical syndromes which course with acute pain. This study aimed at discussing recommendations for the use of opioids in acute postoperative pain, neuropathic pain, musculoskeletal pain and pain during gestation and lactation.CONTENTS: This review has addressed the use of opioids in frequent chronic and acute painful syndromes, in gestation and lactation, discussing indications, drugs used, doses, risks, complications and recommendations.CONCLUSION: Opioids for acute postoperative pain have been broadly studied and are established for minor medium and major surgeries. Recommendations for the use of opioids in neuropathic and musculoskeletal pain are restricted to second line treatment and require further discussions. Few studies have investigated the interaction of opioids with physiologic changes typical of gestation and the repercussions of the use of such agents to treat acute and chronic pain in the short and long term.

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O tratamento da dor nos extremos de idade e na criança ainda exige atenção e revisão de paradigmas. Inúmeras são as doenças ou procedimentos que provocam dor desde o período neonatal até a adolescência. Nos idosos, há maior prevalência de doenças degenerativas que cursam com dor aguda e crônica. O objetivo deste estudo foi discutir recomendações para o emprego de opioides no neonato, na criança e no idoso.CONTEÚDO: Nesta revisão foi abordado o emprego de opioides no período neonatal, em crianças maiores e nos idosos, suas indicações, fármacos usados, doses, riscos, complicações e recomendações.CONCLUSÃO: O emprego de opioides em extremos de idade ainda é um desafio. No entanto, é necessária a educação continuada em torno do tema, estimulando a pesquisa clínica e a construção de recomendações baseadas em evidências. O uso seguro desses agentes na indicação e proporção corretas para o alívio da dor diminui riscos e deve ser a base da boa conduta clínica.

Objective : To assess the efficacy of anti-xerostomic topical medication (urea 10%) in patients with burning mouth syndrome (BMS). Method : Thirty-eight subjects diagnosed with BMS according to the International Association for the Study of Pain guidelines were randomized to either placebo (5% sodium carboxymethylcellulose, 0.15% methyl paraben, and 10% glycerol in distilled water qsp 100 g) or treatment (urea 10%) to be applied to the oral cavity 3-4 times per day for 3 months. The patients were evaluated before and after treatment with the following instruments: the EDOF-HC protocol (Orofacial Pain Clinic – Hospital das Clínicas), a xerostomia questionnaire, and quantitative sensory testing. Results : There were no differences in salivary flow or gustative, olfactory, or sensory thresholds (P>0.05). Fifteen (60%) patients reported improvement with the treatments (P=0.336). Conclusion : In conclusion, there were no differences between groups, and both exhibited an association between reported improvement and salivation.

The present cross-sectional study was designed to investigate the association between sleep bruxism (SB), tinnitus and temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The sample consisted of 261 women (mean age of 37.0 years). The Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders were used to classify TMD and self-reported tinnitus. SB was diagnosed by clinical criteria proposed by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. The results showed an association between painful TMD and tinnitus (OR = 7.3; 95%CI = 3.50-15.39; p < 0.001). With regard to SB, the association was of lower magnitude (OR = 1.9; 95%CI = 1.16-3.26; p < 0.0163). When the sample was stratified by the presence of SB and painful TMD, only SB showed no association with tinnitus. The presence of painful TMD without SB was significantly associated with tinnitus (OR = 6.7; 95%CI = 2.64-17.22; p < 0.0001). The concomitant presence of painful TMD and SB was associated with a higher degree of tinnitus severity (OR = 7.0; 95%CI = 3.00-15.89; p < 0.0001). It may be concluded that there is an association between SB, painful TMD and self-reported tinnitus; however, no relationship of a causal nature could be established.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the frequency of self-reported medical conditions and pain areas in orofacial pain patients, comparing them with patients from the routine dental care. METHODS: Data were collected from archives of the Orofacial Pain Clinic (Group A, n=319) and of the routine dental care clinics (Group B, n=84) at Faculdade de Odontologia de Araraquara, São Paulo, in Brazil. All individuals answered a standardized clinical questionnaire and completed a body map indicating their pain areas. RESULTS: The Mann-Whitney's test demonstrated that Group A presented a higher mean number of medical reports than Group B (p=0.004). In both groups, Pearson's correlation test showed that the highest frequencies of medical conditions were positively correlated to highest frequencies of painful areas (0.478, p=0.001 and 0.246, p=0.000, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Group A tended to report more medical conditions and there was a positive correlation between the number of medical conditions and the one of pain areas for both groups.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the psychological aspects of orofacial pain in trigeminal neuralgia (TN) and temporomandibular disorder (TMD), and associated factors of coping as limitations in daily activities and feelings about the treatment and about the pain. METHOD: 30 patients were evaluated (15 with TN and 15 with TMD) using a semi-directed interview and the Hospital Anxiety Depression (HAD) scale. RESULTS: TN patients knew more about their diagnosis (pOBJETIVO: Comparar aspectos psicológicos de dor orofacial entre neuralgia trigeminal (NT) e disfunção temporomandibular (DTM), e repercussões em atividades diárias, enfrentamento a representação da dor. MÉTODO: 30 pacientes foram avaliados (15 com NT, 15 com DTM) utilizando entrevista semi-dirigida e a Escala Hospitalar de Ansiedade e Depressão (HAD). RESULTADOS: Pacientes com NT sabiam melhor sobre seu diagnóstico (p

OBJETIVE: To evaluate a sample of patients with atypical facial pain (AFP) in comparison to patients with symptomatic facial pain (SFP). METHOD: 41 patients with previous diagnostic of AFP were submitted to a standardized evaluation protocol, by a multidisciplinary pain team. RESULTS: 21 (51.2%) were considered AFP and 20 (48.8%) (SFP) received the following diagnosis: 8 (40.0%) had temporomandibular disorders (TMD); 3 (15.0%) had TMD associated to systemic disease (fibromyalgia, systemic erythematosus lupus); 4 (20.0%) had neuropathy after ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgery for petroclival tumor; 2 (10.0%) had Wallenberg syndrome; 1 (5.0%) had intracranial tumor; 1 (5.0%) had oral cancer (epidermoid carcinoma), and 1 (5.0%) had burning mouth syndrome (BMS) associated to fibromyalgia. Spontaneous descriptors of pain were not different between AFP and SFP groups (p=0.82). Allodynia was frequent in SFP (p=0.05) and emotion was the triggering factor most prevalent in AFP (p=0.06). AFP patients had more traumatic events previously to pain (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: AFP patients had more: a) traumatic events previously to pain onset, and b) emotions as a triggering factor for pain. These data support the need of trained health professionals in multidisciplinary groups for the accurate diagnosis and treatment of these patients.OBJETIVO: Avaliar uma amostra de pacientes com dor facial atípica (DFA) e compará-la a outra com dor facial sintomática (DFS). MÉTODO: 41 pacientes com diagnóstico prévio de DFA foram submetidos a um protocolo padronizado de avaliação aplicado por uma equipe multidisciplinar. RESULTADOS: 21 (51,2%) foram mantidos com o diagnóstico de DFA e 20 (48,8%) (DFS) receberam os seguintes diagnósticos: 8 (40.0%) tinham disfunções temporomandibulares (DTM); 3 (15,0%) tinham DTM associada a doença sistêmica (fibromialgia, lupus eritematoso sistêmico); 4 (20,0%) tinham neuropatia após cirurgia otorrinolaringológica (ORL) para tumor petroclival; 2 (10,0%) tinham síndrome de Wallenberg; 1 (5,0%) tinha um tumor intracraniano; 1 (5,0%) tinha câncer oral (carcinoma epidermóide), e 1 (5,0%) tinha síndrome da ardência bucal (SAB) associada à fibromialgia. Expressões espontâneas utilizadas para a dor não diferiram entre os 2 grupos (p=0,82). Alodínia foi freqüente nos doentes com DFS (p=0,05) e emoções foi o fator desencadeante mais comum no grupo com DFA (p=0,06). Doentes com DFA apresentaram mais eventos traumáticos anteriores ao início da dor (p=0,001). CONCLUSÃO: Pacientes com DFA apresentaram mais: a) eventos traumáticos anteriores à cirurgia e b) emoções como fator desencadeante de dor. Estes dados realçam a necessidade de profissionais treinados em dor nas equipes multidisciplinares para o diagnóstico preciso e tratamento adequado desses doentes.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of the clinical characteristics of burning mouth complaints (BMC) in a series of Brazilian patients referred to a large teaching hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 66 patients with burning mouth complaints were evaluated through a standardized protocol. RESULTS: 56 women and 10 men were examined, ranging in age from 35-83 years. The primary location of the complaints was reported to be the tongue. Thirty-six patients reported a precipitating event. The mean VAS pain levels were 7.5 in women and 6.11 in men. The average estradiol levels in women were low (OBJETIVO: Avaliar as características clínicas de pacientes brasileiros com queixas de ardência buccal atendidos em um hospital escola. MÉTODO: 66 pacientes com queixas de ardência bucal foram avaliados através de exame padronizado para esse tipo de queixa. RESULTADOS: 56 mulheres e 10 homens foram examinados consecutivamente. As idades variaram de 35-83 anos. A localização das queixas foi principalmente na língua e 36 pacientes relataram algum evento precipitante. A Escala Visual Analógica (EVA) a intensidade da ardência (dor) foi: mulheres 7.5 (média) e homens 6.11 (média). Os níveis de estradiol foram baixos (

Aim: To describe the characteristics of the professional training of dentists and physicians who treat patients with pain. Methods: A sample of 87 dentists and 63 physicians, selected at random and based on a stratified strategy, responded to a questionnaire with questions about training in pain. The statistical analysis of the data was done by the chi-square test and the Student’s t-test at a 5% significance level. Results: The mean age was 45 years. There was no gender prevalence among the dentists and a male predominance among physicians; 80.20% had worked professionally for more than ten years; 81.61% of the dentists and 79.37% of the physicians were specialists. Residence training was reported by 55.56% of the physicians and 12% of the dentists; 48.27% of the dentists and 34.92% of the physicians had a master’s and/or doctorate degree; 69.33% declared sufficient knowledge in pain; both physicians and dentists prioritized their own areas regarding the study of pain. The doctor/patient relationship was more valued by physicians, while the technical training was more valued by dentists. Dentists reported more difficulties in prescribing medications and physicians had more difficulties with the patient’s behavior. Conclusions: Dentists and physicians had different professional experience and had valued specific aspects of their specialty. There is a need for a uniform curriculum designed for training in pain.

OBJETIVE: To evaluate a sample of patients with persistent facial pain unresponsive to prior treatments. METHODS: Hospital records of 26 patients with persistent facial pain were reviewed (20 female and 6 male). RESULTS: Patients were classified into three groups according to their presenting symptoms: a)Group I, eight patients (30.7%) with severe, diffuse pain at the face, teeth or head; b)Group II, eight patients (30.7%) with chronic non-myofascial pain and; c)Group III, ten patients with chronic myofascial pain (38.4%). We find 11 different diagnoses among the 26 patients: pulpitis(7), leukemia(1), oropharyngeal tumor(1), atypical odontalgia(1), Eagle's syndrome(1), trigeminal neuralgia(4), continuous neuralgia(1), temporomandibular disorders (9), fibromyalgia (2), tension-type headache(1), conversion hysteria(2). After the treatment program all patients had a six-month follow-up period with pain relief, except the patient with tumor. CONCLUSION: The wide variability of orofacial pain diagnosis (benign to life-threatening diseases) indicates the necessity to reevaluate patients presenting recurrent pain that is refractory to the usual treatments.OBJETIVO: Avaliar uma amostra de doentes com dor facial persistente. MÉTODO: Foram revisados 26 prontuários de doentes com dor facial persistente (20 mulheres e 6 homens). RESULTADOS: Classificação dos doentes, após o diagnóstico: a)Grupo I, oito pacientes (30,7%) com dor facial difusa de fortíssima intensidade; b)Grupo II, oito pacientes (30,7%) com dor crônica de natureza não-miofascial e; c)Grupo III, dez pacientes com dor crônica miofascial (38,4%). Foram encontrados 11 diagnósticos diferentes entre os 26 pacientes: pulpites(7), leucemia(1), tumor de orofaringe(1), odontalgia atípica(1), síndrome de Eagle(1), neuralgia idiopática do trigêmeo(4), neuralgia atípica(1), disordens temporomandibular (9), fibromialgia(2) cefaléia tipo-tensão(1), histeria de conversão(2). O acompanhamento dos doentes, após receberem a respectiva terapia, foi de seis meses, com alívio da dor, exceto para o doente com tumor de orofaringe. CONCLUSÃO: A variabilidade das fontes da dor facial inclui doenças benignas e doenças graves, sendo indispensável a reavaliaçâo de doentes que não respondem aos tratamentos convencionais para a dor.

Although the etiopathophysiology of internal temporomandibular joint internal disorders (TMJ ID) is still unknown, it has been suggested that head and body posture could be related to its initial onset, development and perpetuation. The purpose of the present study was to observe the relationship between cervical spine X-ray abnormalities and TMJ ID. This investigation evaluated 30 subjects with internal TMJ disorder symptoms (test group) and 20 healthy subjects (control group). Subjects were submitted to clinical and radiographic evaluation. Clinical evaluation comprised anamnesis and stomatognathic system physical examination. Radiographic evaluation comprised analysis of lateral cervical spine X-rays by three physical therapists and tracing on the same im ages. The test group presented twice as much cervical spine hyperlordosis as the control group (20.7% versus 10.5%), but almost half of rectification prevalence (41.4 versus 79.0%, p = 0.03). After that, the test group was divided into three subgroups according to TMJ dysfunction severity, evaluated by Helkimo's index. These subgroups were not significantly different, but the subgroup with more severe TMD showed a tendency to cervical spine hyperlordosis prevalence. Results showed a tendency for subjects with more severe TMD to exhibit cervical spine hyperlordosis. Nevertheless, studies with a larger number of subjects suffering from severe TMD are encouraged in order to corroborate the present findings.Apesar de a etiofisiopatologia dos distúrbios internos (DI) da articulação temporomandibular (ATM) ser ainda desconhecida, sugere-se que as posturas de cabeça e corpo estariam associadas a seu desencadeamento, desenvolvimento e sua perpetuação. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a relação entre alterações radiográficas de coluna cervical e distúrbios internos da ATM. Este estudo avaliou 30 indivíduos com distúrbios da ATM (grupo teste) e 20 saudáveis (grupo controle). Os indivíduos submeteram-se à avaliação clínica e radiográfica. A avaliação clínica consistiu de anamnese e exame físico do sistema estomatognático. A avaliação radiográfica consistiu de análise de radiografias laterais de coluna cervical por fisioterapeutas e traçados. O grupo teste apresentou o dobro da prevalência de hiperlordose de coluna cervical (20,7% versus 10,5%) e quase a metade (41,4% versus 79,0%) de retificação (p = 0,03). Em um segundo momento, o grupo teste foi subdividido em três subgrupos em função da gravidade clínica da disfunção temporomandibular, avaliada pelo índice de Helkimo. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os subgrupos, mas se constatou uma tendência do subgrupo com disfunção grave a apresentar prevalência de hiperlordose cervical. Esses resultados sugerem uma tendência dos indivíduos com disfunção temporomandibular (DTM) grave a apresentarem hiperlordose. No entanto, futuros estudos devem ser feitos, analisando-se um maior número de indivíduos portadores de DTM grave para corroborar nossos achados.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:Adequate opioid use in the short and long term, as well as diagnosis, management of adverse effects, abuse and chemical dependence of such agents are still an investigation area for many researchers. This study aimed at discussing actions for monitoring, diagnosing and managing adverse effects common to those drugs.CONTENTS:This article addresses diagnosis and management of common opioid adverse effects, as well as abuse and chemical dependence, discussing the frequency of such alterations, the pharmacological and complementary management, risks associated to therapy and most relevant recommendations.CONCLUSION:Several are the effects of acute or chronic opioid administration. A recommended strategy is to monitor, diagnose the occurrence and adequately treat effects so that there is no damage for patients needing such substances, thus preventing therapy interruption.

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A disfunção temporomandibular (DTM) é um termo que descreve um grupo de doenças que afetam funcionalmente o aparelho mastigatório, particularmente a musculatura mastigatória e a articulação temporomandibular (ATM). Tem etiologias múltiplas e tratamentos específicos, entre os quais a estimulação elétrica nervosa transcutânea (TENS). O objetivo deste artigo é o de revisar a literatura científica sobre o uso da TENS em pacientes com DTM. CONTEÚDO: Estudos epidemiológicos mostram que aproximadamente 75% da população apresentam algum sinal de DTM, enquanto 33% possuem ao menos um sintoma. Sempre que possível deve-se tratar a causa da dor, caso não se consiga estabelecer a sua etiologia, inicia-se com procedimentos menos invasivos e reversíveis, especialmente nos casos de dor e disfunção muscular. A terapia com TENS consiste na administração de corrente elétrica na superfície cutânea, de modo a relaxar os músculos hiperativos e promover o alívio da dor. CONCLUSÃO: Embora existam controvérsias quanto ao uso de TENS para o controle da dor crônica, seu uso na dor muscular mastigatória continua relevante. Entretanto, é fundamental o diagnóstico preciso para evitar uso inadequado. São necessários ainda estudos randomizados controlados que incluam amostras selecionadas para homogeneizar o uso de TENS em pacientes com DTM.

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Identificar as queixas dolorosas dos pacientes é essencial para determinar diagnósticos e intervenções terapêuticas adequadas em dor orofacial (DOF). Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a frequência das queixas de dor relatadas comparando-as àquelas marcadas pelos pacientes em mapas de dor. MÉTODO: Os dados foram coletados dos prontuários de 532 pacientes da Clínica de Dor Orofacial da Faculdade de Odontologia de Araraquara. Os indivíduos responderam a um questionário informando suas queixas de dor e completaram um mapa corporal indicando as áreas dolorosas. A frequência dos relatos foi comparada à frequência dos locais identificados nos mapas. Foram consideradas nove regiões anatômicas: cabeça, face, pescoço, ombros, braços, tórax, abdômen, costas e pernas. Também foram calculados sensibilidade, especificidade e valores kappa comparando os relatos de dor aos mapas, os últimos considerados padrão-ouro. RESULTADOS: A média etária da amostra foi de 33,5 ± 13,8 anos, 33,9 ± 13,9 anos para as mulheres e 31,7 ± 13,1 anos para os homens. Foi observada maior prevalência de dor entre as mulheres. Em ambos os gêneros, as regiões com mais queixas de dor estavam localizadas na parte superior do corpo e uma diferença significativa entre os relatos de dor e os desenhos de dor foi observada para as regiões abaixo do pescoço. Os mapas de dor corporal demonstraram superioridade sobre os relatos de dor na identificação das queixas dolorosas durante a anamnese. CONCLUSÃO: O relato da queixa principal não foi um método eficiente para conhecer todas as queixas dolorosas, pois os mapas corporais evidenciaram a presença de dores adicionais em pacientes com DOF.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate elderly patients in a geriatric service, along with their sensory characteristics and their association with clinical aspects. Methods: This was a descriptive longitudinal study. We enrolled 36 healthy participants of both sexes in this study. The following instruments were used and evaluations performed: clinical evaluation, Mini-Mental State Exam, and quantitative sensory testing. Results: During the follow-up, there was reduction of mean corpuscular volume at each evaluation (p < 0.001) and significant increase in mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (p < 0.001). There was an increase of the olfactory (p < 0.001), salty (p = 0.024), sour (p = 0.020), bitter (p = 0.001), facial cold (p = 0.019), hand cold (p = 0.004), facial tactile (p < 0.001), hand tactile (p = 0.012) and facial vibration (p = 0.018) thresholds. Previous existing morbidities were associated with sensitivity changes in the individuals in this sample. Conclusion: This longitudinal study suggests that the loss of sensitivity with aging may be associated with the presence of morbidities in elders.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Visceral pain is induced by abnormalities of organs such as stomach, kidneys, bladder, gallbladder, intestines and others and includes distension, ischemia, inflammation and mesenteric traction. It is responsible for physical and psychic incapacity, absenteeism and poor quality of life. This study aimed at discussing major aspects of visceral pain with regard to prevalence, etiology and diagnosis. CONTENTS: According to Evidence-Based Medicine concepts, visceral pain etiology, diagnosis and prognosis were reviewed in LILACS, EMBASE and Pubmed databases. Therapeutic studies were not selected. The following terms were used as search strategy: ("visceral pain"[MeSH Terms] OR ("visceral"[All Fields] AND "pain"[All Fields]) OR "visceral pain"[All Fields]). Only studies published in Portuguese, English or Spanish were included. Narrative reviews with opinionated content and specific therapeutic procedures of medical specialties were excluded. Studies on visceral pain related to heart, cancer and musculoskeletal diseases and pregnancy were also excluded. CONCLUSION: Visceral pain is a heterogeneous condition where most frequent presentation is abdominal pain in the course of irritable bowel syndrome. Other diseases induce visceral pain and adequate diagnosis is critical for effective treatment.

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Alterações de sensibilidade trigeminal podem levar à dor neuropática após manipulação cirúrgica. Essas queixas geram dúvidas. Primeiro: são reais? Pois, nem sempre há relação causal entre implante-nervo. Segundo: o implante deve ser removido? O objetivo deste estudo foi rever a literatura sobre o assunto. CONTEÚDO: A literatura é farta em informações sobre perdas de implantes relacionadas à osteointegração, mas são raros os estudos sobre perdas relacionadas à lesão de nervo ou à dor neuropática. O risco para longevidade de implantes é multifatorial. Contribuem: saúde do paciente, técnica cirúrgica, região receptora e ativação funcional, entre outros fatores. Dor é complicação com significativas implicações clínicas, psicológicas, sociais e legais; exigindo atenção especial aos pacientes, muitas vezes prolongada ou permanente. Atualmente a literatura especializada já é volumosa sobre prevalência de anormalidades sensitivas e lesão de nervo após procedimentos odontológicos. Em conjunto, essas informações sugerem conduta que inclua exame minucioso, interconsultas e adoção de medidas preventivas, curativas ou paliativas para o tratamento da dor. A remoção do implante depende dessa análise, portanto, nem sempre é uma decisão simples. CONCLUSÃO: Informações sobre remoção de implantes dentais devido à dor ou lesão de nervo são escassas nem sempre homogêneas, porém já alertam de que essa decisão nem sempre é simples. Ela depende da adoção de medidas diagnósticas, algumas especializadas, incluindo os exames de imagem. Diagnóstico e tratamento precoce da lesão de nervo e da dor neuropática são benéficos ao paciente e têm importantes implicações éticas e legais.

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O emprego adequado de opioides ainda é um grande desafio no mundo contemporâneo. Diversas são as inadequações na prática clínica, apesar do uso desses agentes ter se iniciado desde a década de 1980. Compreendendo a importância desse tema, a Sociedade Brasileira de Estudo da Dor convidou vários profissionais para desenvolver recomendações que facilite; baseado na literatura médica existente, a composição de um guia prático para o tratamento adequado dos pacientes. CONTEÚDO: Nessa revisão foram discutidas as seguintes recomendações: indicação de terapia com opioides, sua titulação e retirada; rotação de opioides, monitoração de resultados, evidenciando a boa prática clínica. CONCLUSÃO: É importante eleger de maneira adequada os pacientes que utilizarão opioide em longo prazo, avaliando os efeitos adversos e adequando a dose a cada situação clínica.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To observe the efficacy of pain management by means of an educational proposal to address patients with trigeminal neuralgia, which is a chronic pain with high daily activity limitation rates. METHODS: Eight patients being treated of trigeminal neuralgia participated in weekly meetings on pain in a general reference hospital. Patients had uncontrollable pain in spite of treatments so they would come very frequently to the hospital (once every one or two weeks). Patients were invited to participate in a series of meetings (four) to receive information and discuss about the disease and pain. RESULTS: There has been increased interval between appointments for two patients, who went from weekly to biannual visits, and six patients were discharged with controlled symptoms. CONCLUSION: Education on pain has helped its management and coping by patients, by means of understanding their condition, in addition to improving their abilities to deal with it, decreasing hospital visits due to less pain recurrence.

ABSTRACT Background: Diagnostic tools are necessary for the anamnesis and examination of orofacial pain, in order to fulfill diagnostic criteria and to screen potential causes of pain. Objective: To evaluate the Orofacial Pain Clinic Questionnaire (EDOF-HC) in the assessment and diagnosis of orofacial pain. Methods: Overall, 142 patients were evaluated and classified according to the criteria of the International Headache Society and International Association for the Study of Pain. All of them were evaluated with the EDOF-HC questionnaire, which consists of the orofacial and medical history, as well as the orofacial examination. Data were statistically analyzed with chi-square test and Bonferroni correction, one-way ANOVA with Tukey post hoc test, the two-step cluster and decision tree methods. Results: There were diferences in pain descriptors, pain in maximum mouth opening, number of trigger points, and history of previous surgery between the groups, which were classified into trigeminal neuralgia, burning mouth syndrome, temporomandibular disorders and trigeminal posttraumatic neuropathic pain with classification analysis. Conclusions: The EDOF-HC is a clinical supportive tool for the assessment of orofacial pain. The instrument may be used to support data collection from anamnesis and examination of patients according to the diagnostic criteria of most common orofacial conditions. It is also useful in the investigation of local and systemic abnormalities and contributes for the diagnosis of conditions that depend on exclusion criteria.

CONTEXT: Cardiac pain may radiate to the face and lead patients to seek dental care. Dentists may contribute towards the diagnosing of ischemic heart disease and thus refer patients for cardiological evaluation. CASE REPORT: A 50-year-old female patient was referred to a dentist for evaluation of a suspected temporomandibular disorder after repeated visits to medical emergency departments due to excruciating facial and left temporal pain associated with exertion. The pain would start in the chest and radiate to the neck, face and left temporal region. The patient’s chief complaint was the facial pain; hence, she sought dental care. The dental examination revealed an edentulous upper jaw and partially edentulous lower jaw with full upper prosthetic set of teeth and decreased vertical dimension. X-ray of facial bones did not reveal any bone abnormalities. A diagnosis of temporomandibular disorder was made. However, she was referred for cardiological evaluation, since her pain was starting in the chest and because she had a past medical history of surgical treatment for coronary artery disease. A diagnosis of angina pectoris was made, the therapeutic regimen was optimized and her angina was brought under control.