Jae-Hyang Shim

BACKGROUND: The greater occipital nerve (GON) block has been frequently used for different types of headache, but performed with rough estimates of anatomic landmarks. Our study presents the values of the anatomic parameters and estimates the effectiveness of the ultrasound-guided GON blockade. METHODS: The GON was detected using ultrasound technique and distance from external occipital protuberance (EOP) to GON, from GON to occipital artery and depth from skin to GON was measured in volunteers.

The concept of balanced anesthesia was introduced by John S. Lundy in 1926 He suggested that a balanced application of different agents and techniques could produce the different components of anesthesia such as amnesia, analgesia, motor paralysis, and abolition of autonomic reflexes. Induction of anesthesia with a single agent alone can cause several complications. On the other hand, using a combination of more than one anesthetic drugs and techniques can improve patient safety, reduce the side

Chronic pathological pain is sustained by mechanisms of peripheral and central sensitization, which are being increasingly investigated at the molecular and cellular levels. The molecular mechanisms of sensitization that occur in peripheral nociceptors and the dorsal horns of the spinal cord are putative targets for context-dependent drugs. Pregabalin and gabapentin are analogs of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). They are alpha2-delta ligands that have analgesic, anticonvulsa

As mentioned before [1], the spinal cord stimulation is very useful treatment modality for intractable pain. The spinal cord stimulator (SCS) has been applied for the treatment of pain associated with many different disease entities, including intractable pain, headache, and angina pain. It has also been applied for non-pain-related conditions such as congestive heart failure, ischemic peripheral vascular disease, interstitial cystitis, intractable spasticity, and cerebral vasospasm after subara

Received November 15, 2012. Accepted November 16, 2012. Correspondence to: Jae Hang Shim, MD Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Hanyang University, 249-1 Kyomun-dong, Guri 471-701, Korea Tel: +82-31-560-2390, Fax: +82-31-563-1731, E-mail: jhshim@hanyang.ac.kr This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http:// creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/), which permits unrestricted non-commerc

A spinal cord stimulator is usually used as an electro-modulator for pain treatment. Shealy et al. [1] first reported the use of a spinal cord stimulator in an elderly male suffering with terminal bronchogenic carcinoma and right-sided chest pain in 1967. Since then, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been applied to many disease entities, such as neuropathic pain, failed back surgery syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome, and ischemic peripheral vascular disease [2-4]. The indications for SCS

Background: The greater occipital nerve (GON) block has been frequently used for different types of headache, but performed with rough estimates of anatomic landmarks. Our study presents the values of the anatomic parameters and estimates the effectiveness of the ultrasound-guided GON blockade. Methods: The GON was detected using ultrasound technique and distance from external occipital protuberance (EOP) to GON, from GON to occipital artery and depth from skin to GON was measured in volunteers.

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are common and distressing postsurgical symptoms [1] which continue to be a significant concern for anesthesiologists. PONV occurs in 20% to 30% of the general population underwent surgery and in up to 70% to 80% of high risk patients [2,3]. PONV is a complex physiologic phenomenon involving multiple neurophysiologic pathways with both central and peripheral receptor mechanisms. A variety of factors have been associated with an increased incidence of p

Background: Postoperative pain management is critical for optimal care of orthopedic surgical patients. Preemptive analgesia such as neuraxial blocks and methods of drug delivery system such as infusion pumps may be used after total knee arthroplasty. The aim of this study was to examine the analgesic and pre-emptive effect of continuous epidural block initiated before total knee arthroplasty upon postoperative period. Methods: A double-blind randomized study was performed in thirty-nine patien

Background: A “difficult airway” can be simulated with an extrication collar, which restricts cervical motion and mouth opening. The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy of the GlideScope and the McGrath in difficult airway simulation. Methods: Patients were randomized using computer-generated numbers and were placed into the GlideScope group or the McGrath group. The total intubation time was defined as the time measured from when the anesthesiologist picks up the device to the time

Background: Morphine has a direct action on morphine receptors in the brain and spinal cord.Intrathecally administered L-NAME, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, is known to have an antinociceptive effect on formalin-induced pain in animal studies.Efficacy of intrathecally administered ketorolac, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, is somewhat controversial.The interactions of intrathecally administered morphine, ketorolac and L-NAME on formalin-induced nociception was studied.Methods: Male Sprague-Dawl