• Annals of Clinical Neurophysiology
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.9-14
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• 2001

Background : Bell's palsy(BP) is defined as an idiopathic peripheral facial paralysis of acute onset, accounting for more than 50% of all cases of facial paralysis. Different theories on the etiology of BP have been proposed. Herpes simplex virus-1(HSV) has been the most suspicious causative agent, but varicella zoster virus(VZV) also is suspected. Objectives : We evaluated the serological changes of IgG and IgM titer of HSV and VZV to know the causative agent of BP. Materials and Methods : Subjects consisted of 35 patients who developed acute idiopathic unilateral facial palsy(16 men and 19 women from 9 to 78 years old) within a week of onset. We took the serum of the acute and convalescent stages, respectively. Serum IgG and IgM titer of HSV and VZV were measured in acute and convalescent stages by EIA method. Results : Only the HSV IgG titer showed statistically significant elevation in the convalescent stage(p=0.0291). Others did not show any significant change between the acute and convalescent stage. Conclusion : We concluded that HSV may be related to the causative agent of BP.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.217-223
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• 2008

Background: Lumbar transforaminal epidural injections (LTEIs) have been utilized in the treatment of radicular pain, and LTEIs have the advantage of target-specificity. However, there have not been enough studies on the contrast patterns in LTEIs with using fluoroscopy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the spreading epidural contrast patterns that are seen during real-time fluoroscopic guided LTEIs. Methods: A total of 131 patients who underwent fluoroscopic guided LTEIs were studied. The inclusion criteria were those patients with low back pain and/or lower extremity pain that was caused by a herniated nucleus pulposus, lumbar spinal stenosis, failed back surgery syndrome, and herpes zoster-associated pain. We classified the contrast patterns in regard to the contrast flow spreading to the nerve root and/or the unilateral, bilateral or cylinderic type of epidural spreading on the AP view of the fluoroscopy and the ventral or dorsal epidural filling on the lateral view. In addition to the pattern analysis, we evaluated the range of contrast spreading from the cranial to the caudal epidural filling and the incidence of an intravascular flow pattern. Results: Epidural spreading was seen in 126 cases (96.2%) of the total patients through the nerve root. Ventral spreading occurred in 120 cases (95.2%). On the AP view, a nerve root with unilateral, bilateral and cylinderic epidural filling was noted for 108 (85.7%), 9 (7.1%) and 9 (7.1%) cases, respectively. The contrast spreading to vertebral segments was smaller for the patients with lumbar spinal stenosis and failed back surgery syndrome than for the other groups (P < 0.0083). The incidence of intravascular injection was 11.1% (14/126). Conclusions: LTEIs using fluoroscopic visualization provided excellent assessment of the ventral epidural filling as well as nerve root filling. However, unilateral epidural spreading was prominent for the LTEIs.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.39-55
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• 2008

Like the other herpesviruses, the virion of MDV consists of an envelope, which surrounds an amorphous tegument. Within the tegument, and icosahedral capsid encloses a linear double-stranded DNA core. Although the genome structure of MDV indicates that it is an ${\alpha}-herpesvirus$ like herpes simplex and varicella-zoster viruses, biological properties indicate MDV is more akin to the ${\gamma}-herpesvirus$ group, which includes Epstein-Barr and Kaposi's sarcoma herpesviruses. These herpesviruses replicate lytically in lymphocytes, epithelial and fibroblastic cells, and persist in lymphoblastoid cells. MDV has a complex life cycle and uses two means of replication, productive and non-productive, to exist and propagate. The method of reproduction changes according to a defined pattern depending on changes in virus-cell interactions at different stages of the disease, and in different tissues. Productive (lytic) interactions involve active invasion and take-over of the host cell, resulting in the production of infectious progeny virions. However, some herpesviruses, including MDV, can also establish a non-productive (abortive) infection in certain cell types, resulting in production of cell-associated progeny virus. Non-productive interactions represent persistent infection, in which the viral genome is present but gene expression is limited, there is no structural or regulatory gene translation, no replication, no release of progeny virions and no cell death. Reactivation of the virus is rare, and usually the infectious virus can be re-isolated only after cultivation in vitro. MDV establishes latency in lymphoid cells, some of which are subsequently transformed. In this review article, recent knowledges of the pathogenesis mechanisms followed by MDV infection to sensitive cells and chickens are discussed precisely.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.52-57
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• 2009

Background: Transforaminal epidural injection (TEI) may be useful to treat unilateral pain that has a dermatomal distribution. In this approach, the needle tip can be placed closer to the dorsal root ganglion and ventral aspect of the nerve root. However many studies have reported that serious complications following TEI occurred more frequently when it was conducted at the cervical level. One of the presumptive mechanisms of the complication is intravascular injection. Therefore this study was conducted to identify the incidence of complications in response to intravascular injections at cervical segments. Methods: This study included all patients, who visited our pain clinic and had radicular symptoms or herpes zoster associated pain. All procedures were conducted under fluoroscopic guidance with contrast enhancement by one of the authors. After the ideal needle position was confirmed by biplanar fluoroscopy, the blood aspiration through the needle hub was evaluated, and a 3 ml mixture of nonionic contrast (2 ml) with normal saline (1 ml) was injected at a rate of 0.3-0.5 ml/sec continuously under real time fluoroscopic visualization. We then classified the contrast spreading pattern as neural, simultaneous neural and vascular, or vascular. Results: A total 71 cervical TEIs were performed. In 26 cases (36.6%), the contrast only spread to the nerve sheath. However, 45 cases (63.4%) showed an intravascular spreading pattern, 37 (52.1%) of which showed a neural and vascular pattern and 8 (11.3%) of which showed only a vascular pattern. Conclusions: Approximately two thirds of the cases of cervical TEI were found to lead to intravascular spreading, which is much higher than the incidence reported in previous studies.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.203-217
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• 2015

Scolpendra subspinipes (centipede) is pungent in flavor, activates the channels to stop pain, and, removes toxins and resolves masses. So it has been used as a folk remedy. We researched folk remedies which used centipede as a single medicine and results of its prior clinical and experimental study, and figured out that centipedes are effective on ulcerative disease, herpes zoster, clavus, insect bite, inflammatory disease, furunculus, pain disease by external therapy, and oral administration is effective on anti-cancer such as hepatoma and uterine cancer, cerebrovascular disease, inhibition of atherosclerosis, sedation of central nervous system, antipyretic action, and anti-inflammation, and centipede Herb-Acupuncture is effective on inflammatory disease and pain disease. Centipede preparation materials for external therapy were sesame oil, perilla oil, vinegar, salt, and, burnt alum. Fumigation of centipede treated paronychia, pertussis, and hemorrhoids. For the external therapy, the way of centipede powder mixing with other materials has been used. It is needed that we use dusted powder to make skin absorb its ingredients more easily, and we study intensely minor ingredients to make centipede components absorbed more effectively and do pharmacological action. Also, fumigation, a kind of another external therapy, is considered to be effective treatment of upper respiratory infection like pertussis, so it needs an in-depth study on centipede fumigation.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.509-533
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• 2021

Background: Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a refractory complication of herpes zoster (HZ). To prevent PHN, various strategies have been aggressively adopted. However, the efficacy of these strategies remains controversial. Therefore, we aimed to estimate the relative efficacy of various strategies used in clinical practice for preventing PHN using a network meta-analysis (NMA). Methods: We performed a systematic and comprehensive search to identify all randomized controlled trials. The primary outcome was the incidence of PHN at 3 months after acute HZ. We performed both frequentist and Bayesian NMA and used the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) values to rank the interventions evaluated. Results: In total, 39 studies were included in the systematic review and NMA. According to the SUCRA value, the incidence of PHN was lower in the order of continuous epidural block with local anesthetics and steroids (EPI-LSE), antiviral agents with subcutaneous injection of local anesthetics and steroids (AV + sLS), antiviral agents with intracutaenous injection of local anesthetics and steroids (AV + iLS) at 3 months after acute HZ. EPI-LSE, AV + sLS and AV + iLS were also effective in preventing PHN at 1 month after acute HZ. And paravertebral block combined with antiviral and antiepileptic agents was effective in preventing PHN at 1, 3, and 6 months. Conclusions: The continuous epidural block with local anesthetics and steroid, antiviral agents with intracutaneous or subcutaneous injection of local anesthetics and a steroid, and paravertebral block combined with antiviral and antiepileptic agents are effective in preventing PHN.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.1-14
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• 2021

PURPOSE: This study aims to reveal the prevalence, therapeutic efficacy and undesirable side effects of cupping therapy all over the world from past to present. METHODS: This meta-analysis is based on the data obtained by scanning the keyword "cupping therapy" from the Pub-Med system, which is an international database. The date range has been set as 1950-2019. Local databases were not included. Cupping therapy studies combined with other complementary therapies such as acupuncture, moxa and hirudotherapy are also included in the meta-analysis. RESULTS: A total of 381 scientific studies were found on cupping therapy. Of these studies 127 wererandomized controlled trials (RCSs). Cupping treatment has been found effective in studies of painful conditions such as herpes zoster pain, fibromyalgia, back pain, neck pain, headache and acute injury pain. In addition, the effectiveness of cupping therapy was found to be high in studies related to bone / muscular system diseases such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, gout, carpal tunnel syndrome, cervical spondylosis. In addition, cupping treatment is also promising in studies on skin diseases, neurological diseases, respiratory system diseases and cardiovascular system diseases. CONCLUSION: Recently, there has been an increase in the number of RCSs related to cupping therapy. The vast majority of this increase has been made in European and American countries rather than in Far Eastern countries. Studies on cupping therapy, which have been and will be carried out in the future, will provide evidence-based indication of whether cupping therapy is effective. and it will allow more patients to benefit from this treatment, which has a very low rate of side effects and complications.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.114-123
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• 2022

Background: Different views have been proposed on the radiofrequency treatment modes and parameters of radiofrequency thermocoagulation of the spinal dorsal root ganglion for the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). It is urgent to identify a more effective therapy for patients with PHN. Methods: Patients who underwent radiofrequency thermocoagulation therapy for PHN were retrospectively reviewed and were divided into a radiofrequency thermocoagulation (CRF) and double neddles radiofrequency thermocoagulation (DCRF). The pain scores (numerical rating scale, NRS) were evaluated at the following time points: before the operation, 1 day, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after operation. The incidence of complications and the degree of pain relief were evaluated. The in vitro ovalbumin experiment was used to indicate the effects of radiofrequency thermocoagulation. Results: Compared with the preoperative NRS scores, the postoperative NRS scores decreased significantly; the NRS scores of the DCRF group was lower than that of the CRF group at all time points from 6 months to 2 years following the operation. The total effective rate of the DCRF group was significantly higher than that of the CRF group at 2 years following the operation. The incidence of numbness in the DCRF group was higher than that noted in the CRF group. The ovalbumin experiments in vitro indicated that the effects of radiofrequency thermocoagulation were optimal when the distance between the two needles was 5 mm. Conclusions: DCRF with a 5 mm spacing exhibits a longer duration and higher effective rate in the treatment of PHN and is worth promoting.

• Journal of Medicine and Life Science
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.121-126
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• 2024

Disseminated tuberculosis (TB), resulting from the hematogenous spread of tubercle bacilli, typically affects immunocompromised individuals, such as those infected with the human immunodeficiency virus. However, risk factors in immunocompetent populations are not well understood. Here, we report a rare case of disseminated TB with CD4+ T-cell depletion in a previously healthy 35-year-old man. The patient presented with a 2-month history of intermittent gross hematuria, dysuria, loose stools, and weight loss. His medical history was unremarkable except for a herpes zoster infection 4 years prior to presentation. Laboratory tests revealed microscopic hematuria and pyuria; however, the urine culture was negative. Urine specimens tested positive for TB-polymerase chain reaction. Abdominal computed tomography revealed a focal filling defect in the left kidney, segmental wall thickening of the terminal ileum, and multiple enlarged lymph nodes with central necrosis. Chest computed tomography revealed active pulmonary TB. Colonoscopy confirmed intestinal TB in the terminal ileum and ileocecal valve, with positive TB-polymerase chain reaction results from sputum and ileal ulcer tissue. The patient was diagnosed with disseminated TB and was treated with standard anti-TB drugs. Although the human immunodeficiency virus test results were negative, the patient's CD4+ T-cell count was significantly low (278/μL). Follow-up tests after 1 month showed negative TB cultures; however, the patient's CD4+ T-cell depletion persisted, with counts remaining low after 1 year. This case highlights the rare occurrence of disseminated TB in immunocompetent individuals with CD4+ T-cell depletion and emphasizes the importance of CD4+ T-cell assessment in healthy patients presenting with disseminated TB.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.263-268
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• 1992

Involvement of the facial nerve(herpes zoster oticus, Ramsay Hunt Syndrome) is a rather common clinical syndrome. It begins with unilateral ear pain, followed shortly by a peripheral facial palsy. Paresis or paralysis may affect the muscles of facial expression, which also close the eyelids. The levator palpebrae which is innervated by the 5th cranial nerve is spared, so the eye may remain open. The rash is usually confined to the tympanic membrane and the external auditory canal. It may spread to involve the outer surface of the lobe of the ear, anterior pillar or the fauces and mastoid. There also may be a loss of taste in the anterior two thirds of tongue. At time, the auditory nerve involvement produces tinnitus, deafness and vertigo. The 5th, 8th and 10th nerves and even the upper cervical spinal nerve can be involved presumedly on the base of spread of the infective process along anastomotic connections between the facial nerve. The facial paralysis is identical to that of Bells palsy. Frequently the recovery of facial nerve function is incomplete, leaving the patient with some residual facial weak ness. We experienced 2 cases of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome. The first patients, 55 year old male, visited our pain clinic on the day when his left facial nerve start to paralyze. We injected 6 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine into his left stellate ganglion 15 times. TENS was also applicated simultaneously. His facial paralysis was recovered completely 3 weeks after treatment without any complications. Another one, 53 year old male, visited us 7 weeks after onset of facial paralysis. He has been treated conventional oriental method(acupuncture, massage, warm application, etc). But the degree of his left facial paralysis didn't improve at all He has been treating with SGB 50 times and TENS for 2 months. Temporal and zygomatic branch of his left facial nerve recovered nearly completely but buccal and mandibular branch did not recover completely. We are willing to insist on the early treatment is the best choice in managing of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome.