Spinal Cord Stimulation for the Management of Neuropathic Pain in Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

Mohammed F. Shamji MD, PhD, FRCSC, Division of Neurosurgery, Toronto Western Hospital, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Alina Shcharinsky RN (EC), MN, CNN(C), Division of Neurosurgery, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Abstract
Chronic pain is a complex disease state associated with substantial individual disability and suffering alongside societal economic impact. The entity of neuropathic pain is a diagnosis of specific clinical characteristics and underlying pathophysiology. Failed back surgery syndrome represents persistent neuropathic leg pain following structurally corrective spinal surgery, often being refractory to escalated pharmacological management. In appropriately selected patients, spinal cord stimulation is a surgical technique that may offer reduced disability and pain, and improved economic outcomes for patients where medical management has been unsuccessful. Contemporary technological advances continue to improve this approach with greater success, lessened morbidity, and expanding indications.
Key Words: failed back surgery syndrome, neuropathic pain, spinal cord stimulation, neuromodulation.

A Case of Large Nasal Vestibular Mass presenting with Nasal Obstruction and Epistaxis

P.K. Shenoy, MD, FRCS, DLO, FACS, ENT Service Chief, Campbellton Regional Hospital, Campbellton, NB, Canada.

Dr. Lyew Warren, MD, FRCSC, Consultant Pathologist, Campbellton Regional Hospital, Campbellton, New Brunswick, Canada.

Abstract
Nasal vestibular mass are not commonly seen in ENT practice. We are presenting a patient with a large right nasal vestibular mass, who complained of nasal obstruction and epistaxis. Differential diagnosis of the similar growths in the nasal vestibule with their pathology and the treatment options, have been reviewed from the literature.
Key Words: Nasal vestibular mass, papilloma, 0 and 30 degree endoscopes, lateral rhinotomy.

Parenting Your Parents: Interview with Dr. Michael Gordon

Discolouration of the Tongue

Francesca Cheung, MD CCFP, is a family physician with a special interest in dermatology. She received the Diploma in Practical Dermatology from the Department of Dermatology at Cardiff University in Wales, UK. She is practising at the Lynde Centre for Dermatology in Markham, Ontario and works closely with Dr. Charles Lynde, MD FRCPC, an experienced dermatologist. In addition to providing direct patient care, she acts as a sub-investigator in multiple clinical studies involving psoriasis, onychomycosis, and acne.

Abstract
Hairy tongue, or known as lingua villosa, is a result of hypertrophy, elongation, and defective desquamation of the filiform papillae of the tongue. This condition may present in a variety of colors depending on the specific etiology. Etiologies of hairy tongue include poor oral hygiene, lack of mechanical stimulation and debridement of the tongue, the use of medications (especially broad-spectrum antibiotics), and therapeutic radiation of the head and the neck. This condition is also commonly seen in people having high consumption in coffee and tea, heavy use of tobacco, individuals addicted to drugs, patients who are HIV positive, and intravenous drug users. In most cases, non-pharmacologic interventions are used for the management of hairy tongue. Treatment involves brushing the tongue with a toothbrush or using a commercially available tongue scraper to retard the growth or to remove elongated filiform papillae. If Candida albicans is present, topical antifungal medications are used for patients who are symptomatic.
Key Words: Hairy tongue, Lingua villosa, Glossopyrosis, Halitosis.

The Cost of Dementia in the United States

Michael Gordon, MD, MSc, FRCPC, Medical Program Director, Palliative Care, Baycrest Geriatric Health Care System, Professor of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON.

The prevalence of dementia appears to be increasing in most western countries. That when coupled with the increased average age of the older population has leads to an expectation that projections of financial costs to individuals, families and to society will grow over the next few decades. The current study, out of the United States, based on a number of robust data bases coupled with in-depth interviews has resulted in projections of the current true costs of caring for elderly people living with dementia. It also allowed for the projection of future costs over the next three decades. The results are quite mind-boggling: "We found that dementia leads to total annual societal costs of $41,000 to $56,000 per case, with a total cost of $159 billion to $215 billion nationwide in 2010. Our calculations suggest that the aging of the U.S. population will result in an increase of nearly 80% in total societal costs per adult by 2040."

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