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Morgan JR, Reif S, Stewart MT, Larochelle MR, Adams RS. Characterizing the Association Between Traumatic Brain Injury and Discontinuation of Medications for Opioid Use Disorder in a Commercially Insured Adult Population. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2024:00001199-990000000-00170. [PMID: 39019485 DOI: 10.1097/htr.0000000000000964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Extending prior research that has found that people with traumatic brain injury (TBI) experience worse substance use treatment outcomes, we examined whether history of TBI was associated with discontinuation of medication to treat opioid use disorder (MOUD), an indicator of receiving evidence-based treatment. SETTING We used MarketScan claims data to capture inpatient, outpatient, and retail pharmacy utilization from large employers in all 50 states from 2016 to 2019. PARTICIPANTS We identified adults aged 18 to 64 initiating non-methadone MOUD (ie, buprenorphine, injectable naltrexone, and oral naltrexone) in 2016-2019. The exposure was whether an individual had a TBI diagnosis in the 2 years before initiating MOUD. During this period, there were 709 individuals with TBI who were then matched with 709 individuals without TBI. DESIGN We created a retrospective cohort of matched individuals with and without TBI and used quasi-experimental methods to identify the association between TBI status and MOUD use. We estimated propensity scores by TBI status and created a 1:1 matched cohort of people with and without TBI who initiated MOUD. We used a Cox proportional hazards model to identify the association between TBI and MOUD discontinuation. MAIN MEASURE The outcome was discontinuation of MOUD (ie, a gap of 14 days or more of MOUD). RESULTS Among those initiating MOUD, the majority were under 26 years of age, male, and living in an urban setting. Nearly 60% of individuals discontinued medication by 6 months. Adults with TBI had an elevated risk of MOUD discontinuation (hazard ratio [HR] 1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.27) compared to those without TBI. Additionally, initiating oral naltrexone was associated with a higher risk of discontinuation (HR 1.63; 95% CI, 1.40-1.90). CONCLUSION We found evidence of reduced MOUD retention among people with TBI. Differences in MOUD retention may reflect health care inequities, as there are no medical contraindications to using MOUD for people with TBI or other disabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake R Morgan
- Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts (Dr Morgan); Institute for Behavioral Health, Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA (Dr Stewart); Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA (Dr Larochelle); and Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs, Aurora, Colorado, USA (Dr Adams)
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Martin SI, Bennett AS, Elliott L, Gorgens KA. Overdose Risk and Brain Injury (Traumatic Brain Injury/Acquired Brain Injury), A Commentary. Subst Use Misuse 2024; 59:1656-1659. [PMID: 38803022 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2024.2359722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This commentary seeks to evaluate existing knowledge about the relationship between brain injury (BI) and overdose (OD), to unify distant bodies of literature, and to enhance prevention and treatment for opioid OD among individuals with BI. BACKGROUND There is a hidden epidemic of undiagnosed BI in the United States. Due to lack of screening, the vast majority of BI sufferers do not know they have a BI. Not only are those with BI at elevated risk for opioid use, misuse, and opioid use disorder, but also they are at elevated risk for OD. Conversely, those with OUD and those who experienced an OD, are more likely to sustain BI. Key Findings/Conclusions: The existing literature suggests that primary strategies to reduce ABI (Acquired Brain Injury)/TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) harms involve addressing: screening, stigma, racial disparities, and popular misconceptions about OD. The association between TBI and OD is an underexamined public health issue, exacerbated by the bidirectional nature of the relationship. Not only is TBI a risk factor for opioid OD; opioid OD was also found to be a major cause of ABI, which can have lifelong effects similar to Alzheimer's disease. Screening tools for BI were underutilized and inconsistently implemented across reviewed studies. Enhanced screening population wide is a promising intervention, complemented with expanded treatment and research. Black individuals face worse outcomes in BI and treatment outcomes. Anti-racist strategies must fight inequity while addressing social and structural drivers of overdose and BI within the opioid and opioid overdose crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel I Martin
- Research Associate, School of Global Public Health, New York University, Doctoral Candidate, Graduate School of Professional Psychology, University of Denver
| | - Alex S Bennett
- Research Associate Professor, Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, School of Global Public Health, New York University
| | - Luther Elliott
- Associate Research Scientist, School of Global Public Health, New York University
| | - Kim A Gorgens
- Professor, Graduate School of Professional Psychology, University of Denver
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3
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Cajanus K, Kytö V, Ruuskanen JO, Luoto TM, Rautava P, Tornio A, Posti JP. Association of Central Nervous System-Affecting Medications With Occurrence and Short-Term Mortality of Traumatic Brain Injury. Neurosurgery 2024; 94:721-728. [PMID: 37850916 DOI: 10.1227/neu.0000000000002732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The use of medications commonly prescribed after traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been little studied before TBI. This study examined the association between the use of medications that affect the central nervous system (CNS) and the occurrence and short-term mortality of TBI. METHODS Mandatory Finnish registries were used to identify TBI admissions, fatal TBIs, and drug purchases during 2005-2018. Patients with TBI were 1:1 matched to nontrauma control patients to investigate the association between medications and the occurrence of TBI and 30-day mortality after TBI. Number needed to harm (NNH) was calculated for all medications. RESULTS The cohort included 59 606 patients with TBI and a similar number of control patients. CNS-affecting drugs were more common in patients with TBI than in controls [odds ratio = 2.07 (2.02-2.13), P < .001)]. Benzodiazepines were the most common type of medications in patients with TBI (17%) and in controls (11%). The lowest NNH for the occurrence of TBI was associated with benzodiazepines (15.4), selective serotonin uptake inhibitors (18.5), and second-generation antipsychotics (25.8). Eight percent of the patients with TBI died within 30 days. The highest hazard ratios (HR) and lowest NNHs associated with short-term mortality were observed with strong opioids [HR = 1.41 (1.26-1.59), NNH = 33.1], second-generation antipsychotics [HR = 1.36 (1.23-1.50), NNH = 37.1], and atypical antidepressants [HR = 1.17 (1.04-1.31), NNH = 77.7]. CONCLUSION Thirty-seven percent of patients with TBI used at least 1 CNS-affecting drug. This proportion was significantly higher than in the control population (24%). The highest risk and lowest NNH for short-term mortality were observed with strong opioids, second-generation antipsychotics, and atypical antidepressants. The current risks underscore the importance of weighing the benefits and risks before prescribing CNS-affecting drugs in patients at risk of head injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristiina Cajanus
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku , Finland
| | - Ville Kytö
- Heart Centre and Center for Population Health Research, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku , Finland
- Research Services, Turku University Hospital, Turku , Finland
| | - Jori O Ruuskanen
- Neurocenter, Department of Neurology, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku , Finland
| | - Teemu M Luoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tampere University Hospital and Tampere University, Tampere , Finland
| | - Päivi Rautava
- Clinical Research Center, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku , Finland
| | - Aleksi Tornio
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku , Finland
| | - Jussi P Posti
- Neurocenter, Department of Neurosurgery and Turku Brain Injury Center, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku , Finland
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Kureshi S, Mendizabal M, Francis J, Djalilian HR. Conservative Management of Acute Sports-Related Concussions: A Narrative Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:289. [PMID: 38338173 PMCID: PMC10855441 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12030289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This review explores the application of the conservative management model for pain to sports-related concussions (SRCs), framing concussions as a distinct form of pain syndrome with a pathophysiological foundation in central sensitization. Drawing parallels with proven pain management models, we underscore the significance of a proactive approach to concussion management. Recognizing concussions as a pain syndrome allows for the tailoring of interventions in alignment with conservative principles. This review first covers the epidemiology and controversies surrounding prolonged concussion recovery and persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS). Next, the pathophysiology of concussions is presented within the central sensitization framework, emphasizing the need for early intervention to mitigate the neuroplastic changes that lead to heightened pain sensitivity. Five components of the central sensitization process specific to concussion injuries are highlighted as targets for conservative interventions in the acute period: peripheral sensitization, cerebral metabolic dysfunction, neuroinflammation, glymphatic system dysfunction, and pain catastrophizing. These proactive interventions are emphasized as pivotal in accelerating concussion recovery and reducing the risk of prolonged symptoms and PPCS, in line with the philosophy of conservative management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohaib Kureshi
- Neurosurgical Medical Clinic, San Diego, CA 92111, USA
- TBI Virtual, San Diego, CA 92111, USA
| | | | | | - Hamid R. Djalilian
- TBI Virtual, San Diego, CA 92111, USA
- Departments of Otolaryngology, Neurological Surgery, and Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
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Abid A, Paracha M, Çepele I, Paracha A, Rueve J, Fidahussain A, Rehman H, Engelhardt M, Alyasiry N, Siddiqui Z, Vasireddy S, Kadariya B, Rao N, Das R, Rodriguez W, Meyer D. Examining the relationship between head trauma and opioid use disorder: A systematic review. J Opioid Manag 2024; 20:63-76. [PMID: 38533717 DOI: 10.5055/jom.0846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine recent literature and determine common clinical risk factors between antecedent traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the following development of opioid misuse and provide a framework for clinical identification of at-risk subjects and evaluate potential treatment implications within this association. DESIGN A comprehensive systematic literature search of PubMed was conducted for articles between 2000 and December 2022. Studies were included if the human participant had any head trauma exposure and any chronic opioid use or dependence. After eligibility criteria were applied, 16 studies were assessed for thematic trends. RESULTS Opioid use disorder (OUD) risks are heightened in cohorts with head trauma exposed to opioids while in the hospital, specifically with tramadol and oxycodone. Chronic pain was the most common predictor of long-term OUD, and continuous somatic symptoms associated with the TBI can lead to long-term opioid usage. Individuals who present with coexisting psychiatric conditions pose significantly more risk associated with a higher risk of long-term opioid use. CONCLUSION Findings indicate that therapists and clinicians must consider a risk profile for persons with TBI and follow an integrated care approach to account for mental health, prior substance misuse, presenting somatic symptoms, and current medication regimen during evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Abid
- Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5786-4051
| | | | - Iva Çepele
- Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Awais Paracha
- Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | | | | | | | - McKimmon Engelhardt
- Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | - Zohair Siddiqui
- Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Satvik Vasireddy
- Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine, Henderson, Nevada
| | - Bishal Kadariya
- Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Nikith Rao
- Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Rohan Das
- Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Wilson Rodriguez
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Dixie Meyer
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri
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Bahraini N, Adams RS, Caban J, Kinney A, Forster JE, Hoffmire CA, Monteith LL, Brenner LA. Racial and Ethnic Differences in Deaths by Suicide, Drug Overdose, and Opioid-Related Overdose in a National Sample of Military Members With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, 1999-2019. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2023; 38:114-124. [PMID: 36883894 PMCID: PMC10399302 DOI: 10.1097/htr.0000000000000829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine racial and ethnic differences in suicide and drug and opioid-related overdose deaths among a population-based cohort of military service members who were diagnosed with a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) during military service. DESIGN Retrospective cohort. SETTING Military personnel receiving care within the Military Health System between 1999 and 2019. PARTICIPANTS In total, 356 514 military members aged 18 to 64 years, who received an mTBI diagnosis as their index TBI between 1999 and 2019, while on active duty or activated. MAIN MEASURES Death by suicide, death by drug overdose, and death by opioid overdose were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes within the National Death Index. Race and ethnicity were captured from the Military Health System Data Repository. RESULTS Overall crude rates were 38.67 per 100 000 person-years for suicide; 31.01 per 100 000 person-years for drug overdose death; and 20.82 per 100 000 person-years for opioid overdose death. Crude and age-specific rates for military members who self-identified as Other were higher than all other racial/ethnic groups for all 3 mortality outcomes. Adjusting for age, suicide rates for those classified as Other were up to 5 times that of other racial/ethnic groups for suicide, and up to 11 and 3.5 times that of other race/ethnicity groups for drug and opioid overdose death, respectively. CONCLUSION Findings extend previous knowledge regarding risk for suicide and deaths by drug overdose among those with mTBI and highlight new important areas for understanding the impact of race and ethnicity on mortality. Methodological limitations regarding classification of race and ethnicity must be addressed to ensure that future research provides a better understanding of racial and ethnic disparities in suicide and drug overdose mortality among military members with TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazanin Bahraini
- VA Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center for Suicide Prevention, Aurora, Colorado
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Rachel Sayko Adams
- VA Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center for Suicide Prevention, Aurora, Colorado
- Institute for Behavioral Health, Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts
| | - Jesus Caban
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, Maryland
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Adam Kinney
- VA Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center for Suicide Prevention, Aurora, Colorado
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Jeri E. Forster
- VA Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center for Suicide Prevention, Aurora, Colorado
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Claire A. Hoffmire
- VA Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center for Suicide Prevention, Aurora, Colorado
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Lindsey L. Monteith
- VA Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center for Suicide Prevention, Aurora, Colorado
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Lisa A. Brenner
- VA Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center for Suicide Prevention, Aurora, Colorado
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
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Martin AM, Pinto SM, Tang X, Hoffman JM, Wittine L, Walker WC, Schwartz DJ, Kane G, Takagishi SC, Nakase-Richardson R. Associations between early sleep-disordered breathing following moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury and long-term chronic pain status: a Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems study. J Clin Sleep Med 2023; 19:135-143. [PMID: 36591795 PMCID: PMC9806770 DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.10278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES To explore the relationship between polysomnography-derived respiratory indices and chronic pain status among individuals following traumatic brain injury (TBI). METHODS Participants (n = 66) with moderate to severe TBI underwent polysomnography during inpatient acute rehabilitation and their chronic pain status was assessed at 1- to 2-year follow-up as part of the TBI Model Systems Pain Collaborative Study. Pairwise comparisons across pain cohorts (ie, chronic pain, no history of pain) were made to explore differences on polysomnography indices. RESULTS Among our total sample, approximately three-quarters (74.2%) received sleep apnea diagnoses utilizing American Academy of Sleep Medicine criteria, with 61.9% of those endorsing a history of chronic pain. Of those endorsing chronic pain, the average pain score was 4.8 (standard deviation = 2.1), with a mean interference score of 5.3 (2.7). Pairwise comparisons revealed that those endorsing a chronic pain experience at follow-up experienced categorically worse indicators of sleep-related breathing disorders during acute rehabilitation relative to those who did not endorse chronic pain. Important differences were observed with elevations on central (chronic pain: 2.6; no pain: 0.8 per hour) and obstructive apnea (chronic pain: 15.7; no pain: 11.1 per hour) events, as well as oxygen desaturation indices (chronic pain: 19.6; no pain: 7.9 per hour). CONCLUSIONS Sleep-disordered breathing appears worse among those who endorse chronic pain following moderate-to-severe TBI, but additional research is needed to understand its relation to postinjury pain. Prospective investigation is necessary to determine how clinical decisions (eg, opioid therapy) and intervention (eg, positive airway pressure) may mutually influence outcomes. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov; Name: Comparison of Sleep Apnea Assessment Strategies to Maximize TBI Rehabilitation Participation and Outcome (C-SAS); URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03033901; Identifier: NCT03033901. CITATION Martin AM, Pinto SM, Tang X, et al. Associations between early sleep-disordered breathing following moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury and long-term chronic pain status: a Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems study. J Clin Sleep Med. 2023;19(1):135-143.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron M. Martin
- Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences Section (MHBSS), James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital, Tampa, Florida
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Shanti M. Pinto
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Utah Southwestern, Dallas, Texas
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Carolinas Rehabilitation, Charlotte, North Carolina
| | - Xinyu Tang
- Tampa VA Research and Education Foundation, Inc., Tampa, Florida
| | - Jeanne M. Hoffman
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Lara Wittine
- Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - William C. Walker
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Daniel J. Schwartz
- Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Georgia Kane
- Department of Neurology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
- Headache Center of Excellence, James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital, Tampa, Florida
| | - S. Curtis Takagishi
- Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences Section (MHBSS), James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital, Tampa, Florida
- Headache Center of Excellence, James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital, Tampa, Florida
| | - Risa Nakase-Richardson
- Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences Section (MHBSS), James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital, Tampa, Florida
- Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
- Defense Health Agency Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence at James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Tampa, Florida
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8
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Robayo LE, Govind V, Vastano R, Felix ER, Fleming L, Cherup NP, Widerström-Noga E. Multidimensional pain phenotypes after Traumatic Brain Injury. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2022; 3:947562. [PMID: 36061413 PMCID: PMC9437424 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2022.947562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
More than 50% of individuals develop chronic pain following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Research suggests that a significant portion of post-TBI chronic pain conditions is neuropathic in nature, yet the relationship between neuropathic pain, psychological distress, and somatosensory function following TBI is not fully understood. This study evaluated neuropathic pain symptoms, psychological and somatosensory function, and psychosocial factors in individuals with TBI (TBI, N = 38). A two-step cluster analysis was used to identify phenotypes based on the Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory and Beck's Anxiety Inventory scores. Phenotypes were then compared on pain characteristics, psychological and somatosensory function, and psychosocial factors. Our analyses resulted in two different neuropathic pain phenotypes: (1) Moderate neuropathic pain severity and anxiety scores (MNP-AS, N = 11); and (2) mild or no neuropathic pain symptoms and anxiety scores (LNP-AS, N = 27). Furthermore, the MNP-AS group exhibited greater depression, PTSD, pain severity, and affective distress scores than the LNP-AS group. In addition, thermal somatosensory function (difference between thermal pain and perception thresholds) was significantly lower in the MNP-AS compared to the LNP-AS group. Our findings suggest that neuropathic pain symptoms are relatively common after TBI and are not only associated with greater psychosocial distress but also with abnormal function of central pain processing pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda E. Robayo
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
- Christine E. Lynn Rehabilitation Center, Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at UHealth/Jackson Memorial, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Varan Govind
- Department of Radiology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Roberta Vastano
- Christine E. Lynn Rehabilitation Center, Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at UHealth/Jackson Memorial, Miami, FL, United States
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Elizabeth R. Felix
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Loriann Fleming
- Christine E. Lynn Rehabilitation Center, Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at UHealth/Jackson Memorial, Miami, FL, United States
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Nicholas P. Cherup
- Christine E. Lynn Rehabilitation Center, Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at UHealth/Jackson Memorial, Miami, FL, United States
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Eva Widerström-Noga
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
- Christine E. Lynn Rehabilitation Center, Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at UHealth/Jackson Memorial, Miami, FL, United States
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
- *Correspondence: Eva Widerström-Noga
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Best KM, Mojena MM, Barr GA, Schmidt HD, Cohen AS. Endogenous Opioid Dynorphin Is a Potential Link between Traumatic Brain Injury, Chronic Pain, and Substance Use Disorder. J Neurotrauma 2022; 39:1-19. [PMID: 34751584 PMCID: PMC8978570 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2021.0063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious public health problem associated with numerous physical and neuropsychiatric comorbidities. Chronic pain is prevalent and interferes with post-injury functioning and quality of life, whereas substance use disorder (SUD) is the third most common neuropsychiatric diagnosis after TBI. Neither of these conditions has a clear mechanistic explanation based on the known pathophysiology of TBI. Dynorphin is an endogenous opioid neuropeptide that is significantly dysregulated after TBI. Both dynorphin and its primary receptor, the ĸ-opioid receptor (KOR), are implicated in the neuropathology of chronic pain and SUD. Here, we review the known roles of dynorphin and KORs in chronic pain and SUDs. We synthesize this information with our current understanding of TBI and highlight potential mechanistic parallels between and across conditions that suggest a role for dynorphin in long-term sequelae after TBI. In pain studies, dynorphin/KOR activation has either antinociceptive or pro-nociceptive effects, and there are similarities between the signaling pathways influenced by dynorphin and those underlying development of chronic pain. Moreover, the dynorphin/KOR system is considered a key regulator of the negative affective state that characterizes drug withdrawal and protracted abstinence in SUD, and molecular and neurochemical changes observed during the development of SUD are mirrored by the pathophysiology of TBI. We conclude by proposing hypotheses and directions for future research aimed at elucidating the potential role of dynorphin/KOR in chronic pain and/or SUD after TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin M. Best
- Department of Nursing and Clinical Care Services, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Marissa M. Mojena
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Gordon A. Barr
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Psychology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Heath D. Schmidt
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Akiva S. Cohen
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Address correspondence to: Akiva S. Cohen, PhD, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3615 Civic Center Boulevard, Room 816-I, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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10
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Opioid and Sedative-Hypnotic Prescriptions Among Post-9/11 Veteran VA Users Nationwide With Traumatic Brain Injury, 2012-2020. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2021; 36:354-363. [PMID: 34489386 DOI: 10.1097/htr.0000000000000712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Many post-9/11 Veterans have received Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare for traumatic brain injury (TBI). Pain conditions are prevalent among these patients and are often managed with opioid analgesics. Opioids may impose unique risks to Veterans with a history of TBI, especially when combined with other psychotropic medications. We examined receipt of opioid and sedative-hypnotic prescriptions among post-9/11 Veterans with TBI who received VA care nationally between 2012 and 2020. SETTING Nationwide VA outpatient care. PARTICIPANTS Veterans with, versus without, clinician-confirmed TBI based on the VA's Comprehensive TBI Evaluation (CTBIE) were followed up for subsequent years in which they received VA care. DESIGN A historical cohort study. MAIN MEASURES Proportions of Veterans who received opioid, benzodiazepine, and nonbenzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic prescriptions were compared by CTBIE outcome (TBI yes/no) and by year; overlaps between medication classes, long-term opioid therapy, and high-dose opioid therapy were also examined. Among those with confirmed TBI, logistic regression was used to examine associations between veteran characteristics and likelihood of these potentially high-risk opioid use outcomes. RESULTS Among 69 752 Veterans with clinician-confirmed TBI, 26.9% subsequently received opioids. The prevalence receiving opioids each year increased from 2012 (16.7%) to 2014 (17.7%), and then decreased each of the following years through 2020 (5.8%). Among Veterans with TBI who received opioids, large proportions also received benzodiazepine (30.1%) and nonbenzodiazepine (36.0%) sedative-hypnotic prescriptions; these proportions also decreased in recent years. In both bivariable and multivariable regression models, Veterans' demographic, TBI, and clinical characteristics were associated with likelihood of potentially high-risk opioid use. CONCLUSIONS VA opioid prescribing to Veterans with TBI has decreased in recent years but remains an important source of risk, particularly when considering coprescriptions of sedative-hypnotic medication. Understanding patterns of psychotropic prescription use among Veterans with TBI can highlight important healthcare and rehabilitation needs in this large patient cohort.
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Traumatic Brain Injury and Opioid Use: Additional Evidence Supporting the "Perfect Storm" of Cascading Vulnerabilities. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2021; 36:303-309. [PMID: 34489381 DOI: 10.1097/htr.0000000000000730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Ashraf AJ, Gilbert TA, Holmer HK, Cook LJ, Carlson KF. Receipt of Concurrent VA and Non-VA Opioid and Sedative-Hypnotic Prescriptions Among Post-9/11 Veterans With Traumatic Brain Injury. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2021; 36:364-373. [PMID: 34489387 DOI: 10.1097/htr.0000000000000728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Receipt of concurrent psychotropic prescription medications from both US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and non-VA healthcare providers may increase risk of adverse opioid-related outcomes among veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Little is known about patterns of dual-system opioid or sedative-hypnotic prescription receipt in this population. We estimated the prevalence and patterns of, and risk factors for, VA/non-VA prescription overlap among post-9/11 veterans with TBI receiving opioids from VA providers in Oregon. SETTING Oregon VA and non-VA outpatient care. PARTICIPANTS Post-9/11 veterans in Oregon with TBI who received an opioid prescription from VA providers between the years of 2014 and 2019. DESIGN Historical cohort study. MAIN MEASURES Prescription overlap of VA opioids and non-VA opioids or sedative-hypnotics; proportions of veterans who received VA or non-VA opioid, benzodiazepine, and nonbenzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic prescriptions were also examined by year and by veteran characteristics. RESULTS Among 1036 veterans with TBI receiving opioids from the VA, 210 (20.3%) received an overlapping opioid prescription from a non-VA provider; 5.3% received overlapping benzodiazepines; and none received overlapping nonbenzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics. Proportions of veterans with prescription overlap tended to decrease over time. Veterans with other than urban versus urban addresses (OR = 1.4; 95% CI, 1.0-1.8), high versus medium average annual VA visits (OR = 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1-2.6), and VA service connection of 50% or more versus none/0% to 40% (OR = 4.3; 95% CI, 1.3-14.0) were more likely to have concurrent VA/non-VA prescriptions in bivariable analyses; other than urban remained associated with overlap in multivariable models. Similarly, veterans with comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder diagnoses were more likely to have concurrent VA/non-VA prescriptions in both bivariable and multivariable (OR = 2.1; 95% CI, 1.0-4.1) models. CONCLUSION Among post-9/11 veterans with TBI receiving VA opioids, a considerable proportion had overlapping non-VA prescription medications. Providers and healthcare systems should consider all sources of psychotropic prescriptions, and risk factors for overlapping medications, to help mitigate potentially unsafe medication use among veterans with TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandria J Ashraf
- VA HSR&D Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care (CIVIC), VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon (Mss Ashraf and Gilbert and Drs Holmer and Carlson); Oregon Health & Science University, Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland (Ms Ashraf and Dr Carlson); and Division of Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City (Dr Cook)
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