Continuous intracerebroventricular morphine infusion for intractable neuropathic pain

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the effectiveness and safety of continuous intracerebroventricular (ICV) morphine infusion for intractable pathological pain in the head, face, and upper limbs using the SynchroMed II intrathecal drug infusion system. METHODS: The clinical data of eight patients with intractable pathological pain in the head, face, and upper limbs who were treated with ICV morphine infused using the SynchroMed II system were analyzed. The numeric rating scale (NRS) was used to evaluate the degree of pain. NRS change, morphine dose, and its side effects and complications were the main observation indicators. RESULTS: The average pain amelioration was 60.68% ± 15.40%. Furthermore, the Pre-op NRS was 9.000 ± 1.309; the Optimum NRS (Op-NRS)was 2.000 ± 1.414; and the last NRS(L-NRS)was 3.500 ± 1.414. The Preoperative NRS (Pre-op NRS)was significantly higher than the Op-NRS (t = 7.329, P