CME: The management of neuropathic pain by Dr Milton Raff
One of the most common conditions for which patients visit a medical practitioner is pain. In many cases, analgesia is prescribed but no pain relief is obtained. Why is this? The reason for this in many cases is that the type of pain has been incorrectly diagnosed or, when correctly diagnosed, the prescribed medication is inappropriately scripted for the diagnosis. We must understand that there is more than one type of pain and following from this it follows that there is more than one type of pain therapy
Our bacterial pharmacy: Pain, inflammation and how we go about ‘restocking the shelves’ by Dr Danielle Shead
The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has engulfed the world, affecting more than 180 countries.1 While Covid-19 is a virus, this increased focus on pathogens, and inflammation, as well as the effects that they have on our overall health, has created an opportunity for us to investigate and further acknowledge the role that bacteria and their treatment also plays in pain and inflammation
Primary dysmenorrhoea (menstrual pain) by Dr Stella Iacovides
Dysmenorrhoea, defined as painful menstrual cramps of uterine origin, is the most common gynaecological condition among women of reproductive age. The prevalence of dysmenorrhoea is highly underestimated, yet difficult to determine, because few affected women seek medical treatment, despite the substantial distress experienced, as many consider the pain to be a normal part of the menstrual cycle rather than a disorder. Many cases thus remain undocumented. Prevalence estimates vary between 45 and 95% of menstruating women, and as such, dysmenorrhoea appears to be the most common gynaecological disorder in women irrespective of nationality and age.6-8 Despite its common occurrence, however, it is under-diagnosed and under-treated.
Antibiotics and contraception by Dr Trudy Smith
Hormonal oral contraceptives are the commonest form of contraception used by women in South Africa. A knowledge of drug interactions is important in order to prevent contraceptive failure and minimise side effects and safety concerns. Antibiotics are also commonly used for chronic conditions such as acne, thus a medication history is important. Several misconceptions have been promulgated over the years influencing women, providers and pharmacists. Many women are advised to use back up contraception and this may result in poor compliance with regard to antibiotics.
Attempts allowed: 2
70% pass rate