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Trigeminal Neuralgia Pain and Erenumab

There has been some talk on social media trigeminal neuralgia sites, that a possible drug developed for severe migraine, could be used  for trigeminal neuralgia pain.

There have been a number of studies out of Israel which has shown some positive results.  The drug mentioned is ERENUMAB  (aimovig). This drug has not been approved for managing migraine on the PBS but can be purchased on a private prescription at quite a monthly cost.

The below information was taken from Headache Australia Org

Cost & access in Australia

Aimovig is available in Australia for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults. It is a prescription medication so you will need to see your neurologist to access it. If you are not seeing a neurologist at the moment, you can find one in our doctor directory.

Unfortunately Aimovig is not available under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). After several failed attempts, Novartis withdrew their application in November of 2019.

The cost for 140 mg of Aimovig (two x 70 mg pens) is $695. You can order this online and it will be shipped to a pharmacy of your choice for pickup. At this stage, Novartis is not offering any free trials or discount programs.

At a glance

Brand name Aimovig
Active ingredient Erenumab
Manufacturer Novartis Australia
Dosage 70 mg or 140 mg per month
Administration Subcutaneous injection (self-administered)
Availability Prescription-only
Cost per 140 mg dose $695
PBS Status? Private prescription only (PBS application withdrawn in November 2019)

This treatment has been approved in 71 different countries including USA

https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-novel-preventive-treatment-migraine

https://www.pharmaceutical-technology.com/data-insights/erenumab-amgen-trigeminal-neuralgia-tic-douloureux-likelihood-of-approval/

Efficacy of Erenumab in the Treatment of Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Retrospective Case Series

Eliot Parascandolo et al. Neurol Clin Pract. 2021 Jun.

Abstract

Objective: Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a chronic, often refractory, pain condition, which adversely affects the lives of patients. Current treatments are only mildly effective. Anti-calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) monoclonal antibodies have been successfully studied in the treatment of migraines. CGRP plays a role in both TN and migraine. It is prudent to attempt CGRP monoclonal antibody therapy in TN. Erenumab, a human anti-CGRP monoclonal antibody medication, modulates CGRP, which is elevated in patients with TN. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of erenumab for patients with TN.

Methods: Retrospective analysis was performed on data collected from 10 patients diagnosed with TN and treated with erenumab for 6 months. Pain was tracked using a numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) from 0 to 10. The effect of erenumab on NPRS after 6 months’ time was the primary end point. Secondary end points included side effects to therapy, improvement in headache frequency in those with comorbid migraine, evaluating mood following therapy, and global mood improvement using scale (worse, no change, improved).

Results: Nine of 10 patients (90.0%) reported improvement in pain severity and in global mood improvement. Three patients reported resolution of anxiety and/or depression. Side effects were minimal, with 3 patients reporting constipation, injection site reactions, or both.

Conclusions: Based on these results, erenumab appears to be an efficacious treatment option for patients with refractory TN. Patients experienced improvement in pain, reduced frequency of headache, and improvement in mood. Treatment was well tolerated with only mild side effects reported.

Classification of evidence: This study provides Class IV evidence that erenumab increases the probability of improved pain control in patients with medication-resistant TN.

Further research articles

1-Study TN and erenumab

2-Study re erenumab

We do not recommend a medical course of action for individuals.  Always discuss medical options with medical professionals.

 

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FPA – New Life for Cancer Drug

New life for cancer drug that reprograms pain pathway to fight chronic pain

Chronic pain associated with nerve injury and chronic bone pain from metastatic cancer are unmet medical needs. This sober sentence vastly understates the crushing and devastating impact of these forms of pain on victims’ lives, their families, and their social and professional lives.

“I just can not sleep any more because turning in bed hurts, my spine hurts lying down, and sitting up to sleep hurts even more. During daytime, I have constant brain fog, interrupted by pain that within minutes gets worse (10-out-of-10) against a background of constant burning pain which gets worse toward the afternoon and evening. I hurt more when I go to the bathroom. The pain medication makes my brain fog worse, I feel like a zombie, I am badly constipated and itch all over.” That is how a patient with bone cancer pain feels. Testimony from victims of chronic nerve injury pain, through peripheral nerve damage from diabetes or medications, or in the aftermath of shingles, indicates that their lives are equally turned upside down from the pain.

New treatments against pain are needed. What is the desired profile ? “New drugs and other therapies against chronic pain need to be safe, i.e the fewer side effects the better, especially non-addictive and non-sedative, and effective. For example they should work against nerve injury pain and cancer pain, finally and practically, with minimal time to official drug approval. “Since chronic pain, like many chronic diseases, has an important root in genetic switches being reprogrammed in a ‘bad’ way, a disease-modifying treatment for chronic pain should reset the genetic switches, not just cover up the pain as with opioid and aspirin/tylenol-like painkillers,” says Dr. Wolfgang Liedtke, who practiced pain medicine for the last 17 years at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, NC, USA, and directed the former Liedtke-Lab to elucidate basic pain mechanisms. Dr. Liedkte moved to an executive position at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals in Tarrytown NY, in April 2021.

Liedtke’s Duke team, jointly with colleagues from University of California Irvine, tackled the problem by starting with a collection of “junkyard of cancer drugs”, 1,057 compounds originating from two Compound Libraries of the National Cancer Institute. Liedtke picked cancer drugs because a sizeable number of them influence epigenetic regulation of genes, which stops rapidly dividing cancer cells from dividing, but can reset maladaptive genetic switches in non-dividing nerve cells. In order to identify useful candidate anti-pain drugs from this starting pool, Liedtke’s team devised a screening method that relied on brain nerve cells from genetically-engineered mice that were “knockin” for a convenient reporter gene system so that compounds that enhance expression of an anti-pain target gene would generate a bio-luminescent signal which can be readily measured, allowing 1,057 compounds to be tested.

The selected anti-pain target gene was Kcc2 which encodes a chloride extruding transporter molecule, KCC2. KCC2 churns out chloride from nerve cells, low chloride means strong function of inhibitory neurotransmission, also in pain pathways, thus silencing the pain signal, or not allowing it to break through. In essentially all forms of chronic pain studied in experimental animals and also human spinal cord models, KCC2 disappears from the primary pain gate in the dorsal spinal cord. Liedtke’s team identified 137 first-round winners, i.e Kcc2 gene expression-enhancers, which then were retested iteratively, with a yield of four final co-winners. Kenpaullone was selected for work-up because the compound had a strong record of protecting nerve cells in human ALS models, also hearing and brain neurons from damage. In mice, Kenpaullone functioned effectively against pain caused by nerve constriction injury and by cancer cells seeding in the femur. Pain relief was profound, long lasting and with protracted onset, indicative of Kenpaullone impacting gene regulation.

Says Liedtke “At this stage, we knew we had met the basic requirement of our screen of shelved cancer drugs, namely identified Kcc2 gene expression-enhancers, and demonstrated that they are analgesics in valid preclinical pain models.” Thus encouraged, Liedtke’s team addressed whether Kenpaullone affected spinal cord processing of pain, with affirmative findings, then whether the pain-relaying nerve cells in the dorsal spinal cord can lower their elevated chloride, caused by nerve injury, by Kenpaullone treatment – again with resoundingly affirmative results. This was great news and prompted the investigators to query how exactly Kenpaullone works in nerve cells so that the Kcc2 gene is expressed stronger.

They discovered the underlying signaling mechanism, a key element of it completely new. Kenpaullone inhibits the kinase GSK3-beta which adds phosphate tags to other proteins which in turn switches their function powerfully. They found that the kinase target of GSK3beta is delta-catenin, delta-cat, which when phosphorylated is tagged for the cellular garbage bin. That means that chronic pain, via activation of GSK3-beta leads to loss of delta-cat in pain relaying neurons. What is the original function of delta-cat in relation to pain relay, and in relation to gene expression of Kcc2 ?  Liedtke’s team found that non-phosphorylated delta-cat transfers into the cell’s nucleus and binds to the Kcc2 gene’s DNA in its promoter region, where it switches back on the switched-off Kcc2 gene. To prove the relevance of this pathway for pain, they devised a gene-therapeutic approach so that phosphorylation-resistant delta-cat becomes the payload of an AAV9 gene-therapy viral vector, which infects spinal cord dorsal horn neurons. Injection of this gene therapy vector into the cerebrospinal fluid of mice was similarly analgesic as Kenpaullone.

These findings suggest that Kenpaullone and similarly-acting kinase-inhibitory compounds, also delta-cat gene therapy can become new tools in our toolbox against chronic “refractory” pain, also caused by nerve injury, also caused by cancer bone pain, likely against other forms of chronic pain where Kcc2 is not expressed well (trigeminal pain), and possibly other neurologic and psychiatric disorders where this mechanism appears to contribute to disease.

Amidst Duke co-authors, 1st author Dr. Michele Yeo successfully elucidated basic regulation of the Kcc2 gene together with Liedtke for more than a decade and ran the 1,057 compound screen, co-first author Dr. Yong Chen provided skillful animal experimentation, and co-senior author Dr. Ru-Rong Ji (Director of Translational Pain Research) and his team covered dedicated assessment of spinal cord relay mechanisms. Collaboration with Dr Jorge Busciglio’s laboratory at UC Irvine was key to validate human relevance of Kenpaullone.

Summary Figure
Upper right “Junkyard of cancer” drugs were screened, akin to sieving through sand, looking for gold nuggets. Kenpaullone was identified as a “winner”, capable of switching on the Kcc2 gene, which previous research predicted to be beneficial for chronic pain.
Upper left Nerve injury pain and bone cancer pain are serious and pressing unmet medical needs. Preclinical models were used totest Kenpaullone which proved to be highly effective in both.
Middle panels, left-hand Nerve injury by constriction or cancer cells populating a bone activates GSK3ß, an enzyme that tags other proteins with phosphate. In nerve cells dedicated to pain relay in the spinal cord, GSK3ß tags d-catenin
(d-CAT), which routs d-CAT to the cellular garbage bin. Without d- CAT in the cells’ nucleus, the Kcc2 gene remains switched off. This in turn makes the pain relay neurons run full of chloride which makes them electrically more jittery, with chronic “refractory” pain a result.
Right-hand panel Treatment with Kenpaullone inhibits GSK3b’s phosphate-tagging capability, so that d-CAT becomes untagged, which clears the way to the nerve cells’ nucleus. There it binds to the DNA region of the Kcc2 gene critical for switch-on or switch-off, the promoter. By binding there, d- CAT reverts the switch-off to switch-on and the Kcc2 gene is running again, making KCC2 protein. KCC2 in turn pumps chloride ions out of the pain-relay nerve cells, making them electrically more stable. This leads to circuit repair and pain relief, based on resetting of the genetic switches. Instead of Kenpaullone, d-CAT can serve as payload of a gene therapy approach that directs expression of d-CAT and hence KCC2 to pain relay nerve cells in the spinal cord.

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NET Therapy – Chronic Pain Management

Holistic therapy

The following article was written by a practitioner in America but there are many chiropractors trained in this therapy in Australia.  This type of therapy does not appear to have research papers that provide conclusive scientific evidence.  However when a therapy is created around an individual and their particular needs, it is difficult to set control values.

This therapy was developed in the 1980’s.  Since that time, many medical practitioners acknowledge that mental health, emotional wellbeing and the nervous system all need to be evaluated when creating a pain management plan.

NET Therapy With Dr. Mary Lou Rane: Recover and Heal Today

As an integrative health expert with a Ph.D. in nutrition and certification in Neuro Emotional Technique, Dr. Mary Lou Rane has worked with countless patients in healing their limiting beliefs and inner pains for over the last 30 years.

So many of us live with unexplained pain, tension, and stress for years without ever truly dealing with them. We learn to live with these burdens, letting them weigh us down in everything we do. This stops us from reaching our full potential and living our best lives, and no amount of medication or trips to the doctor seem to help.

Neuro Emotional Technique Therapy or NET Therapy tackles these unknown pains and stresses by dealing with the root emotional and physiological cause in the body. With NET Therapy, patients find themselves healed from headaches, general anxiety, body pains, self-sabotaging habits, and more, in a simple yet effective session that determines emotional and stress responses through muscle testing and tracing back the true root of your emotional stress.

Read on to learn more about what you can expect from an NET Therapy session.

What is NET?

NET or Neuro Emotional Technique is a type of therapy which focuses on healing the body and its stress-related responses by targeting the physiological foundations of those conditions.

Emotional responses have physiological foundations in the form of amino acid chains that are carried throughout the body. NET Therapy deals with these physiological components of our most stress-inducing and traumatic experiences, helping the mind and body heal from these experiences permanently.

Impactful or traumatic negative emotions and experiences leave behind these physiological marks on the body. These can impair both the mind and the body from ever truly healing, thus leaving you with unexplained stressors or physical pains until these emotions are addressed. Neuro Emotional Technique addresses what is known as the Neuro Emotional Complex, or NEC, the emotional imprints crippling your physiological function.

Simply put, NET treats stress-related physical and mental conditions by tracing them back to their physiological location in the body, and working on them there. When paired with other healing therapies, NET helps patients get over any existing psycho-emotional blocks, which are residue from traumatic past events. These blocks prevent the body from truly healing from any conditions it may be experiencing, as well as further aggravating existing conditions.

For more detailed information about Neuro Emotional Technique, I wrote I whole piece that includes a brief history of NET.

Key Benefits of NET: Why You Would Want It

How do you know when NET might be beneficial for you? Again, NET is best for those dealing with stored long-term emotional trauma, as NET helps patients release that trauma (or neuro-emotional complexes) and allow their body and mind to physically and psychologically heal.

Here are some warning signs that you may be experiencing stored traumas in the form of neuro-emotional complexes:

  • You have unexplained shoulder tension and headaches
  • You often feel overwhelmed
  • You burst out in tears at times
  • Your digestive system isn’t as reliable as it once was
  • You often experience exhaustion or fatigue
  • You have little to no motivation to engage in activities you were once passionate about
  • You have tons of unexplained physical discomfort or pain

Various studies have proven the effectiveness of Neuro Emotional Technique Therapy. Patients who undergo NET Therapy can expect improvements in conditions like:

  • Headaches
  • General anxiety
  • Self-sabotaging habits
  • Body pains
  • Organ dysfunctions
  • Phobias

But NET Therapy helps in more ways than just the physical. With NET, patients experience a variety of psycho-emotional benefits, such as:

  • Unlocking and reprogramming the subconscious to recover from any psycho-emotional blocks
  • Promoting your own understanding of what you need in relationships, allowing you to develop and maintain more fulfilling relationships with your friends and family
  • Understanding the sources of the limiting beliefs that are holding you back in your subconscious, and unraveling them from the inside out
  • Correcting any neurological imbalances caused by unresolved stress and its physiological effects, leading to significant reduction on stress, anxiety, and phobias

Patients who experience successful NET Therapy by proven professionals find themselves feeling renewed and revitalized, as if the weights on their shoulders have finally been removed. This gives patients a greater ability to live out the life they want to live and achieve their true purpose.

What To Expect During the NET Session: Step-By-Step Breakdown

So what exactly happens during the typical NET Therapy session, and what can you expect during this session as a patient?

While the small details may vary from practitioner to practitioner, the typical NET Therapy session begins with muscle testing, which is also known as manual muscle testing or applied kinesiology. Muscle testing is a method to uncover muscular, structural, and mental conditions. An easy way to understand muscle testing is to refer to the third Law of Motion: “For every action there is an equal opposing reaction.”

Muscle testing applies this idea to ailments afflicting the human body. This concept indicates that internal issues and stressors naturally lead to a muscle weakness. Through muscle testing, practitioners can locate where these issues may be by linking them with the meridian system found in traditional Eastern medicine, which finds the paths between various parts of the bodies.

The session begins with muscle testing and the NET idea of emotions and their specific physiological effects on the body to trace the patient’s exact stressor. For example, a patient may come in with a sore left knee that she had been dealing with for months with no known cause. This may be a sign of a NEC (Neuro-Emotional Complex).

The practitioner will use reflex points on the body to try to link the knee pain with any stress and tension that the body is holding onto. The patient will also be asked if they have any current problem or source of stress, whether at work, home, or with their relationships. Once this problem is identified, the practitioner will find a certain statement around the topic to make their tested muscle go weak.

In practice, this works with the practitioner asking the patient to raise their arm, and the practitioner pushing it down with their hand; this is to test the strength of the muscle. This is repeated several times as the practitioner goes through various statements, looking for the issue that may be causing the patient stress.

For women, one common issue is the feeling that they’re not enough — not enough as a mother, as a partner, as a friend, or as a woman. For this issue, the patient is challenged by being asked to say statements like, “I am a loving mother”, “I am fine just the way I am”, “I am beautiful enough and good enough as me”, all while muscle testing is applied.

This is repeated until a certain statement is found that causes the arm (or whichever muscle being tested) to fail. Once this occurs, the practitioner uses NET to find the emotions associated with that specific statement by linking that emotion to their pain or other symptoms.

Finally, the NET practitioner works with the patient to find the exact painful moment in their past where that negative emotion and limiting belief was created. With NET Therapy, these stuck emotions become slowly released, allowing the patient to recover from these limiting beliefs and heal from these long-term stressors.

 

https://www.netmindbody.com/more-information/what-is-net/

Australian content

https://www.netmindbody.com/more-information/what-is-net/

Research Paper

Stress reduction via neuro-emotional technique

 

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MLS Treatment Therapy

So what is MLS Treatment Therapy, and how can it help sufferers of trigeminal neuralgia?

What is a Multi Wave Locked System?

The Multiwave Locked System (MLSÂŽ) is a new patented LLLT system that combines 905nm pulsed emissions with 808nm continuous emissions.I

It was developed by ASA Laser to help overcome some of the limitations on previous LLLT systems. The aim is to produce simultaneous actions on pain, inflammation and oedema. With the MLSŽ system it is possible to achieve strong anti-inflammatory, anti-oedema and analgesic effects simultaneously and in a short period of time.

The unique synchronised laser beam delivers a balance of the two wavelengths and powers providing safe and effective delivery. The optical design of the delivery system transfers energy up to 3 – 4 cm deep to effect tissue at a cellular level. The synchronised wave results in a synergistic effect where both the analgesic and anti-oedema effects are greater than if two single lasers had been used.

Research suggests for lasting effects from MLS Laser you will likely require 5-6 treatments depending on how your condition responds. Often you will experience a noticeable improvement after just 2 treatments.

For further information about the technology please See Here

This technology has been utilised for a number of years and research has been undertaken  Successful treatment for neuropathic pain with MLSŽ: a case study.

Some clinics use different terminology, however the MLS is used to deliver the treatment.

How does it work?

MLS Laser Therapy is a medical breakthrough therapeutic device with unparalleled applications and treatment outcomes. The laser works by converting light into biochemical energy, resulting in normal cell function, which causes symptoms (PAIN) to reduce significantly.

The primary biological action of PBM (MLS) Therapy results from stimulation of cellular transport mechanisms in the mitochondria, cell membranes and epithelial tissues. This action causes the release of vasodilating chemicals, the stimulation of DNA and RNA (building blocks) synthesis, an increase in enzyme production, normalisation of tissue Ph and increased ATP production (healing of the cells from the inside).

 

10 BENEFITS OF MLS LASER THERAPY

  1. Anti-inflammatory: MLS Laser Therapy has anti-oedema effect as it causes vasodilation, but also because it activates the lymphatic drainage system which drains swollen areas. As a result, there is reduction in swelling caused by bruising or inflammation.
  2. Analgesic: MLS Laser Therapy has a beneficial effect on nerve cells, it blocks pain transmitted by these cells to the brain which decreases nerve sensitivity.  Also, due to the decreased inflammation, there is less oedema and less pain.  Another pain blocking mechanism involves the production of high levels of pain killing chemicals such as endorphins and enkephalin from the brain and adrenal gland.
  3. Accelerated Tissue Repair and Cell Growth: Photons of light from the laser penetrate deeply into tissue and accelerate cellular reproduction and growth.  The laser light increases the energy available to the cell so the cell can take on nutrients faster and get rid of waste products.  As a result of exposure to laser light, cells are repaired faster.
  4. Improved Vascular Activity: Laser light will significantly increase the formation on new capillaries in damages tissue which speeds up the healing process, closes wounds quickly and reduces scar tissue.  Additional benefits include acceleration of angiogenesis, which causes temporary vasodilation and increase in the diameter of blood vessels.
  5. Increases Metabolic Activity: MSL Laser Therapy creates higher outputs of specific enzymes, greater oxygen and food particles loads for blood cells.
  6. Trigger Points and Acupuncture Points: MLS Laser Therapy stimulates muscle trigger points and acupuncture points on a non-invasive basis providing musculoskeletal pain relief.
  7. Reduced Fibrous Tissue Formation: MLS Laser Therapy reduces the formation of scar tissue following tissue damage from cuts, scratches, burns or surgery.
  8. Improved Nerve Function: Slow recovery of nerve functions in damaged tissue can result in numbness and impaired limbs.  Laser light speeds the process of nerve cell reconnection and increase the amplitude of action potentials to optimise muscle healing.
  9. Immuno-regulation:Laser Light has a direct effect on immunity status by stimulating immunoglobulins and lymphocytes.  Laser emissions are absorbed by chromophores (molecule enzymes) that react to laser light.  Upon exposure to the laser, the enzyme flavomononucleotide is activated and starts the production of ATP (adenosine-triphosphate), which is the major carrier of cell energy and the energy source for all chemicals reactions in the cells.
  10. Faster Wound Healing: Laser light stimulates fibroblast development in damaged tissue. Fibroblasts are the building blocks of collagen, which is the essential protein required to replace old tissue or to repair tissue injuries.  As a result, Laser Therapy is effective post surgically and in the treatment of open wounds and burns.

An interesting  in depth article covering every thing you need to know about MLS laser treatment in America, the history, the believers, the skeptics, the medical profession, the politicians and the people who use it

 Does it really work – blog

Pain clinics around Australia are now using this technology see below for examples – please note we do not recommend providers and suggest you discuss any new treatment options with your medical practitioners.

Introducing MLS Laser Therapy The first of its kind on the Central Coast

 

MLS Laser Therapy

Latest Technology

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TNA Australia Webinar – Dr Ben Jonker

TNA Australia are delighted to provide the recording of Dr Ben Jonker’s presentation covering

“Which Procedure Should I Have For Trigeminal Neuralgia”

The Association has committed to create four educational webinars a year and we are delighted the members of our Medical Board are providing their expertise to help all sufferers of Trigeminal Neuralgia navigate their diagnosis and treatment.

The opportunity to work in the digital space has been provided by a grant to support our work in a Tele Health capacity, by The Cromwell Property Foundation and we acknowledge their generosity

Dr Ben Jonker is a member of the Associations Medical Advisory Board and you can read more about him using the below link

Central Neurosurgery | Dr Benjamin Jonker | Home

 

 

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Chronic Pain and Anxiety: How to Cope

Managing Anxiety is very important when you suffer  chronic pain from Trigeminal Neuralgia

The following article was written by Kathleen Smith, PhD, LPC and has some helpful advice

Is your chronic illness causing you to suffer from chronic anxiety? Do you feel like you have no control of your body OR mind? Follow these tips on how to cope when your chronic pain causes anxiety

If you’ve been diagnosed with a chronic illness, you may feel as if you have no control over your future. The stress of learning to navigate the medical world, cope with physical changes, and manage daily life can often lead to excessive worry or panic.

Researchers have found that experiencing a chronic illness puts a person at increased risk for developing anxiety or an anxiety disorder. Roughly 40% of people with cancer report experiencing psychological distress that often takes the shape of excessive worry or panic attacks.  People with chronic pain are three times more likely to develop symptoms of anxiety.

Even long after a diagnosis, the daily demands of living with a chronic illness can continue to present challenges and generate anxiety. Loss of mobility or other abilities can lead to worry about safety, employment, or financial independence. Depending on others or engaging in sexual intimacy may also be concerns. Some are more easily able to adapt to the changes in their lives. Others may feel overwhelmed with anxiety and struggle to cope.

Fortunately, anxiety is treatable with therapy, medication and complementary and alternative treatments (i.e. acupuncture). But when the focus is on the chronic illness, anxiety is often overlooked. That’s why it’s important to talk to your doctor about your emotional and cognitive health, and to speak up when you experience

Signs of Anxiety in Patients with Chronic Illness

  • Excessively worrying about physical health
  • Trouble sleeping due to worry
  • Having nightmares about physical health
  • Experiencing panic attacks about prognosis
  • Difficulty discussing physical condition
  • Avoiding treatments that cause anxiety
  • Avoiding social interactions
  • Having intrusive thoughts about dying
  • Becoming irritable about physical health
What You Can Do

Challenge negative thinking.  When you’re anxious, your brain may jump to conclusions, assume the worst, or exaggerate. Catastrophizing and ignoring the positives in your life may occur when you live with the challenges of a chronic illness.

One way to manage anxiety is by being aware of the negative thinking, examining it and challenge the irrational thoughts.

Counselors/therapists can play an important role in teaching you this important coping skill.

Calm your mind.  Relaxation techniques can be an effective way to calm anxious thinking and direct your mind to a more positive place. Consider whether mindfulness meditation, yoga, or other breathing and focusing practices can still your body.

Taking  time to relax, increases your ability to think objectively and positively when it comes to making choices about your health and life.

Find a good prescriber. If you take medication for both mental and for physical health, it’s important to that your doctors are aware of all your medications. Some medications may actually escalate anxiety, so it’s essential to work with a prescriber who can make informed choices that address both conditions without worsening either.

Find a support group. Managing a chronic illness can be a lonely job as it may be difficult for loved ones to understand the unique challenges.

Support groups are wonderful for creating community but also for providing information that can help reduce worry. They can also connect you to valuable resources for treating your illness. Check with your local hospital or community center to find a local group. You can also search the Internet for online support.

Recruit the right team. Patients benefit the most when chronic illness and psychological distress, such as anxiety, are treated with a team of people who communicate regularly. Doctors, pain specialists, psychiatrists, counselors, occupational therapists, and physical therapists are among those who can help you create and implement a treatment plan for your physical and mental health.

Acknowledge successes. Anxious thinking about chronic illness can keep you from feeling that you have control over anything in life. It’s important to acknowledge all successes, both big and small. Keep track of the healthy things you do for your mind and body. Exercising, going to counseling, spending time with a friend–these can all help. Keeping these successes at the front of your mind can help you combat worry. They can remind you that you do have the power to affect your present and future.

If you think that you might have anxiety in addition to chronic illness, be honest with your doctor. Ask for help. Anxiety is highly treatable

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Facial Pain 101 – Understanding Trigeminal Neuralgia (webinar)

Facial Pain 101 – Understanding Trigeminal Neuralgia and Case Presentations

Hosted by Steven D Chang MD

Panalists

Max Windermark MD (Neuroradiologist)

Erqi Pollom MD (Radiation Oncologist)

Nui Nui Zang MD (Neurologist)

Xiang Qian MD (Pain Management)

In December 2021 Stanford University Medicine hosted a webinar discussing the causes of Trigeminal Neuralgia, preferred treatments based on case study.

The Stanford Health Care (SHC) new 824,000 square-foot state-of-the-art hospital opened in 2019 with over 600 beds, making it one of the largest inpatient facilities in California. Ranked in the top 10 for Neurology and Neurosurgical Care by US News and World Report, SHC is at the cutting edge of the latest treatments for neurological diseases.

The presentation is 90 minutes in length and covers MRI explanations,  discussions about medication and pain management and is a great resource

TNA Australia registered for the webinar in order for users of our site and members to have access to recent quality information and is published with permission from the producers

Continue reading Facial Pain 101 – Understanding Trigeminal Neuralgia (webinar)

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