Once Again Certain Antibiotics Can Cause Neuropathy Vid

Today's post from click2houston.com (see link below) is another media report on the growing opposition to fluoroquinolone antibiotics, which can cause significant health problems as side effects. This especially applies to neuropathy patients and those susceptible to nerve damage. If your doctor is prescribing one of these antibiotics, ask him or her if he is aware of the potential health problems and if an alternative may be better for you. If you're at all worried, or not satisfied with your doctor's answer, do your research and if necessary, stamp your foot until a better option is presented - these drugs are clearly dangerous to many people with nerve damage, or potential nerve damage (diabetics, alcoholics, HIV patients, cancer patients and many more).

Thousands of adverse reactions reported from common antibiotics.
Patients claim they were not properly warned of side effects from Levaquin, Ciprofloxacin 
Author: Haley Hernandez, Reporter Published On: Apr 13 2015


 

HOUSTON -

Less than a year ago, David Crain, a healthy and vibrant 33-year-old musician and personal trainer, was in the prime of his life.

“I was running 6 miles in the August heat with my shirt off, screaming, yelling, listening to music effortlessly,” he said.

Now, he can barely play his guitar.

“Just about all I can do. It's hurting. If I do it now, I'll pay for it later,” Crain said.

Last June Crain went to the emergency room for what doctors believed was colitis. He was prescribed the antibiotic Ciprofloxacin, a generic form of Bayer’s Cipro, and began taking the recommended dosage.

“I think around about day seven or day eight, I just noticed like every time I would stand up I’d just be super-fatigued,” Crain said. “My ears rang all the time, I had trouble walking in the second month. My shoulders hurt, my tendons hurt.”

Tammy Renzi was prescribed the antibiotic Levaquin for a sinus infection. Six days into her 10-day dosage, she said she knew something wasn't right.

“I had a heaviness in my thighs. I had pressure in my lower spine. My vertebrae felt like they were rubbing on each other and I could hear the snapping in them,” Renzi said.

Both Crain and Renzi are not alone. From November 1997 to May 2011, more than 85,000 adverse reactions to Levaquin were reported to the Food and Drug Administration, including 1,174 deaths.

More than 67,000 adverse reactions to Cipro were also reported, including 1,257 deaths.

Dr. Charles Bennett, state chair of Medication Safety at the University of South Carolina, has been tracking the issue. He said Crain and Renzi's reactions may be caused by a mysterious genetic predisposition.

“Research should be done to identify those genetic factors,” Bennett said. “You certainly wouldn't want to take a drug if you knew you had a genetic predisposition to its side effects.”

Until that research is done, Bennett has petitioned the FDA, requesting stronger warnings.

“The current insert has a black box warning for tendon rupture and neurologic damage. It needs to be beyond the package insert,” he said.

Channel 2 Investigates reached out to both drug manufacturers.

According to Bayer Corporation, the FDA issued a drug safety communication requiring that "the drug labels and medication guides for all fluoroquinolone antibacterial drugs be updated to better describe the serious side effect of peripheral neuropathy."

Johnson & Johnson, Levaquin’s parent company, wrote, “Since 2004, the Levaquin label has informed physicians and patients about possible side effects related to peripheral neuropathy.”

Crain and Renzi said they want everyone to know the risks so that they don't end up with the same fate.

“I wouldn't take it again if my life depended on it,” Renzi said.

“My biggest fear is that I’m, you know, my son is never going to know who I was,” Crain said.

Renzi and Crain are not currently considering legal action, but in 2012 Johnson & Johnson settled lawsuits with 845 plaintiffs who claimed they were not properly warned about the risks.

http://www.click2houston.com/news/more-than-2000-adverse-reactions-reported-from-common-prescription-medications/32350128

Can Mirogabalin Help With Neuropathy Pain

Today's post from medscape.com (see link below) is an interesting one concerning a new drug - Mirogabalin - to treat neuropathy. It has been tested against pregabalin (Lyrica) which may raise eyebrows considering Lyrica's bad reputation and has shown promise. I can't find out for sure if it's an anticonvulsant but assume that it is, if it's being tested against pregabalin (the name is also similar). Anyway, if you find that your current treatment is not working, it may be worth mentioning it to your doctor. Although the drug is not yet on the market, it's worth getting him or her to note it down. certainly worth doing some more research of your own.
 

Diabetic Neuropathy Pain: Mirogabalin Promising in Pilot StudyMiriam E. TuckerOctober 10, 2014 Medscape Medical News

Mirogabalin (Daiichi Sankyo) has shown promise as a potential treatment for diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain in a dose-ranging, proof-of-concept study that pitted it against both placebo and pregabalin (Lyrica, Pfizer).

Results from a phase 2, randomized, double-blind study were presented September 12 at Neurodiab, the annual meeting of the Diabetic Neuropathy Study Group of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes by Domenico Merante, MD, of Daiichi Sankyo, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom, and were also published online September 17 in Diabetes Care by Aaron Vinik, MD, of Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, and colleagues.

In the study of 452 subjects with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who also had painful distal symmetric sensorimotor polyneuropathy for 6 months or longer, mirogabalin doses of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 mg produced greater reductions in average daily pain scores at 5 weeks than did either placebo or 300-mg pregabalin, both of which performed similarly.

Both gabapentin and pregabalin are first-line treatments for diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain, but only pregabalin is approved specifically for this indication by the US Food and Drug Administration, Dr. Vinik and colleagues explain. Mirogabalin is being developed worldwide by Daiichi Sankyo for the treatment of neuropathic pain.

Conference session comoderator James W. Russell, MBChB, professor of neurology, anatomy, and neurobiology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, told Medscape Medical News, "This is a phase 2 study, so it's really the first serious look at this compound. Obviously, one needs more data to be able to say that mirogabalin is superior to pregabalin or is itself efficacious."

He also cited some concerns, including the lack of effect for the established treatment pregabalin compared with placebo, the short duration of the trial, and combining data from patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Nonetheless, he noted that the study was well-conducted and that the investigators are "top-notch."

"I think mirogabalin is definitely a promising medication. It is a potential therapy to be added to our armamentarium for a very serious and disabling complication, painful diabetic sensory polyneuropathy," he told Medscape Medical News.

Mirogabalin More Selective for Pain than Pregabalin?

In the paper, Dr. Vinik and colleagues explain that mirogabalin binds to the same neuropathic pain-associated alpha-2-delta calcium-channel ligand subunits as pregabalin but is preferentially selective for alpha-2-delta-1, which is believed to be associated with analgesic effects, whereas pregabalin nonselectively targets both alpha-2-delta-1 and alpha-2-delta-2, which appears to contribute to central nervous system (CNS) side effects.

Thus, mirogabalin may provide a wider therapeutic index with fewer CNS complications, they suggest.

Of the 452 patients randomized to 1 of the 7 treatment groups in the trial, 383 completed the study, but 433 were included in the analysis using a last-observation-carried-forward design. Discontinuation rates were 13% for placebo, 18% for mirogabalin 30 mg, and 27% for pregabalin.

The subjects were 75% white and 54% male. Most (92%) had type 2 diabetes, with a mean HbA1c of 7.4% at baseline and an average 5.8 years of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain. About a third had used either pregabalin or gabapentin in the past.

The primary end point was mean change from baseline in the 11-point average daily pain score (with 0 being no pain and 10 being worst possible pain).

At baseline, that score was 7.0 in the placebo arm, 6.7 across mirogabalin groups, and 6.6 for the pregabalin subjects.

Mean Reductions in the Pain Score at Week 5

Treatment Reduction in Pain Score
Placebo 1.9
Mirogabalin, mg
5 2.0
10 2.3
15 2.7
20 2.6
30 2.8
Pregabalin, 1.8 mg 1.8


The drops for the highest 3 mirogabalin doses were statistically significant compared with placebo (P < 0.05), beginning at week 1 and continuing through week 5.

The mean differences for pregabalin vs placebo were significant at weeks 1 and 2 but not weeks 3 through 5. The difference between mirogabalin 15 mg and 30 mg and pregabalin 300 mg were statistically significant, the investigators report.

The proportion of subjects achieving pain-score improvements of 30% or greater were 56% through 67% in the top 3 mirogabalin dose groups, compared with 38% with pregabalin and 42% with placebo.

Improvement of 50% or more points was achieved in 39% to 44% of the 15-, 20- and 30-mg mirogabalin groups, vs 28% with pregabalin and 24% for placebo.

But Lack of Effect of Pregabalin Is Concerning, and Side Effects Seem Similar

Dr. Russell urged caution in interpreting these findings. "The study actually showed a minimal effect on neuropathic pain scores with pregabalin compared with mirogabalin. This to me is a little concerning, since there are at least 3 class I studies showing efficacy of pregabalin and over longer periods of time. When you're doing a comparison of a new drug vs the established approved medication, it raises a little bit of concern when the established proved medication doesn't perform as expected."

He added, "I think most physicians who use pregabalin extensively would agree it clearly has a benefit in the treatment of painful diabetic sensory polyneuropathy."

With regard to safety, adverse events were mostly mild, and included central nervous system events in 2.8% with placebo, 14% in all mirogabalin groups combined, and 12% with pregabalin. Dizziness and somnolence were the most common, and most had resolved by study end.

Edema occurred in 1% of those taking placebo, 5% of the mirogabalin subjects, and in 10% of those on pregabalin. Mildly blurred vision was reported in 2% of both placebo and mirogabalin groups and 4% with pregabalin. No deaths occurred during the study, and only 1 serious medication-related adverse event — a gallstone in a man with comorbidities taking 15 mg mirogabalin — was reported.

Study discontinuations due to adverse events were 2% of the placebo group, 7% of mirogabalin subjects, and 4% with pregabalin.

Dr. Russell told Medscape Medical News that he didn't see much difference between the side-effect profiles of mirogabalin and pregabalin, but that future studies would need to compare whatever the most effective dose of mirogabalin turns out to be with the standard 300-mg dose of pregabalin.

"You compare the optimal dose of each drug, so it's apples to apples."

More Data Needed, and Longer Duration

Dr. Russell added — and the authors acknowledge as well — that 5 weeks is probably not long enough for a study to evaluate the full effects of a neuropathy medication.

"Until we start to see data to at least 12 weeks or even longer showing mirogabalin is efficacious over that period of time, we have to remain open as to its overall efficacy," he commented.

He also said that although mirogabalin's half-life is longer than pregabalin's and therefore could perhaps be dosed less often — once or twice daily vs 2 or 3 times a day — most of the pain effect would likely be related to peak drug levels.

"With a longer study, you'd get more info about when peaks and troughs occur and whether peak levels correspond to changes in average daily pain scores."

Also related to the longer half-life is a potential concern about renal excretion in patients with impaired renal function. The study excluded such patients, but the issue is important because painful diabetic neuropathy and impaired renal function often coexist in patients with long-term diabetes, Dr. Russell noted.

He also said that because neuropathy in type 1 and type 2 diabetes differs, studies shouldn't lump the 2 patient groups together.

"Type 1 diabetes is far more dependent on glycemic control than type 2, whereas other factors are more important in type 2, like lipid metabolism and inflammatory markers. They really are different. I'd like studies to move away from the idea that all diabetic neuropathy is the same."

Dr. Vinik received research funding from Daiichi Sankyo for this study, and Dr. Merante is an employee of the company. Disclosures for the coauthors are listed in the article. Dr. Russell's institution received a grant from Impeto Medical to study a device to measure neuropathy, but he personally received no direct funding.

Diabetes Care. Published online September 17, 2014. Abstract

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/833017#vp_2

NEW BLOOD TEST CAN PREDICT FUTURE BREAST CANCER

According to the World Health Organization, breast cancer is one of the most common cancer in women both in the developed and less developed world, and in the long term the scientists hope that the new method will lead to better prevention and early treatment of the disease.

The method is better than mammography, which can only be used when the disease has already occurred. It is not perfect, but it is truly amazing that we can predict breast cancer years into the future," said Rasmus Bro, a professor of chemometrics in the Department of Food Science at University of Copenhagen. He stressed the method has been tested and validated only for a single population (cohort) and needs to be validated more widely before it can be used practically.

A new way of detecting diseases

Nevertheless, the method could create a paradigm shift in early diagnosis of breast cancer as well as other diseases.

"The potential is that we can detect a disease like breast cancer much earlier than today. This is important as it is easier to treat if you discover it early. In the long term, it will probably also be possible to use similar models to predict other diseases," said Lars Ove Dragsted, a professor of biomedicine in the Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports.

The method has been developed in cooperation with the Danish Cancer Society and the study was recently published in Metabolomics.

Food science showed the way

The researchers' approach to developing the method was adopted from food science, where it is used for control of complex industrial processes. Basically, it involves handling and analysing huge amounts of biological data in a holistic and explorative way. The researchers analysed all compounds a blood sample contains instead of -- as is often done in health and medical science -- examining what a single biomarker means in relation to a specific disease.

"When a huge amount of relevant measurements from many individuals is used to assess health risks -- here breast cancer -- it creates very high quality information. The more measurements our analyses contain, the better the model handles complex problems," continued Professor Rasmus Bro.

The model does not reveal anything about the importance of the single biomarkers in relation to breast cancer, but it does reveal the importance of a set of biomarkers and their interactions.

"No single part of the pattern is actually necessary nor sufficient. It is the whole pattern that predicts the cancer," said Professor Dragsted.

A metabolic blood profile describes the amounts of all compounds (metabolites) in our blood. The scientists measured metabolic blood profiles for this project. When you are in a pre-cancer state, the pattern for how certain metabolites are processed apparently changes.

While a mammography can detect newly developed breast cancer with a sensitivity of 75 per cent, the new metabolic blood profile is able to predict the likelihood of a woman developing breast cancer within the next two to five years with a sensitivity of 80 per cent.

Based on population study

The research is based on a population study of 57,000 people followed by the Danish Cancer Society over 20 years. The participants were first examined in 1994-96, during which time their weight and other measurements were recorded and they answered a questionnaire. They also provided a blood sample that was stored in liquid nitrogen.

The scientists used the 20-year-old blood samples and other available data from 400 women who were healthy when they were first examined but who were diagnosed with breast cancer two to seven years after providing the first sample, and from 400 women who did not develop breast cancer.

The method was also used to test a different dataset of women examined in 1997. Predictions based on the new set of data matched the first dataset, which indicates the validity of the model.

NOW NEW DEVICE THAT CAN SLOW REVERSE HEART FAILURE

Scientists have developed a new implantable device that can help in controlling and reversing heart failure, it has been reported.

According to lead researcher Dr. William Abraham of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center the new device has shown promising results in the first trial to determine safety and effectiveness in patients.

Researchers at seven U.S. centers examined an extra-aortic counterpulsation system called C-Pulse, made by Sunshine Heart Inc. It's a cuff that wraps around the aorta and syncs with the patient's heartbeat, rapidly inflating and deflating a small balloon to help squeeze blood through the aorta to circulate throughout the body.

It's powered through a wire that exits the abdomen and connects to an external driver worn by the patient. The driver could be plugged in or battery-powered.

The most common adverse effect during the trial was infection of the exit site, experienced by 8 out of 20 participants. Researchers noted that stricter guidelines for exit site management, wound care and antibiotic therapy could reduce that risk in future studies.

There were no hospitalizations among the participants for stroke, thrombosis, sepsis or bleeding, which often occurs in patients using left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). The researchers said this was due to the device remaining outside the bloodstream.

Another important difference was the C-Pulse device could be temporarily turned off and disconnected, allowing patients some conveniences that an LVAD doesn't permit.

The study is published in the Journal of American College of Cardiology Heart Failure. 

Can Probiotics Help Neuropathy Symptoms

Today's very interesting article from markbrudnak.com (see link below) talks about the role supplemented probiotics may have in helping with neuropathy symptoms. You see them in every supermarket, very often in daily liquid doses but if you are considering them, health food shops may have better (if more expensive) options. The benefits of probiotics are being promoted more and more across the neuropathy forums and studies, although at first glance, it may be difficult to make a link in your mind between the brain, nervous system and what's going on in our intestines. The point is that probiotics help stimulate regrowth in cell walls and preserving cellular life expectancy. Nerve cells can be helped by probiotics in that they are believed to maintain mitochondrial integrity. The mitochondria are the energy sources of our nerve cells and mitochondrial dysfunction is a common feature of neuropathy. If nothing else, it is believed that probiotics can slow down the progression of neuropathy. Many HIV specialists also support probiotic supplementation, if only to help reduce intestinal and stomach side effects of certain drugs. This article is well worth reading and discussing with your doctor. 

Peripheral Neuropathy: The Role of Probiotics and Other Nutrients in Neurodegenerative Diseases.
Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients: Aug/Sept 2003

When I saw the theme for this edition, I was some what taken aback. The reason is that this is rather a topic close to my heart as a good friend what just diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy. In fact, I'm having dinner with him later tonight to discuss various natural options he has available.

In my recent book, The Probiotic Solution (Dragon Door Publications)1, I discuss the role that probiotics can play in helping to restore eukaryotic (Human) cellular function. I will come back to that in a minute but let's first discuss what is 'peripheral neuropathy. First, Neuropathy is defined classically as "an abnormal and usually degenerative state of the nervous system or nerves; also: a systemic condition that stems from a neuropathy." The later definition is annoying but is commonly found in dictionaries. I think it is annoying because the use the same word to define what the word is. That has never had sense to me, personally.

With neuropathy define; we need to explore what peripheral is. The number one definition is equally annoying as it is, "1: of, relating to, involving, or forming a periphery or surface part." If we go and find what 'periphery' means we find the definition of, "the external boundary or surface of a body." Now that makes sense!

So what do we have here? Peripheral neuropathy is, to boil it down, a degeneration of neurons in distal (far from the center) places of the body. In my friend's case, it is his legs. This is common with this diagnosis.

If that is peripheral, what is the center? That becomes a bit more complicated. Typically, it is considered to be the brain and spinal cord, for neurons. This is where the bulk is thought to be. However, there is certainly more to this.

We are now coming to understand that the 'gut' (gastrointestinal tract) is loaded with enough neurons as to be dubbed, 'The Second Brain." So what? Why is that important?

We now know that every single neurotransmitter in the 'brain' is also produced in the human gut. The cool thing about nature, and evolution, is it wastes nothing. I was at a DAN! Think-tank a couple of years ago and heard of Dr. Michael Gershin's book, The Second Brain(Harper Collins, New York, 1998). This fascinated me, because I have a strong background in gut-based immune competence of the body. He basically lays out the case that the gut and the Brain are intimately connected, though we are not sure how.

There are many things that are cytotoxic to cells. For instance, we know that Prostaglandins (of which there are numerous ones) are such compounds. These are formed by the degradation of arachidonic acid by cyclo-oxygenases –1 and –2 (cox1 and cox2, respectively). There has been much ado about how bad inhibiting cox1 on enzyme is on mucosal membranes and its possible contribution to ulcers and cancer. This paper is not really about but rather to let you know that those active enzymes, both of them, are in part responsible for the degradation of cells.

What all can be done and what role can probiotics play in this? All nerve cells have a cell membrane. That membrane is composed of phospholipids, which are fat molecules with phosphates attached to them. All cells have phospholipids, especially the bilayer of human cells. If a cell does not have them, or enough of the, then the integrity of the cellular membrane will be weakened. Eventually, if this goes on for protracted periods, the cell will die. The translation, if we are talking about neurons, is that the neuropathy will result.

The use of probiotics has several important implications in treating and even preventing peripheral neuropathy. For instance, taking phosphatidyl serine (PS) can restore the weakened cell membrane that's thought to lead to disease. PS can be produced in the body and also introduced by ingesting things such as eggs and other supplements. Doing so will ensure that every living thing in the body-the bacteria as well as the human cells- will contain membranes composed mainly of phospholipids, interspersed with sundry protein and glycoproteins.

Taking PS has both prophylactic (that is, preventive) and therapeutic purposes. Any cell that's starting along the road toward death (and remember, all cells eventually die) will be much more stable and much happier if you give it a supply of PS. With this boost, the cell will be better ale to fend off the ill effects of accumulated toxins. Remember the prostaglandins? Hopefully, a picture is starting to form for you. Taking something like Alzheimer's Disease as an example, it has been shown that at least 300 mgs / day of PS will have significant results.

Where do the probiotics come in? If one starts ingesting a bunch of bacteria (in the multiple billions / gram), many of them will die. This is actually good because the cell wall components of these bacteria, most of which are phospholipids, will become available for absorption by the body.

Can the degenerative process be stopped or at least slowed? Yes! at least to some degree. Again, supplementing with PS is a good idea. Also, we can use high-dose probiotics (my favorite for a number of situations). As a brief aside, there may be other natural ingredients that can slow the body's production of cytotoxic compounds. For instance, overproduction of Nitric oxide (NO) has been implicated in various pathological processes, including septic shock, tissue damage after inflammation, and rheumatoid arthritis.2 Inhibitors of NO synthase, natural ones, would be very interesting to look at as possible targets for reduction of inhibition of the inflammatory cascade, which in my humble opinion, is at the root of most of our degenerative diseases.

Along those same lines, knocking out cox1 and cox2 is not a bad idea either. I think it is important to stress that while a full-blown assault on these enzymes is not a great idea, low level, chronic inhibition may prove fruitful. In fact, recently it was shown that a modified PG can actually inhibit the formation of prostaglandins in the first place. That is exciting!3

Mitochondrial dysfunction is also thought to be at play here. The mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell, supplying it with energy. When the mitochondria don't function properly, there's an increase in the accumulation of free radicals and also influence in the calcium (a very important second messenger that affects DNA expression) levels. All of this is significant in terms of neurodegradation. Some common supplements that can assist with this are things that quench the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and other free radicals. My favorites are enzyme CoQ10 and green tea. The inflammatory response is so good at its job that it is actually capable of over doing it and tearing apart/destroying healthy cells. This can largely be prevented by the constant consumption of large amounts of antioxidants. Personally, I must drink a gallon or two of green tea a day. I am that convinced of how important it is to a long and healthy life.

A free radical is a molecule that has an uneven number of electrons; as such, it has an open (or half) bond that is highly reactive. The production of free radicals is a normal part of the body's living process; in fact, they are produced all the time. But usually, mechanisms are in place to control free radicals and eliminate them once produced. When free radicals are allowed to accumulate, they go after healthy cells and cellular components. They are like little lightning, zapping other cells and producing even more free radicals.

Having too much calcium in the body is not always a good thing, despite what the large pharmaceutical companies (one in particular) are claiming on TV ads. Why? Calcium is intimately involved in a process called signal transduction. Basically, this involves taking a signal from out side a cell to inside and affecting the DNA. When this happens to nerve cells, it affects the voltage gradient required for the passage of electrical impulses. Calcium is a charged molecule, and changing the amount of calcium inside or outside a cell can change the level of current the cell is able generate.

Probiotics can help stabilize the level of calcium. If a large amount of calcium is ingested, for instance, then the probiotics will be able to consume much of it. And what the probiotics don't consume, they will push out of the body along with the normal waste material. Also, calcium is usually bound, so if there is too little, the probiotics will help liberate the calcium front a bound state.

Isoflavones (naturally occurring, weakly estrogenic compounds that are derived from soy, usually) have been shown to be important for neurodegenerative diseases, in a sort of roundabout way. There is a protein called tau that's regulated by estrogen and estrogen-like compounds, such as isoflavones found in plants and, in particular, in soy. There are two types of isoflavones' those with and without a sugar (glycone and aglycone, respectively). Isoflavones are big and bulky when the sugar is attached; in order for them to be absorbed, the sugar has to be removed. This is done by and enzyme called glycosidase (literally "sugar cleaver"), which cuts the sugar from the isoflavone molecule and allows for absorption. This must happen before the body can use the isoflavone.

Products such as Fermasoy have been fermented with probiotics to create a protein powder that's high in aglycone isoflavone. Consuming these products not only provides high-quality protein but also a relatively high level of the absorbable isoflavone.

Not all probiotics can create the sugarless isoflavones at the same level though. Certain ones have been tested and selected for their various abilities. The MAKTech process of strain validation and certification is designed to optimize just this sort of parameter.

Given the 'baby boom' generation is fast approaching the age which neurodegeneration is going to start appear more and more often, it's vital that we lean more about this process. Doing so is of particular importance when we consider that many of the people who run our governments are at or near this age. Personally, that is somewhat frightening.

Until a cure for conditions such as peripheral neuropathy is found, taking probiotics may serve well as a valuable tool in at least slowing the progression of the disease. And in terms of improving the quality of life for people with neurodegenerative diseases, as well as those around the, this would have an enormous and far-reaching impact.

References

1. Brudnak, Mark A. The Probiotic Solution Dragon Door Publications, MN.

2. Di Giacomo C, Sorrenti V, Salerno L, Cardile V, Guerrera F, Siracusa MA, Avitabile M, Vanella A. Related Articles, Links Abstract Novel inhibitors of neuronal nitric oxide synthase. Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2003 May;228(5):486-90.

3. Zhuang H, Pin S, Li X, Dore S. Related Articles, Links Abstract Regulation of heme oxygenase expression by cyclopentenone prostaglandins. Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2003 May;228(5):499-505.

http://markbrudnak.com/Articles/proneurodegen.htm

HIGH CAFFEINE CAN LOWER EAR RINGING SOUND IN WOMEN

If you are a woman and suffering from ringing or buzzing sound in the ear when there is no outside source of the sounds, increase your tea and coffee intake.

According to new research, women with a higher intake of caffeine had a lower incidence of unexplained ear ringing.

Higher caffeine intake is associated with lower rates of tinnitus in younger and middle-aged women, it added.

The study followed more than 65,000 women. Researchers tracked self-reported results regarding lifestyle and medical history from these women, aged 30 to 44 years and without tinnitus in 1991.

After 18 years of follow up, researchers identified 5,289 cases of reported incident tinnitus.

“We observed a significant inverse association between caffeine intake and the incidence of tinnitus among these women,” said Gary Curhan, a physician-researcher at the Channing Division of Network Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) in Boston, Massachusetts.

Significantly, researchers found that when compared with women with caffeine intake less than 150 milligrams/day (one and a half 8-ounce cups of coffee), the incidence of reported tinnitus was 15 percent lower among those women who consumed 450 to 599 mg/day of caffeine.

The majority of caffeine consumed among the women was from coffee and the results did not vary by age.

“We know that caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and previous research has demonstrated that caffeine has a direct effect on the inner ear in both bench science and animal studies,” Curhan noted.

Researchers note that further evidence is needed to make any recommendations about whether the addition of caffeine would improve tinnitus symptoms.

The research appeared in the journal American Journal of Medicine.

Can Topical Agents Help With Neuropathy

Today's post from diabeticconnect.com (see link below) talks about topical pain relief, which for many neuropathy patients, is a desirable alternative to pills, although it has to be said that the ingredients of topical creams are often the same as some pill alternatives. It all depends on your history of neuropathy really and where it affects you most on your body. What's worked and what's failed and whether your doctor will offer the option of topical creams or not. For some, the medications that are absorbed through the skin give more relief, if only because they avoid stomach problems; while for others they just feel better and give you the idea that your pain is being tackled at source so to speak. The point is that if we're guinea pigs anyway (as far as neuropathy medications go) and we're working through lists to find that one thing that works best for us, why not try topical creams. That said, medications such as capsaicin have to be applied very carefully and if you're forced to use stronger agents like fentanyl patches, you need to do it under supervision - just because it's a cream doesn't make it any less powerful. Apart from that, the possibility of side effects still exists with topical agents. Talk it over with your doctor and do your own research and then make a decision based on what works best for you.

Topical Pain Agents for Pain Relief  By Lana Barhum
  
Learn your topical treatment options to manage painful diabetic neuropathy.
 
Lana Barhum is a legal assistant, patient advocate, freelance writer, blogger, and single parent. She has lived with rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia since 2008 and uses her experiences to share expert advice on living successfully with chronic illness.

When you’re experiencing pain in your joints and muscles, topical pain relievers are a good alternative for pain management. These medications are delivered through a variety of dosage forms, including patches, gels, lotions, creams, sprays, and ointments. Topical agents have been used for decades to help prevent and treat a wide variety of health conditions, including pain from arthritis, diabetes, and other chronic conditions.

Topical pain medications are absorbed through the skin and are best for relieving joint and muscle pain close to the skin's surface, including the hands, elbows, knees, and feet. If you are reluctant to take pills, you may opt for an over-the-counter cream or patch. You could also have your doctor prescribe a stronger topical medication.

So, what are your options? And will they work to manage your pain?

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents

Diclofenac is a topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication available for topical pain management. Diclofenac is available in both patch and solution/gel formulas. The patch (Flector Patch) was first approved by the FDA in 1998 and can be used for the treatment of sprains and strains, but the solution/gel (Voltaren Gel) was designed for arthritis pain. Diclofenac works by reducing substances that cause inflammation and pain in the body. It is only available as a prescription and carries the same risk as other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). 

Topical anesthetics

Topical anesthetics are local anesthetics that are used to numb the surface of a body part. They are available in creams, ointments, lotions, and sprays. Transdermal patches that contain lidocaine can offer chronic pain relief but are only available with a prescription. The lidocaine transdermal patch (Lidoderm) works by stopping the nerves from sending pain signals to the brain. You should only use one patch a day. Using too many patches or wearing a patch for too long may result in overdose, in which too much lidocaine is absorbed into the blood. In case of an overdose, discontinue use and call 911. 

Counterirritants

Counterirritants contain substances that create a hot or cold sensation in one location to temporarily lessen pain and inflammation. Counterirritants are generally non-prescription and available for topical use to manage muscle pain. Counterirritants contain capsaicin, methyl salicylate, menthol, and/or camphor. Capasagel, Benjay, Icy Hot, Biofreeze, and Tiger Balm are all brand-name topical pain agents containing one or more of these ingredients, but there are other brands including generics. These products are intended for short-term use of mild pain. Use of heat with these products should be avoided.

Narcotic analgesics

The FDA has only approved two narcotic analgesics for chronic pain. Fentanyl patches have been around since the 1990s and buprenorphine patches were approved in 2010. Both of these medications carry a high risk for abuse and misuse. The Fentanyl patch is usually prescribed to patients who are dependent on opioids (medications that reduce the intensity of pain signals to the brain) and require continuous opioid treatment. Buprenorphine patches are usually given to those who require long-term chronic pain management.
Treatment considerations

Topical medications are available in a variety of dosage formulas and more are being researched to improve pain management. Not everyone will experience good pain relief from using topical pain agents.

Here is what you can do to get the greatest effect from using these medications:

• Follow usage instructions carefully.

• Wash your hands before applying them.

• Do not apply patches, creams, gels, sprays, or lotions to damaged skin.

• Never use topical pain agents with heating pads or tight bandages.

• Do not use non-prescription topical pain agents for more than seven days.

• Monitor yourself for signs of toxicity (tinnitus, nausea, vomiting). Products containing methyl salicylate can absorb into the bloodstream.

• If you are allergic to aspirin or take blood-thinning medicines, check with your doctor before taking topical pain agents containing methyl salicylate.

http://www.diabeticconnect.com/diabetes-information-articles/general/1883-topical-pain-agents-for-pain-relief

What Can I Do About Pain Related Fatigue

Today's post from webmd.com (see link below) may seem like another simplistic self-help post, aimed at  the general public rather than those living with chronic pain but the fact is that many many people living with neuropathy are often desperately tired. Either from the constant pain, or from weakness caused by over-activity that others would see as normal, it doesn't really matter. The point is, what can we do about it, if anything? Some of the tips shown below may well be helpful for you but as long as you're aware of the problem, you're more likely to take steps to help it. One thing is sure; without regular and quality sleep periods, your whole day will be affected by tiredness - don't be ashamed to take naps when necessary and when your body tells you too. Far too many articles stress the need for exercise and activity and they are indeed helpful for neuropathy patients (however you may protest) but rest and recovery are equally important.
 

Why Am I So Tired?
WebMD Feature Reviewed by Jennifer Robinson, MD

Are you always tired? That’s no surprise in these tightly scheduled, overloaded times.

The good news is, it’s simpler than you might think to get your energy back. The trick is to figure out why you’re fatigued. Then you can learn what to do about it. 

5 Common Reasons for Tiredness

1. What you eat. A shot of caffeine and sugar can seem like quick fix when you need an energy boost, but it soon makes things worse. After your blood sugar levels spike, they crash. You end up more fatigued, not less.

A far better solution is a balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein.

“Most people feel like they're less tired if they eat a healthy diet," says J. Fred Ralston Jr., MD. He's a past president of the American College of Physicians. "Eating healthy also means you'll carry less weight, and obesity is a big contributor to fatigue.”

2. How much water you drink. Instead of that caffeine-filled, sugary drink, try a glass of water.

Mild dehydration affects your mood, and it makes you feel more tired, research shows. It can set in when you drink just a little less H20 than you normally do.

The Institute of Medicine recommends that men get about 125 ounces of water a day and women get 91 ounces. Those amounts include water from all foods and beverages.

3. How much you sleep.

Millions of Americans just don’t get the ideal 7 to 9 hours of snooze time. If you’re one of them, avoid caffeine, alcohol, and large meals in the hours just before bedtime. Turn off the TV and unplug the computer before you turn in. Also, go to bed at the same time each night and keep your bedroom quiet and dark.

4. How much you exercise. Studies show that when inactive people start to work out, they feel much less fatigue than those who stay idle. When you move more, you not only use more energy, you also have more on a daily basis.

Ralston recommends you start with 30 minutes of exercise at least 4 days a week. Be sure to finish at least 3 hours before bedtime, so you have time to wind down. After a month, you should notice improvement in your fatigue. Within 3 to 6 months, you should feel much better.

5. What you do to handle stress. Stress is a fact of life. Fatigue sets in when you have more than you can handle. The first step in changing the way you deal with stress is to figure out your body’s stress signals -- aside from feeling fatigued, you might be angry, headachy, tense, or unable to focus.

Once you know how stress affects you, you can teach yourself to control it. Proven ways to limit the toll stress takes on you include:

Short, regular periods of meditation
Talks with friends or family about your challenges
Regular breaks from work
Taking time for yourself
Could It Be Something Else?

If you’ve taken steps to address all five of the most common causes of fatigue and you still feel worn out, visit your doctor.

Chronic tiredness is linked to medical conditions including these:

Anemia, or a lack of iron in the blood, is a common cause of fatigue, and it's easy to check with a simple blood test, says Sandra Fryhofer, MD. She's an associate professor of medicine at Emory University.

"It's particularly a problem for women, especially those who are having heavy menstrual periods,” she says.

An iron-rich diet that's heavy in meats and dark, leafy greens can correct low levels of iron. Ask your doctor if an iron supplement might help, too. Other key nutrients that can hold off fatigue include potassium and vitamins D and B12.

Thyroid problems. Both an over- and an underactive thyroid can cause fatigue. A blood test can help a doctor gauge how well your thyroid's working.

Diabetes. People who have uncontrolled diabetes "just plain don't feel good," Fryhofer says. "If you feel draggy and you're also having blurred vision or lots of urination, you should get that checked with a blood test."

Depression. If your feelings of exhaustion are accompanied by sadness and loss of appetite, and you just can't find any pleasure in things you once enjoyed, you might be depressed. Don't keep it to yourself. Your doctor, or a therapist, can start you on the path back to feeling better.

Sleep problems. Many different sleep issues can keep you from feeling rested and energized. Talk to your doctor about a sleep evaluation, especially if you snore, since that could point to a condition called obstructive sleep apnea, which briefly stops your breathing several times a night. Like other sleep disorders, it’s treatable.

Undiagnosed heart disease. Ongoing tiredness can be a warning sign of heart trouble, Ralston says. “If you have trouble with exercise you used to do easily, or if you start feeling worse when you exercise, this could be a red flag for heart trouble. If you have any doubts, see your doctor.”

http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/reasons-tired

Can Cannabis help

In the States, there are constant arguments regarding the value of cannabis in treating pain and most states have legal problems anyway. Here in the Netherlands, we have no such problems, so this should be of interest. The problem is that if you're a non-smoker, you might have extra difficulty using cannabis.
According to the Californian doctor, Dr. Sean Brean...

This week I was contacted by the director of operations for The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy in Chicago because of the feedback they are getting from patients about how much it helps them. Unfortunately Illinois does not have a medical marijuana law on the books so the patients there are frustrated and want relief. The women I spoke with reached out to me because I have blogged about the success I have had using medical marijuana to treat neuropathic pain. READ ON….
...Neuropathic pain can happen from a number of different reasons. One of the most common is cause by high circulating blood sugars seen in patients with Diabetes. These sugars bind to the nerves and alter various proteins resulting a damage. Also, diabetes affects the small blood vessels that supply the nerves. When the blood flow is limited there is less oxygen to the nerves and they die off. The #2 and #3 reasons patients develop neuropathy is HIV infection and medication induced (many chemotherapy agents cause neuropathy).

There have been numerous studies that show medical marijuana’s efficacy. If you google “Center for Medical Cannabis Research, UCSD” it will link to 14 completed studies showing the efficacy of medical marijuana. Many of those studies demonstrated the positive benefit of using marijuana for neuropathic pain.

When patients follow up with me after using medical marijuana they report:

1. Decreased dependance on other pain meds.

2. Improved sleep. Many times they sleep through the night “for the first time in years”.

3. Improved Mood. They now have hope and have a better outlook on their lives. Finally something that gave them some relief!

4. Improved appetite.

It has been very rewarding taking care of patients with neuropathic pain. Traditional medicine has not given enough credit to cannabis as a treatment for this disease. As more and more patients use this my hope is that more doctors will hear their success stories.
Medical Marijuana and Peripheral Neuropathy

Can Lasers Possibly Help Reduce Neuropathy Problems

Today's post from neuropathydr.com (see link below) looks at laser therapy for neuropathic problems. The problem is that this article doesn't explain how laser therapy works, or the science behind it; it just states that many cases of neuropathy can be helped by using directed lasers. If you're interested in the possibilities, it would be advisable to talk it over carefully with your doctor or specialist and find out exactly what's involved. it's true that lasers are being used as surgical tools but how this can help with nerve damage is unclear.

Laser Neuropathy Treatment: How Does It Help?
Posted by Editor on November 17, 2014
 
Lasers are no longer the giant, destructive beams that were featured in sci-fi movies of the past. Today, laser neuropathy treatment uses low-level focused lasers with healing powers.

Lasers used to be the stuff of science fiction, but today they seem to be everywhere—from the checkout station at your local library to the self-scan at the grocery store. Of course, lasers have also been in use as a surgical tool for many years now.

These days, the use of Low Level Laser Therapy, or LLLT, and Light Emitting Diodes (LED) is commonplace, with much continuing research that shows their effectiveness as healing modalities for neuropathic pain and discomfort.

The fact is, many cases of peripheral neuropathy can be significantly improved with the use of laser neuropathy treatment. Laser treatment can reduce symptoms in chronic pain and even for conditions like disc degeneration and spinal stenosis. What’s more, the use of lasers can also help to stimulate nerves in order to speed up the body’s natural healing process.

You don’t need to understand the actual science behind how lasers work, which can be pretty challenging for the layperson to grasp. But the user experience of laser neuropathy treatment is simple. A laser is a painless and highly focused light beam, which is carefully directed at a specific part of your body for short amounts of time. The time duration and laser power is based on research about the effects of laser treatment on certain body tissues.

Laser neuropathy treatment isn’t an immediate fix for your chronic pain or discomfort. It does take several treatments for an effect to be noticed. However, many patients see a significant positive change within about 12 treatments.

http://neuropathydr.com/laser-neuropathy-treatment-overview/

Can Neuropathy Be Linked To The Herpes Virus

An earlier post about neuropathy and the herpes virus resulted in a few requests for further information. Today's post from askdrgottmd.com (see link below) discusses this further, though whether he really brings any new, scientific information to the table is debatable. Herpes is one of those viruses that  frequently appears amongst HIV + and LGBT people as a whole (the rest of the population too of course) and is often passed off as being relatively harmless, though intensely irritating. The fact is that the herpes virus is anything but harmless; is very easily passed on and can lead to all sorts of complications in other organs. Herpes Zoster is responsible for Shingles and here the links to nerved damage are easier to see. If there is a proven relationship between herpes and neuropathy, we need to know about it, so if anybody has further information, please pass it on.

Peripheral neuropathy, herpes linked?

August 2, 2012 By Dr. Gott

DEAR DR. GOTT: Can herpes simplex II be the cause of peripheral neuropathy?

DEAR READER: Herpes simplex type 2 is a common sexually transmitted infection that generally affects the genitalia; however, the disorder can be spread to the mouth during oral sex. For women, the most common area to be affected is the cervix, anus, buttocks and external genitals. For men, the buttocks, anus, penis, scrotum, and thighs will most commonly be affected. The virus spreads easily through intimate contact with an individual who is infected; it can also be acquired by an act as simple as touching an infected razor.

Most of the individuals infected don’t even know they have the disorder because they either have extremely mild symptoms or none at all. When they are present, they can include pain or itching a week or two following exposure from an infected partner. Following initial exposure, pain and irritation may occur a few days before another outbreak. Blisters or small red bumps may appear and then rupture, ooze and bleed. The lesions will ultimately scab over and heal. Following the initial infection, the virus will lie dormant in the body but can reactivate several times a year thereafter.

There is no means of eliminating the virus from the body; however, the religious use of condoms and prescription medication will lessen the possibility of further spread of the virus.

Now, on to peripheral neuropathy that results from nerve damage, traumatic injury, toxin exposure, certain diseases, and infection. The peripheral nervous system sends information from the brain and central nervous system throughout the body, affecting one or more nerves. This can result in muscle weakness, burning pain, numbness, or a tingling sensation in the hands, feet, legs and arms.

There are a number of possibilities for peripheral neuropathy to occur, such as a history of diabetes, traumatic injury, kidney disease, vitamin deficiencies; autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and Guillain-Barre syndrome; specific infections to include hepatitis C, HIV/AIDs, Epstein-Barr virus, Lyme disease, varicella-zoster; exposure to heavy metals and some medications – particularly those used to treat cancer, and more. Under certain circumstances, if the correct nerve is affected, the various herpes viruses has been linked to peripheral neuropathy symptoms; however, how common this is, is not known.

Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy can be treated with over-the-counter medications, capsaicin a substance commonly found in hot peppers, prescription anti-seizure medications patches with topical anesthetic, and antidepressants.

On the home front, those with peripheral neuropathy should be extremely diligent in caring for blisters and other wounds of the affected area, they should massage their extremities in an attempt to improve circulation, review their diet to be assured it includes fresh fruits/vegetables/while grains, and quit smoking. Some sufferers have found relief in rubbing mentholated chest rub on the affected areas once or twice a day.

http://askdrgottmd.com/peripheral-neuropathy-herpes-linked/

Can Hypnosis Help With Nerve Pain

Today's post from painpathways.org (see link below)deals with a question that millions of neuropathy patients must have asked themselves at some point or other, when their medication fails to bring relief. Could hypnotherapy help? Let's face it, nerve damage is universally misunderstood and underestimated; there's no cure and the medications are limited in their effectiveness at best. We've exhausted the supplement and alternative therapy routes and we're bombarded by a media that hounds us as being opium-soaked drug addicts and parts of a world-wide, drug abuse problem. That sort of stress alone could lead us to hypnotherapy, if only to  believe that we still have some self-worth. However, can hypnosis genuinely provide an alternative (or supplementary) pain relief from our jangling nerves? This readable article provides lots of useful information about hypnosis and while it doesn't really go into the scientific evidence, it gives a compelling case for being open-minded (literally!) and giving it a try. of course, for every genuine hypnotherapist, there are a thousand fakers out there who are only to happy to separate you from your hard-earned cash, so get some advice and do your own research as thoroughly as you can. There are hypnotists who work within national health authorities; there are witch doctors and there are well-meaning people who are just about as effective as witch doctors: finding a genuine practitioner may be a minefield but it may also be worth the effort.

Does Hypnosis Work for Pain Management?
by Pain Pathways Magazine | Apr 14, 2017

Mind over matter…a phrase we’ve all heard before. It is typically interpreted to mean that we can use our mind to overcome a situation or even physical condition. For pain sufferers, does this mean that a technique such as hypnosis could help overcome the feeling of pain?

Most of us have preconceived notions of hypnosis and primarily consider it a form of entertainment for the enjoyment of an audience rather than a medical technique. However, hypnosis for pain management has more validity than most people realize – and it may be effective for you.

Origins of hypnosis

Many would be surprised to learn that hypnosis goes back to the biblical age, with evidence of hypnosis dating as early as 1500 BC. During ancient times, mystical practices including “dream temples” and “hypnos” – used by the Egyptians and Greeks – were often a part of the treatment of physical ailments. Over the centuries, hypnosis came and went in various forms and was even used as anesthesia until chloroform began being used in 1831.

By the 20th century, Dr. Milton Erickson’s version of hypnosis was becoming more conventional accepted and used in clinical psychotherapy. Ericksonian hypnosis stressed the importance of the interactive therapeutic relationship and engagement of the patient, rather than a therapist issuing standardized instructions to a passive patient.

As Dr. Erickson was becoming known as world’s leading hypnotherapist, reports describing hypnotic strategies for chronic pain management emerged. In the 1950s, hypnosis reports and the release of biofeedback technology grew in tandem, with the next few decades bringing knowledge about the stress response and its effects on an individual’s physiology. Studies were conducted investigating the effectiveness of both tools in the treatment of chronic pelvic pain, headaches, lower back pain and other pain conditions.

Explaining hypnosis

By definition, hypnosis is a set of techniques designed to enhance concentration, minimize one’s usual distractions and heighten responsiveness to suggestions to alter one’s thoughts, feelings, behavior or physiological state. It not a treatment but rather a procedure that can be used to facilitate other types of therapies and treatments.

Hypnosis involves learning how to use your mind and thoughts to manage emotional distress, unpleasant physical symptoms such as pain and certain behaviors like smoking over overeating.

For pain therapists, hypnosis focuses on the relationship between the mind and body and is considered mainstream. For health professionals in other fields, they may be considered alternative or complementary therapies. Clinical, or medical hypnosis is an altered state of awareness used by licensed therapists to treat psychological or physical problems.
How does hypnosis work?

During hypnosis, the conscious part of the brain is temporarily tuned out as a participant focuses on relaxing and letting go of distracting thoughts. By making his/her mind more concentrated and focused, a participant is able to use it more powerfully. A good analogy is that it’s like using a magnifying glass to focus the rays of the sun and make them more powerful.

So, what is hypnosis like?

When under hypnosis, a person may experience physiologic changes. It’s common for their pulse and respiration to slow down and their alpha brain waves to increase. In this altered state, a person may become more open to specific suggestions and goals offered by the therapist, such as reducing pain. After this suggestion phase, the therapist reinforces continued use of the new behavior or mindset.

For everyone, the experience is a little different. Some people describe their experience as a “trance-like” state. Others may experience it as imagery or the soothing of body sensations. Most people describe hypnosis as pleasant, where they feel focused and absorbed in the experience. They tend to have an acute awareness, but also feel relaxed, comfortable and peaceful.

Hypnosis techniques for pain management

Hypnosis treatment for pain conditions typically consists of 4 stages:

Induction – to focus one’s attention
Deepening – to deepen one’s relaxation of the body
Suggestions – for changes in the client’s experience of pain
Debriefing – to go over what transpired

Beyond taking a participant through these common stages, a therapist may employ varying approaches. They may focus on changing the sensations from pain to something else or on shifting the patient’s attention away from the pain. When underlying dynamics, motivations or unresolved feelings are influencing pain, hypnosis can help the participant unconsciously explore these things and get some resolution for the underlying issues.

Another technique being used for decreasing the sensitivity to pain is hypnoanalgesia. The goal here is to use hypnosis in place of an analgesic in hospitals during surgery to reduce nausea, pain, vomiting and the length of hospital stay. What began as somewhat anecdotal, positive results for hypnoanalgesia has now been supplemented by well-controlled experiments.

Common myths about hypnosis

Hypnosis can’t do everything. There are many myths, misconceptions and misinformation about it – possibly even more than about any other treatment for chronic pain. People have preconceived notions based on stage performers, television and movies and rumors – and these cultural references tend to embellish what it can do.

Hypnosis cannot cure everything. It isn’t dangerous. Participants won’t be asked to do anything against their will. (refer to chart below for common myths and their truths)



Finally, medical hypnosis isn’t generally taught as part of the curriculum of most health care providers. Lack of knowledge of the subject area leads to “superstition”, even within the medical community.

Benefits for pain management

The good news is that research has shown medical hypnosis to be helpful for acute and chronic pain. In 1996, a panel of the National Institutes of Health found hypnosis to be effective in easing cancer pain. More recent studies have demonstrated its effectiveness for pain related to burns, cancer and rheumatoid arthritis and reduction of anxiety associated with surgery. In 2000, a meta-analysis, or study of 18 studies of hypnosis, showed that 75% of clinical and experimental participants with varying types of pain obtained substantial pain relief – supporting the claims of the effectiveness of hypnosis for pain management.

There is growing evidence and established research to suggest that hypnosis:
Has a greater influence on the effects of pain rather than the sensation of pain
May be more effective or at least equivalent to other treatments for acute and chronic pain
Have the potential to save both money and time for patients and clinicians, if the patient responds to hypnosis
May be able to provide analgesia, reduce stress, relieve anxiety, improve sleep, improve mood and reduce the need for opioids
Can enhance the efficacy of other well-established treatments for pain

Good candidates for hypnosis

Some people are better suited to respond to hypnosis than others. And the degree to which people respond varies. There are researchers who believe that people need to possess a “hypnotic trait”, much like other individual traits, that make them more open to hypnotic suggestions. Others believe that all people start off with a sufficient ability to be hypnotized and achieve results and that hypnotic ability can be learned and enhanced through practice.

Hypnosis has been used successfully for people with a variety of pain conditions. The Arthritis Foundation has an entire page on its website dedicated to hypnosis for pain relief of arthritis. Other medical conditions commonly cited as being improved with hypnosis include: 
 
Headaches
Fibromyalgia
Cancer
Burns
Back pain

The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis cites many other illnesses that would make someone a good candidate. Aside from these conditions, many in the field believe that the reality is that candidates with just about any type of chronic or acute pain could see a positive outcome from hypnosis.
Getting started with hypnosis

Once a person has decided to try hypnosis, the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis offers some insights into choosing the right provider. As well, the Societies of Hypnosis provides of list of members in several accredited organizations that the user can search to find a provider based on location, specialty or certification. It’s important to make sure that whichever provider is chosen, the therapist is licensed and has the appropriate certifications.

In addition to meeting with a provider, people interested in the ongoing use of hypnosis may opt to be trained in self-hypnosis. Outside of the treatment setting, participants can learn to practice self-hypnosis or be given audio recordings of their therapy sessions to help with home practice.

And technology can also aid in approaching hypnosis from more of a DIY standpoint. There are several downloadable programs and mobile apps on the market that are designed to help the participant with self-hypnosis, including:

Body Pain Management Hypnosis – a mobile app
Pain Management Self Hypnosis – a downloadable MP3 or CD
Pain Relief Hypnosis – a mobile app 

Final thoughts

Does hypnosis work for pain relief? There is a great deal written about its use and much research into its efficacy. Although not quite mainstream yet, there does seem to be a growing acceptance of hypnosis and a willingness of some medical providers to explore this option with their patients. While not a cure, it may be a pain management tool that could work for you.

https://www.painpathways.org/does-hypnosis-work-for-pain-management/

HAND DRYERS CAN SPREAD BACTERIA IN PUBLIC TOILETS

Modern hand dryers are much worse than paper towels when it comes to spreading germs, according to new University of Leeds research.

Scientists from the University of Leeds have found that high-powered 'jet-air' and warm air hand dryers can spread bacteria in public toilets. Airborne germ counts were 27 times higher around jet air dryers in comparison with the air around paper towel dispensers.

The study shows that both jet and warm air hand dryers spread bacteria into the air and onto users and those nearby.

The research team, led by Professor Mark Wilcox of the School of Medicine, contaminated hands with a harmless type of bacteria called Lactobacillus, which is not normally found in public bathrooms. This was done to mimic hands that have been poorly washed.

Subsequent detection of the Lactobacillus in the air proved that it must have come from the hands during drying. The experts collected air samples around the hand dryers and also at distances of one and two metres away.

Air bacterial counts close to jet air dryers were found to be 4.5 times higher than around warm air dryers and 27 times higher compared with the air when using paper towels. Next to the dryers, bacteria persisted in the air well beyond the 15 second hand-drying time, with approximately half (48%) of the Lactobacilli collected more than five minutes after drying ended. Lactobacilli were still detected in the air 15 minutes after hand drying.

Professor Wilcox said: "Next time you dry your hands in a public toilet using an electric hand dryer, you may be spreading bacteria without knowing it. You may also be splattered with 'bugs' from other people's hands.

"These findings are important for understanding the ways in which bacteria spread, with the potential to transmit illness and disease."

The research, funded by the European Tissue Symposium, was published in theJournal of Hospital Infection and presented at the Healthcare Infection Society (HIS) International Conference in Lyon, France.

CITY AIR CAN DAMAGE BRAIN STRUCTURES

Air pollution, even at moderate levels, has long been recognized as a factor in raising the risk of stroke. A new study led by scientists from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine suggests that long-term exposure can cause damage to brain structures and impair cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults

Writing in the May 2015 issue of Stroke, researchers who studied more than 900 participants of the Framingham Heart Study found evidence of smaller brain structure and of covert brain infarcts, a type of "silent" ischemic stroke resulting from a blockage in the blood vessels supplying the brain.

The study evaluated how far participants lived from major roadways and used satellite imagery to assess prolonged exposure to ambient fine particulate matter, particles with a diameter of 2.5 millionth of a meter, referred to as PM2.5. These particles come from a variety of sources, including power plants, factories, trucks and automobiles and the burning of wood. They can travel deeply into the lungs and have been associated in other studies with increased numbers of hospital admissions for cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes.

"This is one of the first studies to look at the relationship between ambient air pollution and brain structure," says Elissa Wilker, ScD, a researcher in the Cardiovascular Epidemiology Research Unit at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. "Our findings suggest that air pollution is associated with insidious effects on structural brain aging, even in dementia- and stroke-free individuals."

Study participants were at least 60 years old and were free of dementia and stroke. The evaluation included total cerebral brain volume, a marker of age-associated brain atrophy; hippocampal volume, which reflect changes in the area of the brain that controls memory; white matter hyperintensity volume, which can be used as a measure of pathology and aging; and covert brain infarcts.

The study found that an increase of only 2µg per cubic meter in PM2.5, a range commonly observed across metropolitan regions in New England and New York, was associated with being more likely to have covert brain infarcts and smaller cerebral brain volume, equivalent to approximately one year of brain aging.

"These results are an important step in helping us learn what is going on in the brain," Wilker says. "The mechanisms through which air pollution may affect brain aging remain unclear, but systemic inflammation resulting from the deposit of fine particles in the lungs is likely important."

"This study shows that for a 2 microgram per cubic meter of air (μg/m3) increase in PM2.5, a range commonly observed across major US cities, on average participants who lived in more polluted areas had the brain volume of someone a year older than participants who lived in less polluted areas. They also had a 46 percent higher risk of silent strokes on MRI," said Sudha Seshadri, MD, a Professor of Neurology at Boston University School of Medicine and Senior Investigator, the Framingham Study.

"This is concerning since we know that silent strokes increase the risk of overt strokes and of developing dementia, walking problems and depression. We now plan to look at more the impact of air pollution over a longer period, its effect on more sensitive MRI measures, on brain shrinkage over time, and other risks including of stroke and dementia."

In addition to Wilker, who is also affiliated with the Exposure Epidemiology and Risk Program in the Department of Environmental Health at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (HSPH), and Seshadri, co-authors include: Sarah R. Preis, ScD, of the Boston University School of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics (BUSPH) and the Framingham Heart Study (FHS); Alexa S. Beiser, PhD, of BUSPH, FHS and the Boston University School of Medicine Department of Neurology (BUSM); Philip A. Wolf, MD, of FHS and BUSM; Rhoda Au, PhD of BUSM; Ital Kloog, PhD, of the Department of Geography and Environmental Development , Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel; Wenyuan Li, MS, of the Department of Epidemiology of HSPH; Joel Schwartz, PhD, of HSPH; Petros Koutrakis, PhD of HSPH; Charles DeCarli, MD, of the Department of Neurology and Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis; and Murray Mittleman, MD, DrPH, of BIDMC and HSPH.