DocToks season 6

Central pain is defined as an injury inside the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) that causes constant pain The hallmark symptoms of central pain are constant pain that never goes away and cold hands/feet Central pain is often caused by neuroinflammation in glial cells, which normally regulate and shut down pain Central pain typically occurs alongside other painful conditions like fibromyalgia, arachnoiditis, CRPS, or arthritis Treatment requires a multi-faceted approach, including neuropathic agents, opioids, anti-inflammatory medications, and lifestyle modifications Neuroinflammation must be aggressively treated to prevent progression and worsening of symptoms Autoimmunity (from diseases or post-viral conditions) appears to be a major cause of central pain. Central pain refers to an injury within the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord, that results in persistent pain. The primary symptoms of central pain include constant, unrelenting pain and cold hands or feet. This type of pain is often linked to neuroinflammation occurring in glial cells, which normally help regulate and terminate pain signals. Central pain frequently coexists with other painful conditions, such as fibromyalgia, arachnoiditis, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), or arthritis. Effective treatment requires a multi-faceted approach that includes neuropathic agents, opioids, anti-inflammatory medications, and lifestyle modifications. It is crucial to aggressively address neuroinflammation to prevent the progression and worsening of symptoms. Additionally, autoimmunity, whether from diseases or post-viral conditions, appears to be a significant contributor to central pain.

This episode of DocToks with Dr. Forrest Tennant and Friends (Season 6, Episode 2) focused on the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and its role in chronic pain conditions, particularly adhesive arachnoiditis. Dr. Tennant reviewed his published work on EBV as a causative factor in chronic pain and discussed emerging treatments, with special emphasis on ivermectin. The show featured guest speakers Allison Guyton, who shared her personal experience using ivermectin to treat EBV-related symptoms, and Dr. Scott Guest, who provided pharmacological information about ivermectin. Key Concepts or Theories: Epstein-Barr virus as a causative factor in chronic pain conditions through tissue colonization EBV's ability to create autoimmunity that can destroy tissue and cause painful conditions The potential role of EBV in causing central pain by affecting glial cells in the brain Ivermectin as an emerging treatment for EBV-related chronic pain conditions

his episode of DocToks (Season 6, Episode 1) focused on practical strategies for patients to enhance pain relief from their current opioid medications. Dr. Tennant, and Dr. Guess discussed their recent report "How to Get a Better Effect Out of Your Opioids," addressing the common challenge that many patients receive some opioids but not enough for adequate pain control due to current prescribing limitations. Key Concepts or Theories: Potentiation: Using complementary substances to enhance opioid effectiveness Central pain components: Understanding the three types of pain pathways (ascending, descending, and neuropathic) Alternative administration routes: Methods to bypass first-pass liver metabolism Anti-inflammatory approaches: Addressing underlying causes of pain