Changes in Brain Connectivity Related to Chronic Pain
I’m Ed Smith, an RSD Lawyer in Sacramento. Despite a large number of advances made in the healthcare field over the past few decades, there are still significant, everyday problems that plague the medical system.
While heart disease, diabetes, and obesity are pressing issues, no problem is more common than chronic pain. People who suffer from chronic pain are often required to take daily medication that may do little more than taking the edge off. They may also struggle with a significant stigma that still inappropriately surrounds people who suffer from chronic pain. According to statistics that were published by the American Academy of Pain medicine:
- More than 25 percent of people in the United States over the age of 20 reports that they have had pain lasting more than 24 hours
- This number is over 75 million people
- More than half of people with chronic pain reported that they experienced pain while taking their pain medication
- Almost two-thirds of individuals stated that this pain impacted their daily life
- Almost everyone said that this pain made it hard to sleep
Pain has an impact on the level of enjoyment that people feel in their life.
One of the diseases that cause chronic pain is called Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). While much of the treatment of this disease has focused on the medication used to control pain, it is important to explore alternative options. This is because people still report having breakthrough pain attacks while taking opioid medication. Recently, a research study was published looking at how the neuronal connections in the brain change while someone is dealing with chronic pain from RSD or CRPS.
Results of a Research Study
Recently, a medical study was completed and published in the Pain Physician Journal that analyzed the changes in brain connectivity, use, and function that happen in individuals who experience chronic pain. In the study, individuals were identified who suffered from chronic pain syndromes, such as RSD and CRPS. The researchers used MRI scans to analyze changes in their brain structure and function. MRI is a common imaging technique that is used in individuals who suffer from brain tumors, traumatic brain injuries, and strokes. An MRI can also be used to track the flow of blood throughout the brain. Individuals in the study received MRI scans, and the flow throughout their brain was compared to that of otherwise healthy individuals. The researchers found that people who suffer from chronic pain had significant changes in the flow patterns of blood throughout their brains. Regarding individuals who suffered from RSD, increased blood flow was noted throughout the region of the brain called the anterior cingulate in addition to the amygdala, caudate, and putamen. Because blood carries oxygen and nutrients, this indicates that this area of the brain is more active than other parts and that this area of the brain is more active in individuals with RSD than the average population.
Implications for the Future
Because this study shows that individuals who have chronic pain from RSD have changes in the activity levels of certain areas of their brain, it is important for physicians and researchers to figure out why. If the activity in these areas of the brain is increased due to pain activity, perhaps treatments can target these areas of the brain. Bringing the activity level of this area of the brain back to baseline could prove to be an effective pain treatment for those with this disease. Furthermore, it may also present an alternative treatment for those whose pain medications aren’t providing adequate management of their symptoms.
Help from a Legal Professional
When someone has been diagnosed with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, it is important to seek the most appropriate medical care available. After this, meeting with an experienced RSD Lawyer in Sacramento can be helpful. A trained and caring lawyer has numerous tools at his or her disposal that can significantly improve a family’s quality of life. While it can be difficult to choose an attorney, it is important that you find someone who listens to your concerns and represents your needs. While I cannot promise or guarantee any specific result or outcome, I can promise that I will work tirelessly for you and your family. Please, call me today with any concerns. I am happy to help.
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Contact an Experienced RSD Attorney in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, an RSD Lawyer in Sacramento. If someone you know is looking for new or alternative treatment options for Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, please contact me at 916-382-0693. I am willing to provide friendly, free legal advice.
Everyone is asked to look at my sample results here.
Image Citation: Pixabay hosted the photograph at the start of this page. The CC0 Creative Commons License has yielded permission to show it here.
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