Sunday, March 30, 2014

Topic: Anti-Nausea Migraine Medication Zofran Issued New FDA Warning





















Anti-Nausea Migraine Medication Zofran Issued New FDA Warning


Last month the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced a new warning for anti-nausea medication Zofran.

Zofran is FDA approved for treatment of cancer-related nausea (such as nausea related to chemo or radiation treatments), but is also often prescribed for nausea experienced by migraine patients and pregnant women.

In the September 2011 warning the FDA said Zofran can cause deadly changes to patients’ heart rhythms. They said the people at greatest risk of experiencing the drug’s potential side effects are those who have existing heart problems.

Zofran belongs to a class of drugs called 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. It works by blocking the actions of serotonin. The generic version of Zofran is called Ondansetron.

The FDA has ordered GlaxoSmithKline, the manufacturer of Zofran, to conduct studies to determine how severe the problem could be and who is at greatest risk. Pending those findings the FDA has ordered a change to the product label stating the risk and recommends electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring for patients thought to be at the most risk for complications.



To Read More Please Go To:

http://www.chronicintractablepainandyou.net/apps/forums/topics/show/12780103-anti-nausea-migraine-medication-zofran-issued-new-fda-warning

Topic: OFF-LABEL PHARMACEUTICAL USE



















OFF-LABEL PHARMACEUTICAL USE

According to NIH, there are almost 7,000 identified distinct rare diseases, the vast majority of which are genetic in nature. The Orphan Drug Act of 1983 has been a landmark success at making the development of orphan products a profitable venture, thereby driving industry to invest in research and development for rare disease treatments. To date, some 2,200 investigational therapies have been designated “orphan drugs” by FDA’s Office of Orphan Products Development, and 360 of these have gone on through the review process to be approved for marketing.

The approval of 360 drugs is a huge step in the right direction for the rare disease community. However, these drugs are indicated for only about 200 rare diseases, leaving approximately 6,800 diseases without FDA-approved treatment. In other words, 



To read more please go to:

http://www.chronicintractablepainandyou.net/apps/forums/topics/show/12780050-off-label-pharmaceutical-use



Topic: 5 ways to ward off the winter blues











5 ways to ward off the winter blues


It's that time of year again. The holidays are over and the next few months seem to offer nothing to look forward to but gloomy grey skies, bone-chilling weather, and piles of snow. It's no wonder why many people suffer symptoms similar to those of depression, such as sadness, fatigue, and irritability during these long winter months.

If you don't have the luxury of escaping to a warm tropical island until April, there are other more feasible ways to beat the winter blues.

Exercise

With a lack of sunshine to keep you energized, it's tempting to want to spend your evenings hibernating under the covers instead of being active. But remember, exercise is known to increase your levels of serotonin and endorphins, leading to a happier mood. While it's understandable that many people are less than keen about participating in outdoor activities during these chilly months, keep in mind that there are many ways to keep active while staying indoors. Join a gym class, walk on the treadmill while watching TV, or try out a new lively game on Wii.



To read more please go to:

http://www.chronicintractablepainandyou.net/apps/forums/topics/show/12779760-5-ways-to-ward-off-the-winter-blues

Topic: AMA Agrees Marijuana May Have Analgesic Benefits











AMA Agrees Marijuana May Have Analgesic Benefits 

AMA Agrees Marijuana May Have Analgesic Benefits This article is reprinted from the blog Pain-Topics.org The American Medical Association (AMA) has reversed its long-held position that marijuana should remain as a DEA Schedule I substance having no medical value. Rescheduling of the drug could open the door to more and better scientific exploration of its benefits in helping persons with various pain conditions. In its recently-announced decision, the AMA adopted a report drafted by its Council on Science and Public Health (CSAPH) entitled, “Use of Cannabis for Medicinal Purposes,”


To read more please go to:


http://www.chronicintractablepainandyou.net/apps/forums/topics/show/12779625-ama-agrees-marijuana-may-have-analgesic-benefits-


Saturday, March 29, 2014

Topic: 5 Myths About Panic Disorders










5 Myths About Panic Disorders


Panic attacks are frightening and disruptive enough; you don't need the additional stress of worrying about whether common misconceptions about panic disorders are true.

Panic disorders cause sudden and repeated attacks of fear despite the absence of any real danger. Although panic attacks can seem interminable at the time, an attack generally lasts only a few minutes. About six million adults suffer from panic disorders. They generally begin in individuals' late teens or early adulthood years, and women are more likely than men to experience them.



To read more please go to:

http://www.chronicintractablepainandyou.net/apps/forums/topics/show/12777581-5-myths-about-panic-disorders


Topic: Action Set Anxiety: Using Positive Thinking





















Action Set Anxiety: Using Positive Thinking

Anxiety is having too much fear and worry. Some people have what's called generalized anxiety disorder. They feel worried and stressed about many things. Often they worry about even small things. Some people also may have panic attacks. A panic attack is a sudden feeling of extreme anxiety.

People who have social anxiety disorder worry that they will do or say the wrong thing and embarrass themselves around others.

Anxiety can cause physical symptoms like a fast heartbeat and sweaty hands. It can make you limit your activities and can make it hard to enjoy your life.



To read more please go to:



http://www.chronicintractablepainandyou.net/apps/forums/topics/show/12777554-action-set-anxiety-using-positive-thinking

Topic: Introduction To Acupuncture












Introduction To Acupuncture


Acupuncture is among the oldest healing practices in the world. In the United States, where practitioners incorporate healing traditions from China, Japan, Korea, and other countries, acupuncture is considered part of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).

Key Points

Acupuncture has been practiced in China and other Asian countries for thousands of years.

Scientists are studying the efficacy of acupuncture for a wide range of conditions.

Relatively few complications have been reported from the use of acupuncture. However, acupuncture can cause potentially serious side effects if not delivered properly by a qualified practitioner.

Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.



To read more please go to: 

http://www.chronicintractablepainandyou.net/apps/forums/topics/show/12777460-introduction-to-acupuncture


Topic: Introduction To Acupuncture












Introduction To Acupuncture


Acupuncture is among the oldest healing practices in the world. In the United States, where practitioners incorporate healing traditions from China, Japan, Korea, and other countries, acupuncture is considered part of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).

Key Points

Acupuncture has been practiced in China and other Asian countries for thousands of years.

Scientists are studying the efficacy of acupuncture for a wide range of conditions.

Relatively few complications have been reported from the use of acupuncture. However, acupuncture can cause potentially serious side effects if not delivered properly by a qualified practitioner.

Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.



To read more please go to: 

http://www.chronicintractablepainandyou.net/apps/forums/topics/show/12777460-introduction-to-acupuncture


Topic: How Acupuncture Works From the Perspective of Western Medicine





















How Acupuncture Works From the Perspective of Western Medicine


After thousands of years of practice, we know that acupuncture works, but the West is still trying to understand why. Acupuncture derives from the concept in traditional Chinese medicine that disease results from a disruption in the flow of chi—the body's circulating life energy—and imbalances in the forces of yin and yang. Chi is said to flow along pathways in the human body known as meridians. According to Eastern thought, there are as many as 20 meridians and more than 2,000 acupuncture points found along them. Applying tiny needles—or, sometimes, pressure or heat—to those points is believed to deliver therapeutic effects for patients.



To read more please go to: 

http://www.chronicintractablepainandyou.net/apps/forums/topics/show/12777435-how-acupuncture-works-from-the-perspective-of-western-medicine


Topic: Acupressure for Pain



Acupressure for Pain


Acupressure is a part of Chinese Medicine to treat some of the conditions like back pain, neck pain, etc. by applying pressure to different parts of the body known as acupressure points. Acupressure is safe and gentle.

Acupressure points are places on the skin that are especially sensitive to bio-electrical impulses in the body. Stimulating these points with pressure, needles, or heat triggers the release of endorphins that relieve pain. Acupressure inhibits the pain signals that are transmitted to the brain preventing painful sensations from passing through the spinal cord to the brain. As a result, pain is blocked and the flow of blood and oxygen to the affected area is increased.



To read more please go to: 

http://www.chronicintractablepainandyou.net/apps/forums/topics/show/12777395-acupressure-for-pain


Topic: Advocacy Tips for Family Caregivers



Advocacy Tips for Family Caregivers




A Call to Action

Families—not institutions—provide the majority of care to chronically ill and disabled loved ones. These families know the enormity of the burden in caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s diseases, stroke, traumatic brain injury, or other long-term conditions. They also know the challenges in locating appropriate advice, services and respite.

Personal experience with community agencies, round-the-clock care, and financial hardships mean families know what the important issues are. This puts family caregivers in a unique position to act as advocates. Caregivers can educate elected officials charged with development of public policy and funding priorities.



To read more please go to: 

http://www.chronicintractablepainandyou.net/apps/forums/topics/show/12777346-advocacy-tips-for-family-caregivers


Topic: Adhesion Pain


Doctors: Bound by Secrecy? Victims: Bound by Pain! is the inspirational, true story of a mother and daughter's 14-year journey for a cure to an agonizing and often misdiagnosed, debilitating disease known as adhesions. Melissa Steward was like any other happy, bubbly teen before illness struck at the age of 13. Doctors gave a diagnosis of Crohn's disease and prescribed corticosteroids as treatment. However, the powerful drugs proved futile against the constant pain, nausea and vomiting that tortured the teen day after day. Believing her daughter had been misdiagnosed, Karen set out on her never-ending quest for an answer. Karen relates the riveting tale of their desperate cry for help and ultimate triumphant journey transversing the globe. Along the way, she provides a glimpse into the inner sanctum and frustrating maze of modern medicine.

To read more please go to: 
http://www.chronicintractablepainandyou.net/apps/forums/topics/show/12777291-adhesion-pain

Topic: Adaptive Equipment – A Driving Force



To those for whom mobility is limited, the ability to move around freely is a gift whose benefit can only be truly understood once it has been taken away. Imagine having to rely upon someone else for everything that you do – each trip to the grocery store, each run by the dry cleaners, each foray to the library or each errand to the pharmacy, doctor’s office or your child’s school. And then imagine how marvelous it would be if this opportunity, sometimes taken away so unexpectedly, could be returned to you through the use of adaptive equipment added to your car, van or truck.

Adaptive equipment is defined as a wide range of appliances, materials and supplies that help those with disabilities accomplish more activities of daily living and become more functionally 



To read more please go to:  

http://www.chronicintractablepainandyou.net/apps/forums/topics/show/12777249-adaptive-equipment-a-driving-force

Topic: BENEFITS OF PET THERAPY

BENEFITS OF PET THERAPY
It's well-known (and scientifically proven) that interaction with a gentle, friendly pet has significant benefits.

Physical Health:

lowers blood pressure

improves cardiovascular health

releases endorphins (oxytocin) that have a calming effect

diminishes overall physical pain

the act of petting produces an automatic relaxation response, reducing the amount of medication some folks need



To read more please go to:

http://www.chronicintractablepainandyou.net/apps/forums/topics/show/12777230-benefits-of-pet-therapy

Topic: How Pets Can Ease Chronic Pain


How Pets Can Ease Chronic Pain

Most pet owners will tell you how much their furry or feathered friends enrich their lives. Pets provide companionship, unconditional love, and joy. For those with chronic pain, pets can give their owners even more. Just ask Maggie Buckley. A former board member of the American Pain Foundation, Maggie has been living with pain most of her life. She says her pets have provided motivation, love, and a lifeline during her darkest hours.
At 13 years old, Maggie was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a genetic connective tissue disorder that causes easy and frequent bruising, poor wound healing, generalized pain, and joints that dislocate easily. She also has arthritis and migraine headaches. In 1998, her chronic pain conditions forced her to retire early from a position at a digital imaging company.
Maggie struggled to find a new place in the world. She lost her social network at work and felt she lost her identity as well. That’s when a beagle mix named “Q” came into her life and became a core part of her pain management support team.

To read more please go to: 
http://www.chronicintractablepainandyou.net/apps/forums/topics/show/12777167-how-pets-can-ease-chronic-pain

Topic: How owning a pet can help with chronic pain conditions

How owning a pet can help with chronic pain conditions

Why should you be a pet parent if you suffer from chronic pain?

Having a chronic pain condition can cause depression, sometimes severe, because your full life has all of a sudden, and for the rest of your life, been diminished. Now you can't run to the store whenever you want, play baseball with your kids or even have a little fun with your husband. Why? Because you have pain every day and sometimes there are “flair-ups”.

To read more please go to: http://www.chronicintractablepainandyou.net/apps/forums/topics/show/12777069-how-owning-a-pet-can-help-with-chronic-pain-conditions

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Topic: Certain Arthritis Patients Fare Worse After Joint Replacement: Study


Certain Arthritis
Patients Fare Worse After Joint Replacement: Study

WEDNESDAY, Nov. 28
(HealthDay News) -- Patients with rheumatoid
arthritis
are more likely to suffer hip dislocation after hip replacement
surgery than those with osteoarthritis,
a new study says.
In addition,
rheumatoid arthritis patients have a higher infection risk after total knee
replacement
than osteoarthritis patients, the study authors found.
Rheumatoid arthritis,
which is felt throughout the whole body, is caused when a person's immune
system attacks his or her own tissues. Osteoarthritis, which is usually felt
only in the joints, is caused by wear and tear on the body.
For the study, the
investigators analyzed the findings of 40 studies published between January
1990 and December 2011. The studies included arthritis patients aged 18 or
older who had hip or knee replacements.










Topic: Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibromyalgia:


Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibromyalgia:
 An Interview with RA Expert Lene Andersen

What is rheumatoid arthritis?  



RA is an autoimmune disease. This means
that the immune system attacks the body’s healthy tissues. In RA, this causes
inflammation of the joints that can cause bone erosion, deformities and
disability. RA is also known as a systemic disease, as it can also affect
internal organs. At present, we don't know what causes
RA
, although theories
include a genetic predisposition and a triggering event.



Uncontrolled RA comes with high levels
of chronic pain, and damaged joints cause pain, as well. In addition, there is
a significant fatigue factor. RA affects approximately 1% of the population –
that’s about 1.3 million in the US - and affects women almost three times more
often than men. It usually develops between the ages of 30 and 60 and can also
affect children. You can read more in MyRACentral's basics of RA area.

To
Read More Please Go To:



http://www.chronicintractablepainandyou.net/apps/forums/topics/show/12707835-rheumatoid-arthritis-and-fibromyalgia- 

Topic: What is rheumatoid arthritis?


What
is rheumatoid arthritis?

RA is an autoimmune disease. This means that
the immune system attacks the body’s healthy tissues. In RA, this causes
inflammation of the joints that can cause bone erosion, deformities and
disability. RA is also known as a systemic disease, as it can also affect
internal organs. At present, we don't know what causes RA, although theories
include a genetic predisposition and a triggering event.

Uncontrolled RA comes with high levels of
chronic pain, and damaged joints cause pain, as well. In addition, there is a
significant fatigue factor. RA affects approximately 1% of the population –
that’s about 1.3 million in the US - and affects women almost three times more
often than men. It usually develops between the ages of 30 and 60 and can also
affect children. You can read more in MyRACentral's basics of RA area.

How is RA diagnosed?

















Topic: What is rheumatoid arthritis?


What
is rheumatoid arthritis?

RA is an autoimmune disease. This means that
the immune system attacks the body’s healthy tissues. In RA, this causes
inflammation of the joints that can cause bone erosion, deformities and
disability. RA is also known as a systemic disease, as it can also affect
internal organs. At present, we don't know what causes RA, although theories
include a genetic predisposition and a triggering event.

Uncontrolled RA comes with high levels of
chronic pain, and damaged joints cause pain, as well. In addition, there is a
significant fatigue factor. RA affects approximately 1% of the population –
that’s about 1.3 million in the US - and affects women almost three times more
often than men. It usually develops between the ages of 30 and 60 and can also
affect children. You can read more in MyRACentral's basics of RA area.

How is RA diagnosed?

















Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Topic: What Is Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)?


What
Is Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)?

Arthritis is a complex family of musculoskeletal disorders consisting of more than 100 different diseases or conditions that destroy joints, bones, muscles, cartilage and other connective tissues, hampering or halting physical movement. Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the sacroiliac joints (where the spine attaches to the pelvis), spine, and hip joints. Ankylosing is a term meaning stiff or rigid and spondylitis means inflammation of the spine.
Enthesitis (inflammation of the place where ligaments and muscles attach to bones) accounts for much of the pain and stiffness of AS. This inflammation eventually can lead to bony fusion of the
joints (where the fibrous ligaments transform to bone, and the joint permanently grows together).
Other joints can also develop synovitis (inflammation of the lining of the joint), with lower limb joints more commonly involved than upper-limb joints.
To Read More, Please go to: 

Topic: Calcium supplements


Calcium supplements

Building strong and healthy bones requires an adequate dietary intake of calcium beginning in childhood and adolescence for both sexes. Most importantly, however, a high dietary calcium intake or taking calcium supplements alone is not sufficient in treating osteoporosis and should
not be viewed as an alternative to or substituted for more potent prescription medications for osteoporosis. In the first several years after menopause, rapid bone loss may occur even if calcium supplements are taken.


The following calcium intake has been recommended by the National Institutes of Health Consensus Conference on Osteoporosis for all people, with or without osteoporosis: 

800 mg/day for children 1-10 years of age To Read More Please Go To:

http://www.chronicintractablepainandyou.net/apps/forums/topics/show/12701488-calcium-supplements


Topic: Neurostimulation Can Be Used Safely



Neurostimulation Can
Be Used Safely

In general, neuro stimulation
is safe and has been used to treat pain for more than 30 years; however, there
are some common safety concerns associated with surgery and neuro stimulation.
Only you and your health care provider can determine if the benefits of the
procedure outweigh the potential risks.
Surgery Safety Concerns
Safety concerns
related to any surgical procedure include pain, bleeding or infection at the
surgical site and risks associated with anesthesia. All types of anesthesia
have some risks but major complications or side effects are rare. Risks also
depend on your general health status before the procedure and what type of
anesthesia you receive (local, regional or general).
Monitored anesthesia
care typically is used during a procedure to implant a neuro stimulator.
Monitored anesthesia care (MAC) involves using local anesthesia with sedation
and pain control. During MAC, your pain and any anxiety you may feel about
surgery will be controlled through medications. You may be able to answer
questions or you may be too drowsy. The lower doses of anesthetic used during
MAC often means less nausea. Depending on the amount of anesthetic and sedation
used, you may have a risk of lowered blood pressure and changes in breathing.
To
Read More, Please go to:













Topic: Are You Considering Complementary Medicine?


Are
You Considering Complementary Medicine?

Millions of Americans use some form of
complementary medicine. Like any decision concerning your health, decisions
about whether to use complementary therapies are important. The National Center
for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) has developed this fact
sheet to assist you in your decision making about complementary practices and
products.
Key Points
• Take charge of your health by being an
informed consumer. Find out and consider what scientific studies have been done
on the safety and effectiveness of the complementary product or practice that interests
you. Discuss the information with your health care provider before making a
decision.


Topic: AMA Agrees Marijuana May Have Analgesic Benefits



AMA
Agrees Marijuana May Have Analgesic Benefits




This article is reprinted from the blog Pain-Topics.org


The American Medical Association (AMA) has reversed its long-held position that
marijuana should remain as a DEA Schedule I substance having no medical value.
Rescheduling of the drug could open the door to more and better scientific
exploration of its benefits in helping persons with various pain conditions. In
its recently-announced decision, the AMA adopted a report drafted by its
Council on Science and Public Health (CSAPH) entitled, "Use of Cannabis
for Medicinal Purposes," which affirmed the potential therapeutic benefits
of marijuana and called for further research. The CSAPH report concluded that,
"short term controlled trials indicate that smoked cannabis reduces
neuropathic pain, improves appetite and caloric intake especially in patients
with reduced muscle mass, and may relieve spasticity and pain in patients with
multiple sclerosis."


How Did We Get Here? A Past Society President On the Opioid Crisis


How Did We Get Here?
A Past Society President On the Opioid Crisis

To the Editor:

As a pain physician with experience treating chronic pain patients over the past 30 years—initially as medical director of the Boston Pain Center, subsequently the Presbyterian Hospital Pain Center and currently Carolina Pain Associates—I need to share my thoughts on the current health care crisis as it affects patients who have acute and chronic pain.
Across the country but especially in the South, with Broward County in Florida one of the earliest areas to be in crisis, pain patients are increasingly unable to get their pain medication prescriptions filled. This is especially true for controlled substances and most problematic when those substances are opioid analgesics.
To Read More, Please go to:

Topic: CMS Rules PILD Will Only Be Covered In Clinical Trials


CMS Rules PILD Will Only Be Covered In Clinical Trials

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
Services (CMS) has spoken: Its Jan. 9 Coverage with Evidence Development (CED)
decision for percutaneous image-guided lumbar decompression (PILD) for lumbar
spinal stenosis (LSS) means that for the foreseeable future, PILD will only be
covered in the context of research studies.
The decision stipulates that new, robustly
designed, randomized controlled trials must address whether PILD significantly
improves function and/or quality of life and reduces pain compared with other
treatments, and also whether it positively affects the overall management and
clinical design making for patients with LSS.
“We recognize that LSS is a real and
important source of pain and functional limitation for patients, and that the
development of effective minimally invasive procedures could have a potential
place in the treatment armamentarium,” an individual who asked to be identified
as a CMS official told Pain Medicine News. 


Topic: Medication Overuse Headaches



Medication Overuse Headaches

What is a medication overuse
headache?

There are many types
of headache, such as tension headaches and migraines. One cause of headaches is too much headache
medicine. This is called
a medication overuse headache,
also known as an analgesic rebound
headache.

Some kinds of headache
medicine can cause
headache if you take them too often.
If you use these medicines
for headache relief more than two times a week,
your headaches may start to occur
more
often, last longer, and become more painful.
Your usual headache
medicines may no longer
work as well. The headache
may now be a
medication overuse
headache the result of too much
headache medicine.

How do you know if you have medication overuse
headaches?



Headache Working With Your Doctor to Avoid the Emergency Room


Headache
Working With Your Doctor to Avoid the Emergency Room

Know your headache care team
Everyone with frequent headaches should have a headache care team. The members of that team include:
• You.
• Your primary care doctor. If you do not have a primary care doctor, it is important that you get one. This doctor is the first person to call when you have any kind of health problem.
• Some patients also work with a headache care specialist. You may need this kind of help if your headaches do not respond to standard treatment.
Tell your doctor about the problem
If you have frequent headaches and have trouble dealing with the pain, you should make an appointment with your doctor just to discuss your headaches. If you use the visit for other issues, you may not have the time you need to talk about your headaches. Be prepared to give details about your headaches. Your doctor will also want to know what other health problems you may have and any medicines you are taking.


Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Acupuncture and acupressure for neuropathic pain: An ancient alternative

Acupuncture and acupressure for neuropathic pain: An ancient alternative

Written by: Rita Reznikova
Published: January 26, 2010
Reviewed by: Kevin Zacharoff, MD, December 2009
Neuropathic pain is a kind of chronic pain that usually results from damage to or malfunction of the nervous system. This makes it different from the usual type of pain that is a direct result of injury. Successful treatment for neuropathic pain can be difficult; often, the approach is with a combination of medications, physical and psychological methods, and complementary and alternative practices. This article will focus on acupuncture and acupressure.

What you need to know

Acupuncture and acupressure are ancient Chinese medical treatments.
  • These techniques may complement (be used with) other medical treatments for neuropathic pain.
  • Researchers believe that acupuncture and acupressure work on “pressure points” throughout the body, in order to improve the flow of energy.


Topic: Seas Yield Clues on Nerve Regeneration After Spinal Cord Injury

Seas Yield Clues on Nerve Regeneration After Spinal Cord Injury

When it comes to shedding light on the possibility of nerve regeneration following spinal cord injury, it appears that the worm may have turned finally—or, more exactly, the sea lamprey.
Researchers at the University of Missouri (MU), in Columbia, after musing about certain fish that can reconnect nerves after injury and return to full mobility, have learned a great deal from the ability of the eel-like sea lamprey to recover from such
traumas that they feel may be applicable to humans. They hope their discovery
of how the sea lamprey regenerates nerve function may lead ultimately to methods
for similar restoration in humans with spinal cord injuries. 
 “There is a lot of attention to why, following a spinal cord injury, neurons regenerate in lower vertebrates, such as the sea 
lamprey, and why they don’t in higher vertebrates, such as humans,” said Andrew McClellan, professor of biological sciences in the College of Arts and Science
and director of the UM Spinal Cord Injury Research Program.  To Read More, Please go to: http://www.chronicintractablepainandyou.net/apps/forums/topics/show/12696220-seas-yield-clues-on-nerve-regeneration-after-spinal-cord-injury