Episode 8 | What a Pain in my NMO
Channel: Demystifying NMO & MOG Podcast
Date: 01/12/2022

ORIGINAL PODCAST RELEASE DATE: 

In this episode, host Chelsey talks all things related to NMO pain with Dr. Shamik Bhattacharyya, a neurologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital and assistant professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School. Chelsey learns that pain is very prevalent in NMOSD, and presents itself in many ways. They chat a bit about the science of NMO-related pain, exploring how and why it's different than pain related to multiple sclerosis. Although there is no 'magic bullet' to wipe out NMO-pain, Dr. Bhattacharyya talks through a number of ways to manage chronic pain, including lifestyle changes, medications, devices and complementary treatments. Dr. Bhattacharyya also answers questions on opiates (not to be used as the backbone of pain management and used sparingly!), medical cannabis, cryotherapy, and mindfulness. Lots to learn!

ABOUT US:
The Demystifying NMO podcast is a collaboration between the Sumaira Foundation (TSF) and the Connor B Judge Foundation (CBJF). This podcast is made possible with the generous support of Genentech.

SOCIAL & WEBSITE:

Dr. Shamik Bhattacharyya
Brigham and Women's Hospital - 
https://physiciandirectory.brighamandwomens.org/details/12697/shamik-bhattacharyya-neurology-boston
Harvard Catalyst - 
https://connects.catalyst.harvard.edu/Profiles/display/Person/99591
Twitter - https://twitter.com/shamik_b

Demystifying NMO Podcast
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/demystifying_nmomog
Twitter - https://twitter.com/DemystifyingNMO

The Sumaira Foundation
Website - https://www.sumairafoundation.org
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheSumairaFoundation

The Connor B Judge Foundation
Website - https://www.connorbjudgefoundation.org
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cbjvnmo

TIMESTAMPS/TOPICS:

00:00:20 Dr. Shamik Bhattacharyya
00:01:34 Phases of Pain
00:02:24 Pain and NMO
00:03:16 Pain in NMO vs. other Diseases
00:05:04 Types of Pain
00:05:53 Banding
00:06:52 Neuropathic Pain
00:07:58 Psychological Impact of Pain
00:10:00 Spasticity
00:11:03 The Nature of Pain Evolves
00:13:32 Managing Pain
00:16:10 Classes of Pain Medication
00:18:55 Opioids
00:22:10 Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Pain Management
00:25:22 Mindest and Improved Outcomes
00:28:40 Medical Cannabis
00:30:05 Yoga and Mindfulness

CREDITS:
Host - Chelsey Judge
Editor - Brian Dawson
Cover Art - Sumaira Ahmed
Guest Photo - Brigham and Women's Hospital