Neurosurgery pain symposium today

Kim Burchiel, M.D.

UNMC’s section of neurosurgery will present its first pain symposium today (April 18) from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Storz Pavilion. The keynote speaker is Kim Burchiel, M.D., professor and chairman of neurosurgery at the Oregon Health & Sciences University. Dr. Burchiel will present “The Surgical Management of Pain” at 9 a.m.

Other speakers will discuss acupuncture, the pharmacologic management of pain, spinal cord stimulation, the use of intrathecal narcotics and behavioral therapies in relationship to chronic pain management. There is no registration required for the symposium and all individuals are welcome.

“This symposium will be very educational to family physicians, internists and other people interested in the treatment of chronic pain syndromes,” said Lyal Leibrock, M.D., professor of surgery.

Approximately 86 million Americans suffer from chronic pain and 66 million are partially or totally disabled. “Chronic pain is expensive,” Dr. Leibrock said, noting pain problems cost $70 billion a year in medical costs, lost working days and workers’ compensation. “Chronic pain disables more people than cancer or heart disease and costs the American people,” he said.

The psychosocial effects of chronic pain include the loss of employment/income; depression, fear and anxiety; isolation; sleep disorders; and marital and family dysfunction.

But, there are new techniques and breakthroughs in treating pain including spinal cord stimulation; implantable infusion therapy; new drugs; and cortical stimulation for thalamic pain.