Brain Atrophy with Chronic Pain: A Call for Enhanced Treatment
Recent studies clearly show that chronic pain unto itself causes brain atrophy and altered neurochemistry and sensory function of the central nervous system.
As unpleasant as it may be, the evidence is in: chronic pain may produce a loss or atrophy of brain tissue.¹⁻⁸ All practicing physicians and their surrogates and allies must immediately begin understanding the ramifications of this finding. All parties must be educated about this fact and aggressively attempt to prevent brain atrophy in chronic pain patients. While our knowledge about this dire complication—and what tools we should employ to prevent and treat it—are admittedly meager, we have to begin a new chapter in practical pain management.
The Evidence
In 2004, Apkarian and colleagues at Northwestern University published their initial findings on patients with chronic back pain.1 By use of brain scans they determined that chronic pain caused brain shrinkage by as much as 11%—equivalent to the amount of gray matter that is lost in 10-20 years of normal aging. The decrease in volume in the prefrontal cortex and the thalamus of the brain was related to the duration of time spent in pain. Every year of pain appeared to decrease gray matter by 1.3 cubic centimeters. The good news about this study is that the shrinkage was accompanied by only minimal neuronal loss suggesting that proper treatment might reverse this portion of the decreased brain matter.
Since this seminal report, a number of investigators—from a variety of institutions, using a variety of techniques—have documented loss of brain tissue in chronic pain patients, including those with chronic headaches, fibromyalgia, back pain, and irritable bowel syndrome.²⁻⁶Most of the major studies involving chronic pain and brain tissue loss are referenced here for readers who wish to explore these findings in greater detail.²⁻⁸
In any discussion or study of chronic pain complications, the question about drugs—particularly opioids, as a causative factor—is naturally asked. All the studies noted above had at least some subjects who did not take opioids. To determine whether brain structural changes occur independent of opioids, Buckalew and colleagues at the Universities of Pittsburgh and West Virginia carefully studied a group of older adults with chronic pain who did not take opioids and who had none of these confounding conditions: hypertension, diabetes, major depression disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, or a previous stroke.⁸ They found essentially the same altered and reduced brain matter as all of the other studies.¹⁻⁷It is also cogent to point out that long term opioid therapy has not been found to produce significant decreases in neuro-cognitive abilities.⁹˒¹⁰ In fact, adequate pain relief may improve them.⁹
Not only have scans and magnetic imagery documented the loss of gray matter, a number of other studies complement these findings in that the brains of chronic pain patients demonstrate altered neurochemistry and central nervous system processing of input signals such as odors, taste, heat, emotions, and touch.¹¹⁻¹⁶Studies show that chronic pain patients do not process external stimuli in a normal fashion.¹¹ Patients with chronic back pain have altered dopamine and opioid availability in the forebrain.¹⁷˒¹⁸ Fibromyalgia patients appear to have a reduction in the receptor availability of dopamine and opioid mu-receptors in parts of the forebrain.¹⁹˒²⁰ In summary, it appears that brain neurochemicals important for pain modulation are not responding as they do in healthy individuals.¹¹⁻²⁰
| Brain atrophy Altered brain neurochemistry Altered brain sensory processing Hypertension Tachycardia Immune suppression Elevated adrenal corticoids Adrenal exhaustion Depression Physical immobility Deranged activities of daily living Insomnia Anorexia and malnutrition • Suicide |
Not only have scans and magnetic imagery documented the loss of gray matter, a number of other studies complement these findings in that the brains of chronic pain patients demonstrate altered neurochemistry and central nervous system processing of input signals such as odors, taste, heat, emotions, and touch.¹¹⁻¹⁶ Studies show that chronic pain patients do not process external stimuli in a normal fashion.¹¹ Patients with chronic back pain have altered dopamine and opioid availability in the forebrain.¹⁷˒¹⁸ Fibromyalgia patients appear to have a reduction in the receptor availability of dopamine and opioid mu-receptors in parts of the forebrain.¹⁹˒²⁰ In summary, it appears that brain neurochemicals important for pain modulation are not responding as they do in healthy individuals.¹¹⁻²⁰
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Understanding the Effectiveness of Prescription Weight Loss Drugs
Prescription Weight Loss Drugs vs. Over-the-Counter Options
Prescription weight loss drugs are often considered more effective than over-the-counter options due to their regulated formulation and targeted approach. Unlike over-the-counter pills, prescription medications undergo rigorous testing and approval processes by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This ensures that they meet specific safety standards and are backed by scientific evidence.
How Prescription Drugs Promote Weight Loss in Obese Women
Prescription weight loss drugs work through various mechanisms to help obese women shed excess pounds. Some medications act as appetite suppressants, reducing feelings of hunger and helping individuals consume fewer calories. Others may increase metabolism or interfere with the absorption of fat in the body. Certain prescription drugs can enhance satiety, making people feel fuller for longer periods.
Importance of Medical Supervision
It is crucial for obese women to use prescription weight loss drugs under medical supervision. These medications can have potential side effects and interactions with other medications or health conditions. A healthcare provider will evaluate an individual’s overall health status before prescribing a specific drug, ensuring it is safe and suitable for them.
Lifestyle Changes Alongside Prescription Medications
While prescription weight loss drugs like ozempic can be effective, they are most successful when combined with lifestyle changes. These changes may include adopting a balanced diet, increasing physical activity levels, managing stress, getting enough sleep, and avoiding unhealthy habits like smoking or excessive alcohol consumption. By incorporating these lifestyle modifications into a treatment plan alongside medication use, obese women can maximize their chances of achieving sustainable weight loss.
Comparison of Weight Loss Medications: Benefits and Side Effects
Obese women often seek additional help in the form of weight loss medications. These medications can provide an extra boost to their weight management efforts.
Effectiveness of Weight Loss Medications
Weight loss medications have been extensively studied for their effectiveness in aiding weight loss. Clinical studies have shown that these medications can help individuals lose more weight compared to lifestyle changes alone. However, it is important to note that results may vary from person to person.
Benefits of Weight Loss Medications
Increased Weight Loss: Weight loss medications can accelerate the rate at which individuals shed pounds, helping them achieve their goals faster.
Appetite Suppression: Many weight loss medications work by suppressing appetite, making it easier for individuals to control their food intake and reduce cravings.
Metabolic Boost: Some medications can increase metabolism, allowing the body to burn calories more efficiently.
Improvement in Health Conditions: In addition to promoting weight loss, certain weight management medications have been found to improve health conditions associated with obesity, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
Potential Side Effects
While weight loss medications offer benefits, they also come with potential side effects that need consideration:
Gastrointestinal Issues: Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and constipation.
Increased Heart Rate: Certain medications may cause an increase in heart rate or palpitations.
Sleep Problems: Some individuals may experience insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns while taking these medications.
It is crucial for obese women considering weight loss medication to consult with a healthcare professional who can assess their individual needs and guide them towards the most suitable option. Lifestyle changes should still be prioritized alongside medication use for long-term success.
Liraglutide (Saxenda): Powerful Weight Loss Pill
Liraglutide, marketed as Saxenda, is a potent weight loss pill specifically designed for obese individuals. It belongs to a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists and was initially approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, it has gained popularity as an effective weight loss aid.
How Liraglutide Works
Liraglutide works by mimicking the action of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in the body. This hormone helps regulate blood sugar levels and appetite. By activating GLP-1 receptors in the brain, Liraglutide suppresses appetite and promotes feelings of fullness or satiety. This can be particularly beneficial for obese women who struggle with overeating or constant hunger.
Clinical Studies on Effectiveness
Clinical studies have shown that Liraglutide can lead to significant weight reduction in obese individuals. In one study involving overweight or obese participants with type 2 diabetes, those who took Liraglutide experienced an average weight loss of 8% over a year-long period compared to those who received a placebo.
Side Effects and Precautions
While Liraglutide can be an effective weight loss tool, it’s important to note that it may also have some side effects. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. In rare cases, more serious side effects such as pancreatitis and gallbladder problems have been reported.
It’s crucial for individuals considering Liraglutide as a weight loss option to consult with their healthcare provider before starting the medication. They should discuss any pre-existing medical conditions or medications they are taking that may interact with Liraglutide.
Implications of These Findings
The findings in chronic pain patients of brain tissue loss and altered central nervous system physiology and neurochemistry is a profound discovery that should be known to all physicians. Implications of this discovery are clear. Recently, in an educational document published by the American Academy of Pain Management, Dr. Catherine Bushnell of McGill University in Montreal, who is a principal investigator in many of the studies referenced here stated, “The data suggest that patients should receive treatment as early and as aggressively as possible. The old adage “no pain, no gain” appears to be diametrically opposed to current findings about the impact of pain.” She, and possibly some previous fence-sitters, now want to call chronic pain a disease unto itself.
It is now clear that the risk-benefit ratio of aggressive treatment versus moderate treatment—which leaves the patient with some degree of constant pain—needs to be reevaluated. Brain atrophy, along with altered brain physiology and neurochemistry, now joins the risk profile of undertreated chronic pain. To date, this risk profile has consisted of hypertension, tachycardia, altered adrenal hormone levels, suppression of the immune system, depression, and interference with physical function and activities of daily life (see Table 1). It is now abundantly clear that chronic pain, particularly the severe intractable form, is a disease unto itself whose risks, per se, appear to far outweigh those of essentially all applicable medical treatments—including high dose opioid therapy.⁹˒¹⁰
| 1. A 25-year-old female was referred with severe chronic pain due to fibromyalgia. She claimed undertreatment for at least three years which interfered with her promising career. Morning serum cortisol levels were over 30ug/dl and she had a resting heart rate over 110 beats per minute. Despite aggressive opioid and other treatment, within 10 years she became so mentally incapacitated that she could not work, was home-bound, and had to be cared for by family.
2. A 55-year-old male executive has severe back pain with radiculopathy in both legs. For about five years he experienced interrupted pain care consisting of standard interventions, opioid dosages, and a variety of neuropathic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-depression agents. By age 60, he had to retire and was unable to adequately concentrate, read, or do calculations to retain employment. He remains at home and cared for by his wife. 3. A 40-year-old male television camera technician developed a severe back injury requiring multiple back surgeries, fusion, and implanted rods. Despite an implanted intrathecal morphine pump and numerous medical treatments including opioids, he developed such memory loss and cognitive abilities that he could not work or do such activities as balance a checkbook. 4. A 40-year-old registered nurse was referred with severe pain due to fibromyalgia. Her resting morning cortisol was under 1ug/dl, and she had tachycardia over 100 beats per minute. Despite multiple treatments including opioids, she mentally deteriorated over a five-year period to the point that she could not work and had to live at home with her parents. The above cases are examples of clinical observations of severe chronic pain patients. They are presented here with little knowledge of underlying causes of their mental deterioration or whether they have brain atrophy. |
Clinical Ramifications
A review of the anatomic, physiologic, and neurochemistry studies of chronic pain on the brain clearly suggests that some chronic pain patients will develop clinical syndromes of poor attention span, cognitive abilities, and possibly dementia.¹⁻⁸˒¹¹⁻¹⁸ Is this happening? This author believes this to be the case based on long-term observations of chronic pain patients. Although chronic pain patients, in my experience, seldom admit to a loss of cognitive or mental abilities, they often complain of a poor memory. Is it time that chronic pain patients in treatment be sequentially monitored over time with mental scales such as the “Mini-Mental Exam?” Should we be trying to provide better diets, nutritional supplements, and dementia-preventing mental exercises such as crossword puzzles? Perhaps the pain patient who claimed her B-12 shot really helped knew what she was talking about. Can psychologists who specialize in dementia prevention help us? Shown in Table 2 are four cases from my personal practice which were undertreated for years before referral to me and who, I believe, developed mental deterioration. At this point, I have a poor understanding of how to diagnose, prevent, or treat mental deterioration in chronic pain patients, but these studies on brain atrophy provide insight into clinical observations.
Mechanism of Brain Atrophy
There should be no better subject to discuss in the hallways of medical practice than the possible causes of brain atrophy and neurochemical abnormalities that occur in chronic pain. Considering that some studies also show a loss of nerve density of peripheral nerves and spinal cord of pain patients, an electrical phenomenon must be considered as a cause. Is electricity being retained by damaged peripheral nerves (e.g., change in electrical capacitance) and thus causing a “hot wire” affect that fundamentally inflames, dissolves, and scars tissue? Does pain cause a hormonal or immune dysfunction that can literally dissolve gray matter? Hypercortisolemia has been observed in chronic pain patients and is known to cause a demented state.²¹⁻²³ Severe pain is also well-known to cause hypertension and tachycardia, particularly during pain flares. Both are known to affect cerebral blood flow. Whatever future research points to as causation, physicians should take their best shot now at preventing the disappearance of gray matter. In addition to better pain control, it is obvious that we need better strategies to normalize electrical conduction, hormone metabolism, and restoration of tissue.
| Patients Psychologists Clergy Families Social Workers Insurance Carriers NP’s/PA’s Pharmacists • Medical Boards |
| Educate all parties Include brain atrophy risk in consent form and agreements Early and aggressive treatment Nutrition Electrical control measures • Mental, intelligence, and memory screening and exercises |
Start Education Immediately
The number one thing physicians should immediately do with this new research information is educate all concerned parties including patients, families, psychologists, pharmacists, surrogates, insurance carriers, and medical boards (see Table 3). In particular, any party—such as a family member who is critical of opioid treatment—needs to be bluntly told that withholding treatment, including opioid therapy, may subject the patient to brain atrophy and the loss of intelligence, memory, and possible development of dementia. Simply, the risks of delayed or undertreatment appear too great. On the other hand, we do not yet know whether opioids or any other treatment can prevent or restore brain atrophy or altered brain physiology and neurochemicals.
Clinical Recommendations
It must be recognized that we may not be able to either prevent or restore brain tissue in chronic pain states. Nevertheless, these new research findings suggest some intuitive and logical measures. Education of ourselves and patients is, naturally, first on our list. Second is sooner and more aggressive treatment with all methods that are currently available. For example, alcoholic as well as some other forms of dementia respond to nutritional therapies. Since excess electricity produced in chronic pain states may be a causative factor, techniques to reduce and control electrical flow may be in order. Certainly, the encouragement of mental exercise, increased physical activity, and social interaction should help keep brains active. If you’re still struggling to lose weight, liv pure ingredients are all natural and can help with organ health and give you more energy. Above all, doctors who treat severe chronic pain patients should focus on this complication and eagerly share any hints and tips they uncover. It’s also my recommendation that we attempt to identify psychologists who have interest and skills in working with dementia.
Conclusion
Chronic pain, particularly the severe intractable forms, should be considered a disease unto itself. The finding that chronic pain, per se, causes brain atrophy and altered physiology and neurochemistry is a profound discovery and joins the already known risks of under-treatment, namely cardiovascular, hormone, immune, and physiologic function. At this time, there is no guarantee that we can prevent or restore brain atrophy with any known treatment or measures yet aggressive pain control clearly outweighs the risk of undertreatment. Now that we are aware that this complication may occur, it is time to experiment, observe, and develop strategies to prevent or ameliorate it.
Filed under: General Problems
Howdy All
My brain must be completely made of jello by now! The gray matter is in a hurry to leave with all the help from the doctors.
Ted
Lymes will do the same,,it will leave lesion’s anywhere that bacteria infiltrates. My fathers brain did the same w/a disease call P.O.E.M.S.,,,u could actual see outside his skull on top was starting to kinda fall in,u could see the sides of his skull ontop were literally lower then straight down the middle if that makes sense,,all the doctors would look at it over at U.W.,,his brain literally shrunk inside,causing the bones to move outside,,and this was guy who tested at 169 on a i.q. test,,via army for WW2,his 1 born also was literally a genuis,,could play a piano just by looken at,,,amazing,,,,it was very very frustrating for him,,weird but true,,They still know very little about our human brains,,but common sense would concur,,our brains can only handle soo much torture, before it too starts to surcome come to the effects of physical pain upon the body it controls,,,jmo,,,
My best friend passed away the end of January last year. An MRI showed that her brain had atrophied around 25%. Now, after reading this article, I look back and realize that for two years prior to the final episode, she was reaching for words. She stopped reading books, playing computer games, knitting, or really anything that required concentration. She had lost her pain treatment in 2018, after over twenty years of taking four hundred milligrams of morphine a day, with zero evidence of addiction or misdirection or OIH.
She was only sixty years old when she passed, quite unexpectedly, devastating her husband and her friends.
too late now but I will share this graphic on possible pt comorbidity complications issue from under/untreated pain – early/premature death is one https://www.pharmaciststeve.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/harmofpain.jpg