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What is naltrexone? Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist, which means it blocks the effects of opioids such as codeine, morphine, oxycodone, etc. Naltrexone was developed to treat opioid addiction. A standard dose to treat opioid addiction is typically 50 mg once daily. A standard dose of naltrexone is also used to treat alcohol dependence, although we do not fully understand how it works to reduce the urge or desire to drink alcohol.

This is a handout to learn about Nabilone, which is a synthetic cannabinoid made by the pharmaceutical industry. It is similar to marijuana (the natural plant) in its actions, but usually has less effect on mood. Nabilone is typically used to treat severe nausea and vomiting associated with certain types of cancer chemotherapy and can be used to stimulate appetite. Nabilone is also used to treat chronic nerve related pain.

This is a fact sheet for patients about Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal), a drug used to treat epilepsy, trigeminal neuralgia, and to manage nerve pain resulting from a spinal cord injury. Oxcarbazepine is also used for the treatment of acute mania or the prevention of bipolar disorder episodes. This fact sheet outlines how the medication should be used, what special precautions should be taken, what its potential side effects are and how it should be stored.

This is a fact sheet for patients about the SSRI Sertraline (Zoloft) that explains what the drug is, how it works and how it should be taken. Sertraline is used to treat a wide range of mental health conditions, including unipolar depression (low mood), generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and eating disorders.

This handout explains a procedure which can be used to diagnose sympathetically mediated pain. A stellate ganglion block is also commonly used to treat pain of the head, neck and upper limbs resulting from complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). The goal of the procedure is to help the patient participate in restorative therapy (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, exercise) and achieve functional improvement.

This handout explains Tapentadol, which is an Extended Release medication used to relieve moderate to severe pain in adults. Tapentadol is an atypical opioid medication because it has a unique mechanism of action: Tapentadol binds with certain opioid receptors to block pain signals from reaching the brain. This action is similar to that of opioid medications such as morphine. Tapentadol also works by increasing the brain levels of a chemical messenger called norepinephrine. This feature is similar to that of some antidepressant medications used to treat pain.

This handout explains Tapentadol, which is an Immediate Release medication used to relieve moderate to severe pain in adults. Tapentadol is an atypical opioid medication because it has a unique mechanism of action: Tapentadol binds with certain opioid receptors to block pain signals from reaching the brain. This action is similar to that of opioid medications such as morphine. Tapentadol also works by increasing the brain levels of a chemical messenger called norepinephrine. This feature is similar to that of some antidepressant medications used to treat pain.

Sex and sexuality are important parts of being human, however after a spinal cord injury (SCI) many things can change. The way you experience your body may be different now. Many people with a spinal cord injury are concerned about their sexuality and sexual health but don’t know how, when or who to ask for information. At Parkwood Institute, we have developed a program to provide education and support to patients regarding sexuality and sexual health. A member of your health care team will talk to you and answer any questions or concerns you may have about your sexual health. If you have a...

What is spasticity and how is it typically treated? Spasticity is a neuromuscular condition in which there is an abnormal increase in muscle tone, making the affected body parts stiff and difficult to move. Spasticity is a symptom associated with damage to the brain and/or spinal cord through conditions such as stroke, brain trauma or tumour, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, etc. The presentation of spasticity can range from mild and barely noticeable to very bothersome, which can interfere with daily functioning, hygiene and comfort. Botulinum toxin...

What is spasticity and how is it typically treated? Spasticity is a neuromuscular condition in which there is an abnormal increase in muscle tone, making the affected body parts stiff and difficult to move. Spasticity is a symptom associated with damage to the brain and/or spinal cord through conditions such as stroke, brain trauma or tumour, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, etc. The presentation of spasticity can range from mild and barely noticeable to very bothersome, which can interfere with daily functioning, hygiene and comfort. Botulinum toxin...

What is spasticity and how is it typically treated? Spasticity is a neuromuscular condition in which there is an abnormal increase in muscle tone, making the affected body parts stiff and difficult to move. Spasticity is a symptom associated with damage to the brain and/or spinal cord through conditions such as stroke, brain trauma or tumour, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, etc. The presentation of spasticity can range from mild and barely noticeable to very bothersome, which can interfere with daily functioning, hygiene and comfort. Botulinum toxin...