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This is a handout to explain that Venlafaxine works by increasing the brain levels of 2 chemical messengers, norepinephrine and serotonin, that help to lessen the intensity of incoming pain signals. It can be used to treat pain from damaged nerves, fibromyalgia, depression and anxiety.

This is a handout explaining that Duloxetine is a medication that works by increasing the brain levels of two chemical messengers, norepinephrine and serotonin, that help to lessen the intensity of incoming pain signals. It is used to treat pain from damaged nerves, fibromyalgia, chronic low back pain, and knee pain due to osteoarthritis. Duloxetine is also used to treat depression and anxiety.

This is a handout to explain that a facet join injection can be used to help diagnose the cause and location of pain or to treat pain related to facet joint dysfunction. Facet joint injections can be performed in the neck (cervical), upper back (thoracic), or lower back (lumbar). The exact location at which the procedure is performed at depends on where your pain is coming from. It involves the administration of a local anesthetic (when done as a diagnostic procedure) or a mixture of local anesthetic and an anti-inflammatory medication known as a steroid (when done for treatment purposes).

This is a handout to explain that Ketamine is a medication most commonly used as an anesthetic during surgical procedures. At lower doses, ketamine is used to treat certain types of nerve pain that have not responded to other pain management approaches. The most common condition for which IV (intravenous) ketamine infusions are used in the pain clinic is complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).

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 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...

Arabic language fact sheets for the Fluoroscopy Suite including pre and post procedure instructions, epidural steroid, facet joint and sacroiliac joint injections, radiofrequency ablation, and stellate ganglion block.