Optimal neuro | spine: New Insights for the Neuroimaging of Chronic Pain. A conversation with Dr. Vania Apkarian

Episode 7

Chronic pain impacts fifteen to twenty percent of the world and costs the population of the United States somewhere around $500 billion a year. And even though opiates are commonly prescribed to treat chronic pain, the epidemic we’re seeing from opiate addiction is staggering. There has to be a better way!

That’s exactly what my guest for this episode has dedicated his life to discovering. Join me for a fascinating conversation with Dr. Vania Apkarian as we discuss what causes chronic pain, its relationship to the brain, and the future of chronic pain management.

This episode’s points of interest cover:

• Defining chronic pain
• How well do we manage chronic pain
• The biggest misconceptions about the relationship between acute and chronic pain
• Dr. Apkarian’s most significant findings on the mechanisms of chronic pain
• The role of the mesocorticolimbic system in chronic pain
• The relationship between addiction and chronic pain
• The role of learning and memory for development and maintenance of pain
• Examining the ways chronic pain changes the brain
• What Dr. Apkarian needs surgeons to know about chronic pain
• Dr. Apkarian’s most gratifying contribution to his field

Listen to this and other in-depth conversations on your favorite Podcast:

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Dr. Max Boakye, Neurosurgeon, and Neuroscientist, currently Professor of Neurosurgery, Chief of Spinal Neurosurgery, Director of Quality Improvement, and Clinical Director of the Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, interviews leading neuroscientists, health administrators, neurosurgeons, educators, neuro and spine health care experts, and patients in his Podcast show: Optimal neuro|spine. His in-depth conversations brings to light topics on: How do we optimize our brain and spine health, prevent aging brain and memory deterioration What to do when something goes wrong, how best to heal and recover injured brain and back How do we optimize our inpatient neuro|spine care in hospitals and provide more value-based care- prevent errors, improve quality, and improve patient satisfaction How do we teach better and better train doctors Which hospitals offer the best neuro and spine care: why and how Dr. Boakye present the most innovative emerging research that will impact neuro|spine care. Join us as we delve one-on-one and have insightful conversations with exciting researchers and experts – voices who have something to teach, enlighten, and inspire us about Optimal neuro|spine.

Maxwell Boakye, MD, MPH Acting Director, KSCIRC