Michael Costigan PhD

"Mechanisms of Neuropathic Pain"

9:00 am

Saturday, January 21, 2012

International Academy of Endodontics, Annual Meeting

The Fairmont Hotel

Dallas, Texas

Abstract

Neuropathic pain is triggered by identifiable lesions to the somatosensory nervous system, whether physical trauma, through disease or chemical toxicity. These injuries alter structure and function of the sensory neurons so that pain occurs spontaneously and responses to noxious and innocuous stimuli are pathologically amplified. The pain is an expression of maladaptive plasticity within the nociceptive system, a series of changes must be considered a disease in their own right and treated as such, not just the unfortunate consequence of the precipitating condition. Toward this goal we are defining mechanisms, both clinical and molecular, which will aid in accurate syndrome diagnosis and aid new therapy discovery. Multiple alterations distributed widely across the nervous system contribute to complex pain phenotypes. These alterations include ectopic generation of action potentials, facilitation and disinhibition of synaptic transmission, loss of synaptic connectivity and formation of new synaptic circuits, and neuroimmune interactions. Although neural lesions are necessary, they are not sufficient to generate neuropathic pain; genetic polymorphisms, gender, and age all influence the risk of developing persistent pain. I will discuss how genetics influences alter chronic pain risk in patients. Modern treatment needs to move from merely suppressing symptoms to a disease-modifying strategy aimed at both preventing maladaptive plasticity and reducing intrinsic risk, tangible examples of how this is being done will be discussed.

Learning objectives

Understand neuropathic pain as a standalone disease, with its own mechanisms and risks.

Understand current chronic neuropathic pain treatment profiles and how we hope to develop these in the future.

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Gary Klasser DMD, Cert. Orofacial Pain

Associate Professor
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center
School of Dentistry
Division of Diagnostic Sciences
1100 Florida Avenue, Box 140
New Orleans, LA 70119

"Neuropathic Pain for Endodontists"

Saturday, January 21, 2012

10:00 am

International Academy of Endodontics, Annual Meeting

The Fairmont Hotel

Dallas, Texas

Abstract:

Endodontists are routinely asked to diagnose and treat pain of presumed dental origin. Typically, the nature of the most common types of dental (periodontal and/or endodontic) pain is due to inflammatory processes. If dental pain of endodontic origin is a consideration, then it is often resolved by dental treatment including non-surgical and/or surgical endodontic procedures. However, some patients continue to report persistent pain in the dentition or adjacent areas even though successful clinical and radiographic criteria are met. These individuals may be suffering from a category of pain referred to as “neuropathic pain”. In these circumstances, it is important for the endodontist to recognize, differentially diagnose and then to understand the various management strategies related to this condition. This will be of great benefit and assistance to both the endodontist and their patients.

Learning objectives:

1. To understand the differences between nociceptive and neuropathic pain.

2. To recognize the characteristics of neuropathic pain.

3. To develop a differential diagnosis for neuropathic pain.

4. To understand the management strategies utilized for patients experiencing neuropathic pain.

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Mark Chambers DMD, MS

"Update in Oral Oncology"

 Saturday, January 21, 2012

11:00 am

International Academy of Endodontics, Annual Meeting

The Fairmont Hotel

Dallas, Texas

Synopsis: 

This lecture offers the endodontist a practical approach to understanding current oncologic therapy at a major comprehensive cancer center.  Multiple topics will be presented: fundamentals of clinical oncology principles and current oncologic therapy (chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgical intervention, or combination treatment), multidisciplinary approach in treatment of the head and neck oncology patient, oral morbidities (skeletal abnormalities, infection, pain), and management (alternative medicine, novel topical analgesia therapy, denosumab, third generation antimicrobials).  Lastly, a common sense approach to endodontic therapy of the advanced oral cancer patient will be presented.

Educational Objectives:

1. Understand fundamentals of major cancer therapies for head and neck cancer

2. Understand oral morbidities of current oncologic therapy and its impact on the health of the cancer patient

3. Establish management strategies of primary oral sequelae and secondary hard/soft tissue disorders of cancer therapy

4. Understand the strategies for improved healing following endodontic therapy of the advanced cancer patient

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Ron McGill, MDPR

"Sex and the Animals"

Saturday, January 21, 2012

12:30 – 2:00 pm Lunch

International Academy of Endodontics, Annual Meeting

The Fairmont Hotel

Dallas, Texas

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