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Krembil Neuroscience Centre (KNC)
Pain
Overview 
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Nationally and internationally known for our clinical research and expertise, the Krembil Neuroscience Centre’s Comprehensive Pain Program (CPP) has specialized in chronic non-malignant (not cancer-related) pain for more than 20 years. We take a "whole person” approach to treating pain, focusing on how pain is affected by other parts of our lives, such as our living situation, emotions and unique internal “wiring.”
The CPP has taken a major lead through its director, Dr. Mailis Gagnon in:
| a) | Developing national opioid guidelines in collaboration with the National Opioid Use Guideline Group and neuropathic guidelines in collaboration with the Special Interest group of the Canadian Pain Society |
| b) | Serving in advisory capacity to several branches of the Ontario Ministry of Health, |
| c) | Playing a significant role in patient education and advocacy through ACTION Ontario, a not for profit organization for patients with neuropathic pain, and |
| d) | Disseminating information on pain matters through the CARP newsletter. |
The CPP, located at Toronto Western Hospital evaluates 650 new patients and about 1,500 follow-up patients yearly. The majority of patients suffer from neuropathic pain or suspected neuropathic pain. However, a substantial number suffer from a multiplicity of malignant and non-malignant pain disorders. The CPP is the most comprehensive diagnostic and treatment center in the country and referrals come from within the GTA, the province and nationally.
Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic pain is a type of pain that results from injury or disease of the nerves, the spinal cord or the brain. The causes are many, including trauma to the spinal cord, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, AIDS, shingles, as well as breast cancer and cardiac bypass surgery.
Between 10 and 17 per cent of Canadians experience chronic pain from a range of causes, including strokes, spine cord injuries, migraines, diabetes and other conditions and injuries. Pain can have an enormous impact on an individual’s well-being, making it difficult to work or enjoy everyday activities.
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Treatment
Treatment for pain syndromes may include a combination of approaches, such as drug therapy, physical exercises, and psychological treatment. Other techniques, such as nerve blocks (injections that prevent nerves from sending
pain messages) or neurosurgery may also be used. Many of our services are offered on an outpatient basis. Some of these services are provided at Toronto Western Hospital and others are offered through centres in the community. In more complex cases, patients may be admitted for a stay in hospital in our inpatient unit.
Patient Testimonial
After enduring surgery, chemotherapy and radiation for breast cancer nearly four years ago, Patient A thought she finally had her life back when the treatment was done and the cancer was in remission. A month later though, she started experiencing gnawing, burning, aching, torturous pain with intermittent spasms in her chest.
“Because no one could explain the pain I was experiencing, I began to think I was crazy,” Patient A describes. “Luckily a physician-friend who was also a spinal cord injury patient suggested I should see Dr. Mailis, who knew right away that it was neuropathic pain resulting from my mastectomy surgery and radiation therapy that was causing my pain.”
To view a video explanation of neuropathic pain click below:
