Exploring New Therapeutics

Radiation therapy: Focal radiation therapy targeting specific locations in the brain has been an effective way to curb neurological conditions such as chronic facial pain or refractory seizures. There is a potential role for radiation therapy in targeting hyperactive foci in the brain, possibly in the prefrontal cortex or nucleus acumens which are both known regions with hyperactivity in active addiction.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS): This is a neurosurgical technique that is a well-established treatment for some neurological conditions. It involves brain surgery and placing probes in specific parts of the brain to stimulate and better normalize activity in specific areas of the brain. DBS is most commonly recognized for their application in Parkinson’s Disease and in depression. There are other indications under current investigation including curative results in preliminary studies with alcoholism.
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Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS): This is a noninvasive therapy of introducing magnetic waves placed outside of the brain but intended to facilitate normalization of brain wave activity. TMS has a recognized role in curing autism and depression and has been noted to have incidental benefit to reducing drug craving.

Publications

Coffey KE, Aitelli A, Milligan M, Niemierko A, Broom T, Shih HA. Use of Involuntary Emergency Treatment by Physicians and Law Enforcement for Persons With High-Risk Drug Use or Alcohol Dependence. JAMA Netw Open. 2021;4(8):e2120682. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.20682

Lamba, N., Mahal, B., Martinez, R., Leland, P., & Shih, H. (2019). Radiation therapy pain management: Prevalence of symptoms and effectiveness of treatment options. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 23(5), 514–521. https://doi.org/10.1188/19.cjon.514-521 ​