ALLIED HEALTH SERVICES

ALLIED HEALTH SERVICES ‘MS TO THE MINUTE’ WORKSHOP In April, our clinicians had the opportunity to attend the ‘MS to the Minute’ workshop, during which latest updates on MS treatment and its management were shared. Together with other experts in the MS clinical space, Perth’s key MS consultants were present to provide insight into MS clinics and treatments – both current and new. Consultant Neurologists Prof Bill Carroll, Dr Jason Burton and Dr Kevin O’Connor presented information on current treatment options and case studies of current and new MS medications. COVID-19 and what it means for people with MS was also discussed, along with some updates on vaccines. Prof Carroll provided us with some insights into the most recent MS research and a global update on the pandemic. Dr O’Connor, who is one of Australia’s leading neuroimmunologists, provided our clinicians with an overview of the various vaccines currently being rolled out worldwide and the impact on the various Disease Modifying Therapies. Dr Burton used real world data on specific Disease Modifying Therapies and their interactions with vaccines. Sue Shapland, our General Manager Strategic Supports & Residential Options, shared her knowledge on MS in the community and within residential facilities and how the introduction of the NDIS has created opportunities for MSWA to expand our services. Also present to share their knowledge on continence and pain management were KJ Lazarus (MS Immunotherapy and Continence Support Nurse) and Tim O’Maley (MS Nurse Practitioner). To apply practical learning, Lisa Papas (Manager Counselling, MSWA) and Petrina Keating (Neurological Nurse, MSWA) conducted case studies with all involved. MSWA has always believed in professional development for its staff members. This workshop has been an initiative to upskill our clinicians and provide updates on the latest initiatives around MS treatment and medication. As new therapies are constantly being trialled it is important that we keep abreast of latest developments so that we can better support our Clients in a constantly changing environment. To access the MSWA Nurse Support Line, call 9365 4888 or email nursesupportline@mswa.org.au CAROL CHONG MANAGER ALLIED HEALTH SERVICES PAIN & PAIN MANAGEMENT SERIES Over the next few editions of Bulletin, we bring you a series of articles on pain and pain management. Opposite, Neurological Liaison Nurse Bronwyn Innes, who has a specialty background in pain management, explains the different types of pain, how to recognise it in others, and the first steps to take in seeking help. Future editions will explore specific strategies for managing your pain. 18

NURSING TYPES OF PAIN Pain can be described as an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage. Pain results from complex brain processes which are influenced by overlapping physical, psychological and environmental factors. All pain is an individual human experience which is totally subjective and can only be truly appreciated by the person experiencing the pain. A person’s attitudes, beliefs and personality can strongly affect their pain experience. Pain can be divided into two main categories: Acute and Chronic (or Persistent) Acute Pain is pain that lasts for a short time and occurs after surgery, trauma or other conditions. It acts as a warning signal that tells us something is wrong with our body and to seek help. Chronic (or Persistent) Pain is pain that lasts beyond the time expected for healing following surgery, trauma or other conditions. It is often associated with an increased pain experience, not just in the area of injury but also in the surrounding tissues and nerves. There are two types of pain that may become chronic: Nociceptive Pain is pain caused by tissue damage such as a broken bone, a sprained ankle or pulled muscle. Musculoskeletal pain such as back pain caused by sitting for long periods, muscle stiffness, weakness and walking difficulties and muscle or joint pain due to spasms or muscle stiffness are also examples of nociceptive pain. In these cases the pain normally settles as the tissue heals, but it can persist and become chronic. Neuropathic Pain results from damage to nerves. It occurs due to changes in nerves of the Central Nervous System (the spinal cord and brain) after an injury to a nerve. Examples of neuropathic pain include shingles, phantom limb pain, complex regional pain syndrome, trigeminal neuralgia, post-incisional pain caused by surgery. REPORTING PAIN If you have pain concerns discuss these with your family, carer, neurological nurse or GP. It is important to investigate your pain and why it occurs in order to develop strategies for any daily, sudden, severe or new pain, changes in your pain or unusual sensations. When reporting your pain, or that of a family member, to your GP it is helpful to describe where it is, how it feels, when it is felt and how it affects you or your family member. For carers and family members of non-verbal adults or children, indicators of pain may include: facial grimacing or frowning, guarding part of the body or withdrawing from touch, moaning, groaning or crying, restlessness and agitation. After assessment by a medical professional such as the GP or a pain consultant, an appropriate treatment plan can be made to reduce the experience of pain and improve quality of life. Pain assessment and effective management strategies are of high importance as these are of benefit in improving resilience and enabling continuance of activities even when pain is a challenge. BRONWYN INNES MSWA NEUROLOGICAL LIAISON NURSE 19