22SW19 - Alternatives to Polypharmacy in Conditions of Neurologic Impairment

Speaker: Kenneth Proefrock, NMD  Those diagnosed with severe neurologic impairment are frequently
prescribed multiple medications to manage a variety of interrelated
symptoms including pain, uncontrolled muscle tone, seizure, sympathetic
storming, dyspnea, gastroesophageal reflux, and constipation. However,
limited communication abilities often prevent these patients from
reporting their symptoms, and polypharmacy further limits clinical
assessment of symptoms and response to therapies. We discuss alternative
agents and strategies for the ten most prescribed medications for this
population of patients. Although we will focus on the pediatric
population, much of this material will be pertinent to all ages. We will
also spend some time discussing the special ramifications of
neurodegenerative conditions in people as they age, with attention to
the often devastating consequences of inappropriate or over-medication,
which is a documented major cause of early demise in these patients.

Related product: The PowerPoint and article for this recording are available here: 2022 Southwest Conference on Botanical Medicine: Conference Book Download (PDF)