Raynaud Disease

CHICAGO, Nov. 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Using an image-guided minimally invasive procedure, researchers may be able to restore the sense of smell in patients who have suffered with long-COVID, according to research being presented next week at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). Parosmia, a condition where the sense of smell no longer works correctly, is a known symptom of COVID-19. Recent research has found that up to 60% of COVID-19 patients have been affected. While most patients do recover their sense of smell over time, some patients with long COVID continue to have these symptoms for months, or even years, after infection, negatively impacting their appetite for food and their overall quality of life. "Post-COVID parosmia is common and increasingly recognized," said the study's lead author, Adam C. Zoga, M.D., M.B.A., professor of musculoskeletal radiology at Jefferson Health in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. "Patients can develop a distaste for foods and drinks they used to enjoy." The distorted sense of smell can also affect smell perception, and some patients may suffer from phantosmia, a condition that causes people to detect smells—foul or pleasant—that aren't in their environment. To assess a possible treatment for patients with long-term post-COVID parosmia, researchers looked at the potential benefits of CT-guided stellate ganglion block. Part of the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary processes including heart rate, blood pressure, breathing and digestion, the stellate ganglia are nerves on each side of the neck. They deliver certain signals to the head, neck, arms and a portion of the upper chest. The research team used a stellate ganglion block, which includes injecting anesthetic directly into the stellate ganglion on one side of the neck to stimulate the regional autonomic nervous system. The minimally invasive procedure takes less than 10 minutes, and no sedation or intravenous analgesia is necessary. Stellate ganglion block has been used with varying degrees of success to treat a number of conditions, including cluster headaches, phantom limb pain, Raynaud's and Meniere's syndromes, angina and cardiac arrhythmia. "Parosmia has previously been reported as a rare disorder occurring after brain trauma, brain surgery, stroke, viral syndromes, and with some head and neck tumors," Dr. Zoga said. "We were not entirely confident that the procedure would work for parosmia." For the study, 54 patients were referred from an ear, nose and throat specialist after at least six months of post-COVID parosmia that was resistant to pharmaceutical and topical therapies. CT guidance was used to position a spinal needle at the base of the neck for injection into the stellate ganglion. The researchers added a small dose of corticosteroid to the anesthetic in the pharmacologic preparation, suspecting that the COVID virus may be causing nerve inflammation. "The initial patient had a tremendously positive outcome, almost immediately, with continued improvement to the point of symptom resolution at four weeks," Dr. Zoga said. "We have been surprised at some outcomes, including near 100% resolution of phantosmia in some patients, throughout the trial." Follow-up was obtained for 37 patients (65%), with 22 (59%) of the 37 reporting improved symptoms at one week post-injection. Of these 22, 18 (82%) reported significant progressive improvement by one month post-procedure. At three months, there was a mean 49% improvement in symptoms (range 10% to 100%) among the 22 patients. Twenty-six patients returned for a second injection given on the other side (contralateral) of their neck after at least a six-week interval. While the second injection was not effective in patients who did not respond to the first injection, 86% of patients who reported some improvement after the first injection reported additional improvement after the contralateral injection. No complications or adverse events were reported. "Other treatments have failed to date," Dr. Zoga said. "This injection is working." Co-authors are Sarah I. Kamel, M.D., T. Rohan, M. A. Moriarty, Johannes B. Roedl, Ph.D., M.D., Vishal Desai, M.D., and Jeffrey A. Belair, M.D. Note: Copies of RSNA 2023 news releases and electronic images will be available online at RSNA.org/press23. RSNA is an association of radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists and related scientists promoting excellence in patient care and health care delivery through education, research and technologic innovation. The Society is based in Oak Brook, Illinois. (RSNA.org) Editor's note: The data in these releases may differ from those in the published abstract and those actually presented at the meeting, as researchers continue to update their data right up until the meeting. To ensure you are using the most up-to-date information, please call the RSNA Newsroom at 1-312-791-6610. For patient-friendly information on CT-guided procedures, visit RadiologyInfo.org. SOURCE Radiological Society of North America (RSNA)

YOUR INNER VOICE MAY BE SAYING SOMETHING'S WRONG REDDING, Conn., Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- "Why am I freezing when everyone around me is perfectly comfortable?" If this is a question you've asked yourself, you might have Raynaud's phenomenon. Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: Continue Reading Raynaud’s “I’m Feeling Blue” Video Raynaud's Inner Voice Infographic October is Raynaud's Awareness Month, the start of the time of year when cooler temperatures are most problematic for the estimated 15-30 million people with Raynaud's phenomenon (aka Raynaud's syndrome or disease). The disorder — triggered by cold and stress — causes the small blood vessels in the fingers, toes and other extremities to go into spasms and reduce blood flow. The skin may turn white, then blue and red. Color changes are a response to the lack of oxygen to the digits. According to Lynn Wunderman, founder and chair of the Raynaud's Association (), "Only 10% of Raynaud's sufferers seek medical attention because they don't realize that the painful spasms and color changes in their fingers and toes are not normal. Their inner voice may start to wonder why they're the only ones wearing gloves and sweaters when others are in short sleeves and sandals. Or they may wonder why their fingers and toes go numb when they're stressed." If these questions sound familiar, take this quick, five question quiz at to learn whether you might have Raynaud's. For anyone whose inner voice is asking these questions, the Raynaud's Association urges them to see a doctor to confirm their suspicions. Wunderman notes that an underlying condition may be the cause. "Fortunately, only 10% of cases are secondary to systemic scleroderma, lupus and other serious diseases," says Wunderman. "However, in those cases, awareness of such a problem may allow for earlier medical intervention." Although there's no cure yet, the Raynaud's Association offers sufferers support, strategies and product suggestions to live more comfortably during the colder months. Resources include: The Cold Facts on Raynaud's – comprehensive guide Cold Cuts – quarterly member newsletter Raynaud's Store – featuring logo-branded apparel, jewelry and wellness items, along with educational resources Product Showcase – featured product reviews Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads and Pinterest pages dedicated to Raynaud's Informational videos and blog For more information about Raynaud's, log onto the website . To take a quiz to determine if you might have Raynaud's, go to . Contact: Lynn Wunderman Raynaud's Association 800-280-8055 [email protected] SOURCE Raynaud's Association

LOS ANGELES, June 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Thomasino Media learned last week, Congressional Recognition was received from Congressional Representative Nanette Diaz Barragan for #teamfibro, a campaign by the Veteran Voices for Fibromyalgia to work with government leaders and share education for those that suffer. The team was successful in gaining support from Governor of Colorado Jared Polis, Governor of Ohio Mike DeWine, Governor of Texas Greg Abbott, Governor of North Carolina Roy Cooper, Governor of Indiana Eric Holcomb and Baltimore County Executive John Olszewski. Kristal Kent shared with our team language from the proclamation request and outreach goals to get more supporters in various roles in our communities. "WHEREAS Fibromyalgia is a chronic-pain disorder that causes widespread body pain; affecting 3-5% of the population in the United States (Source: "Fibromyalgia - A Clinical Review" by Dr. Daniel J. Claw, April 16, 2014). Thus, it's estimated 11 million to 17 million Americans have Fibromyalgia. WHEREAS in addition to chronic pain, Fibromyalgia's symptoms include moderate to severe fatigue, sleep disorders, stiffness and weakness, mobility/balance instability, headaches/migraines, numbness and tingling, nausea, vertigo and impairment of memory and concentration (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention); and WHEREAS due to interference of the internal bodily systems people living with fibromyalgia often have several co-existing medical conditions, which may include Chronic Myofascial Pain, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Raynaud's Syndrome, Interstitial Cystitis (IC), Peripheral Neuropathy, Anxiety, Depression, Chemical and Environmental Sensitivities (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)." Kristen Thomasino is a severe Fibromyalgia recovery patient who experienced full body weakness and intense brain fog during the summer of 2019 while living in North Carolina. After seeking help from medical professionals such as neurologist Dr. Joseph Chipman, rheumatologist Dr. Charles Withers, Doctor of Physical Therapy Tatum Robinson, and others, she was able to reduce her suffering. Kristen shared, "I swore that if I found ways to reduce my suffering that I would share my learnings and advocate for others to get access to education, goods and services that made a difference in improving my life." She added, "Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragan's recognition of the work we are doing to help others who suffer with Fibromyalgia means so much to our team. I am so grateful for this opportunity and the support of my government representative." Contact [email protected] #socialgood #teamfibro #fibromyalgia SOURCE Thomasino Media LLC