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Neuropathic Pain Center - Anchorage, AK

Anchorage Neurologist Doctors for Neuropathic Pain

Type of Physician: Neurologist

What is a Neurologist?

A certification by the Board of Psychiatry & Neurology; practitioners focus on the diagnosis and treatment of all categories of disease or impaired function of the brain, spinal cord, muscles and nervous system, as well as the blood vessels that relate to these structures. The neurologist is often the primary physician but also serves as a consultant to other physicians and may render all levels of care, including the continuing care of outpatients and/or inpatients. The neurologist will often perform and interpret tests that relate to the nervous system or muscles.

Specialty: Neurology

Common Name:

Neurologist Doctors in Anchorage *

Mary Downs MD
Mary Downs
2741 Debarr Rd
STE 413
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907) 277-1623

Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage is a consolidated city-borough in the U.S. state of Alaska. Anchorage has been named All-America City four times, in 1956, 1965, 1984/85, and 2002, by the National Civic League. It has also been named by Kiplinger as the most tax friendly city in the United States.
(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anchorage)

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Neuropathic Pain

Introduction

Neuropathic pain is a complex, chronic pain state that usually is accompanied by tissue injury. With neuropathic pain, the nerve fibers themselves may be damaged, dysfunctional or injured. These damaged nerve fibers send incorrect signals to other pain centers. The impact of nerve fiber injury includes a change in nerve function both at the site of injury and areas around the injury.

One example of neuropathic pain is called phantom limb syndrome. This occurs when an arm or a leg has been removed because of illness or injury, but the brain still gets pain messages from the nerves that originally carried impulses from the missing limb. These nerves now misfire and cause pain.

What causes neuropathic pain?

Neuropathic pain often seems to have no obvious cause; but, some common causes of neuropathic pain include:

  • Alcoholism
  • Amputation
  • Back, leg, and hip problems
  • Chemotherapy
  • Diabetes
  • Facial nerve problems
  • HIV infection or AIDS
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Shingles
  • Spine surgery

What are the symptoms of neuropathic pain?

Symptoms may include:

  • Shooting and burning pain
  • Tingling and numbness

How is neuropathic pain diagnosed?

A doctor will conduct an interview and physical exam. He or she may ask questions about how you would describe your pain, when the pain occurs, or whether anything specific triggers the pain.

How is neuropathic pain treated?

Some neuropathic pain studies suggest the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Aleve or Motrin, may ease pain. Some people may require a stronger painkiller, such as those containing morphine. Anticonvulsant and...

Recommended Reading Related to Neuropathic Pain

Hip Bursitis »

Hip bursitis facts

  • A bursa is a fluid-filled sac that functions as a gliding surface to reduce friction between moving tissues of the body.


  • There are two major bursae of the hip.


  • Bursitis is usually not infectious, but the bursa can become infected.


  • Treatment of noninfectious bursitis includes rest, ice, and medications for inflammation and pain. Infectious bursitis (uncommon) is treated with antibiotics, aspiration, and surgery.


  • Bursitis of the hip is the most common cause of hip pain.

What is bursitis?

A bursa is a closed fluid-filled sac that functions as a gliding surface to reduce friction between tissues of the body. "Bursae" is the plural form of "bursa." The major bursae are located adjacent to the tendons near the large joints, such as the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees. When the bursa beco...

Emergency Contact for Anchorage

  • In case of Emergency, call 911
  • Police (808) 529-3111
  • Fire (808) 723-7139

Nearby Anchorage Hospitals *

North Star Behavioral Health System
2530 DeBarr Rd
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907)258-7575

Alaska Regional Hospital
2801 Debarr Rd
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907)276-1131

Alaska VA Healthcare System
2925 DeBarr Rd
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907)257-4700

Alaska Psychiatric Institute
2800 Providence Dr
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907)269-7100

Children's Hospital at Providence
3200 Providence Dr
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907)261-3130

Providence Alaska Medical Center
3200 Providence Dr
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907)562-2211

Alaska Native Medical Center
4315 Diplomacy Dr
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907)563-2662

Mat-Su Regional Medical Center
2500 S Woodworth Loop
Palmer, AK 99645
(907)861-6000

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