Pain and Palliative Medicine
The Pain and Palliative Medicine Department at Burjeel Cancer Institute focuses on managing pain and other distressing symptoms for patients with cancer and other serious illnesses. Our team provides comprehensive care to enhance quality of life by addressing physical discomfort, emotional needs, and providing support for patients and their families. Our palliative care services are integrated into all stages of cancer treatment, ensuring that patients receive holistic care, whether they are undergoing active treatment or end-of-life care.
Conditions We Support
We provide pain and palliative care services for a wide range of conditions, including:
- Cancer-Related Pain (from surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy)
- Chronic Pain from Advanced Cancer
- Neuropathic Pain
- Bone Metastases-Related Pain
- Palliative Care for Advanced-Stage Cancers
- Other Serious or Chronic Illnesses (heart failure, COPD, neurological conditions)
Palliative Care Services
Our team offers advanced pain management services to help alleviate discomfort and improve quality of life:
Medication Management
A tailored approach to managing pain using non-opioid and opioid medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, and adjuvant therapies.
Interventional Pain Procedures
Minimally invasive procedures to treat cancer pain, including Nerve blocks , Spinal cord stimulation , Epidural analgesia , Intrathecal pain pumps (delivering medication directly to the spinal cord)
Neuropathic Pain Management
Treating nerve pain caused by cancer or cancer treatments with medications, physical therapy, and nerve blocks.
Bone Pain Management
Treatment options for bone pain due to metastases, including medication, radiation therapy, and bisphosphonates to strengthen bones.
Physical and Occupational Therapy
Complementary therapies to improve mobility, reduce pain, and support functional recovery.
Palliative Care Services
Our palliative care services are designed to provide relief from symptoms and stress, focusing on improving quality of life for patients and their families:
Symptom Management
We manage a range of symptoms beyond pain, including Nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy , Fatigue and weakness , Breathlessness (dyspnea) and Constipation
Emotional and Psychological Support
Providing counseling and psychological support to help patients and their families cope with the emotional impact of serious illness.
Spiritual Care
Offering spiritual support tailored to the patient's beliefs and values, aimed at helping patients find comfort and peace.
End-of-Life Care
Focused on ensuring dignity, comfort, and emotional support during the final stages of life.
Advance Care Planning
Helping patients and families make informed decisions about future healthcare, including the use of living wills and advance directives.
Our Approach to Pain and Palliative Medicine
Our approach to pain and palliative medicine is patient-centered and holistic, ensuring that each patient's unique needs are met:
Comprehensive Pain Management
Using a multidisciplinary approach that includes medical treatment, interventional procedures, and integrative therapies.
Palliative Care Integration
Palliative care is integrated into all aspects of cancer care, from diagnosis through treatment and beyond, ensuring symptom relief and emotional support throughout the patient's journey.
Family-Centered Care
We provide guidance and support for families, recognizing the significant role they play in the care of patients with serious illnesses.
Coordination with Oncology Care
Our palliative care team collaborates closely with oncologists to ensure that symptom management is an integral part of the patient's overall treatment plan.
Diagnostic and Monitoring Tools
We use advanced diagnostic tools and techniques to assess pain levels and manage symptoms effectively:
Pain Assessment Scales
Tools to evaluate the intensity and impact of pain, allowing for accurate adjustments in treatment.
Imaging Techniques
MRI, CT scans, and X-rays to identify the underlying causes of pain, particularly in cases of bone metastases or nerve compression.
Nerve Conduction Studies
Used to assess nerve damage in patients experiencing neuropathic pain, guiding treatment options.
Supportive Care and Patient Services
In addition to pain management and palliative care, we offer a variety of supportive services to enhance patients' well-being:
Nutritional Counseling
Providing tailored dietary advice to support energy levels and manage the side effects of cancer treatments.
Psychological and Emotional Support
Counseling and psychological services to help patients and families cope with the mental health aspects of living with serious illness.
Physical and Occupational Therapy
Working with patients to restore function and mobility, particularly after surgery or during long-term cancer treatments.
Spiritual Care
Offering spiritual support through chaplaincy services, helping patients find meaning, peace, and comfort during challenging times.
Patient Navigation
Helping patients and families manage the logistics of their care, including appointments, treatment planning, and follow-up care.
Advanced Pain Management Techniques
At Burjeel Cancer Institute, we use the latest techniques to deliver effective and personalized pain management:
Nerve Blocks and Pain Pumps
Advanced procedures to control pain when traditional medications are insufficient.
Spinal and Epidural Analgesia
For patients with severe cancer pain that requires more direct intervention.
Intrathecal Analgesia
Delivering pain relief directly to the spinal fluid for more effective management of chronic pain.
Integrative Therapies
Offering complementary therapies such as acupuncture, massage, and relaxation techniques to support symptom relief and emotional well-being.
Patient Journey
Our patients receive compassionate, expert care throughout their journey with pain and palliative medicine:
Initial Consultation
A thorough evaluation of the patient's symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals, followed by the development of a personalized pain and palliative care plan.
Symptom Management
Ongoing monitoring and adjustment of pain management strategies to ensure maximum comfort and relief.
Ongoing Support
Regular follow-ups to provide emotional, psychological, and spiritual support, as well as ongoing symptom control.
End-of-Life Care (if applicable)
Providing dignity, comfort, and emotional support for both the patient and their family, with a focus on quality of life.
Meet Our Experts
Our pain and palliative medicine team includes specialists in:
Dr. Neil Arun Nijhawan
Pain and Palliative Medicine , Palliative and Supportive Care
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