Samuel Nurko - Using Neuromodulator Medications for Functional Abdominal Pain

In this episode, hosts Drs. Peter Lu and Jason Silverman talk to Dr. Samuel Nurko about using neuromodulator medications like tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for children with functional abdominal pain disorders, now known as pain-predominant disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBIs).  We discuss the rationale behind using these types of medications and how we can explain this rationale to families.  We also discuss how to choose the right medication for each patient and differences between medications.

Dr. Nurko is Director of the Center for Motility and Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders at Boston Children's Hospital and Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the role of neuromodulator medications in the management of children with pain-predominant DGBIs.
2. Understand the rationale behind using these types of medications and how to explain this rationale to families.
3. Recognize differences between neuromodulator medications and how to choose the right medication based on the clinical scenario.

Links:

Boston.com article on Dr. Nurko and the film Miracles from Heaven