There is no clear-cut answer for this question. People often tell PXE International that they used laser for their first eye, it held for a while, and then they progressively lost vision and decided not to laser the second eye. Many claim the second eye retained more sight. PXE International has no scientific comparisons or analysis, only anecdotal experience. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is being used more frequently, but it has never been studied formally in PXE.

Photodynamic therapy, a treatment now being used in patients with certain types of cancer and High-Grade Dysplasia (HGD) associated with Barrett's esophagus, uses a combination of a photoactive drug (a drug that is activated by light) and light from a laser. Both work to allow the doctor to specifically target and destroy cancer cells while limiting damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Photodynamic therapy refers to the use of a medication called Levulan (20% aminolevulinic acid) which is applied as a clear liquid to the face. It is allowed to incubate for a given period of time and then it is "photoactivated" using specific wave lengths of light. The photoactivate Levulan then kills off rapidly-growing cells such as actinic keratoses (precancers) on the skin.

PDT is a treatment which uses a combination of a very special light or laser in combination with the topical application of a substance called ALA/Levulan. This natural substance is applied topically and selectively absorbs into fast-growing epidermal cells, including photodamaged skin, sebaceous glands, and actinic keratoses. ALA is converted to a powerful photosensitizer, protoporphyrin IX. When activated a singlet oxygen is produced that destroys the target cell.

First, you will be given an injection of the photoactive drug PHOTOFRIN? (porfimer sodium). PHOTOFRIN? will be absorbed by your body's tissues, including High-Grade Dysplastic and cancer tissue. Over the next couple of days, the drug will largely be eliminated from most healthy tissue. However, it will remain in cancer cells, cells with High-Grade Dysplasia associated with Barrett's esophagus, and certain other organs.

Most disorders of the nervous system have responded well. These conditions include but are not limited to: Diabetic neuritis, peripheral neuropathy, CRPS/RSD, pain disorders, etc. Many disorders of the muscles have also been successfully treated: whiplash, trigger points, muscles spasm, myositis, and fibromyalgia. Other success have been met with Failed Back syndrome, TMJ dysfunctions, joint pains and injuries from sports, auto accidents and work injuries.

Beta blocker medications are the mainstay of therapy for most patients with the long QT syndrome. These medications are effective in about 90 % of affected subjects. However, a new study (Association of Long QT Syndrome Loci and Cardiac Events Among Patients Treated With Beta Blockers: JAMA. 2004;292:1341-1344) shows that among treated patients with LQT2 and LQT3 genotypes, there still is a high rate of cardiac events.

PDD is a diagnostic technique for detecting surface and near surface cancers. Part of the activating light in XPDT is absorbed by the sensitizer and re-emitted as fluorescent radiation. This can be detected using a camera with a red filter and displayed on a TV screen or computer. With the appropriate patients, PDD is a highly effective diagnostic technique.

Maintenance or supportive periodontal therapy is an ongoing program designed to prevent periodontal disease from recurring in patients who have undergone periodontal treatment. This ongoing phase of treatment will allow your periodontist to assess your periodontal health and make sure infection stays under control. During maintenance therapy, your mouth is examined, new calculus and plaque are removed, and, if necessary your teeth are polished and your bite is checked.

No. Nobody is ever asked to ‘confess’ or made to feel embarrassed. In fact, you don’t have to say a single word!

Massage therapy is a comprehensive intervention involving a range of techniques to manipulate the soft tissues and joints of the body. The purpose of massage therapy is to prevent, develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function or relieve pain. (Massage Therapy Act, 1991)

Your doctor may refer you to a Hand Therapist for a prescribed rehabilitation program. Our staff, which is composed of specially trained Occupational and Physical Therapists, will supervise you to assure that your hand or arm does not have signs of complications such as inflammation or undue swelling, and that it is healing well, an important factor that leads to a rapid return of function.

Some patients will need to continue with home exercises. Some may choose to continue with a gym exercise program. Others will complete their rehabilitation and return to normal daily activities. It is important that you communicate your goals to your therapist, so he/she can develop a custom program for you.

In medicine, standard therapy is a treatment that experts agree is accepted, appropriate and widely used. Healthcare providers are obligated to provide patients with standard therapy. The terms standard of care or best practice are also used.

Treatment techniques implemented by The Right Step help balance, muscle tone, posture, mobility, coordination, sensory registration, modulation of behavior, attention, and homeostasis for improved functioning in everyday life routines.

Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program. (American Music Therapy Association definition, 2005)