SPMLs & EtOH

side as only one signal [= low pass filter]. A single intended signal that got swathed in noise (abnormal reflexive extra signals) returns to being just a single impulse. The nerve is not killed, so muscle does not see Medusa’s charming face. The injected 50% ethanol (1:1 with water) is not acting as a drug, something which acts as long as the drug hangs around. It is used as a solvent. It’s aftermath effect lasts until the nerve can get its myelin repaired. In a baby, that can take a year. At about five years old, such myelin repair can take five or more years. In an 8 year old it is likely, at least in part, for life. Neural systems remodel around function. This long effect means it is uncommon to need to repeat injection even after the expected repair time has lapsed. Cryo-ablation, radio-ablation, surgical division, segmental excision [neurectomy] & radiation are all nerve killers - read Phenol. Same outcomes. Ethanol nerve treatment seems lost in its origin as it seemed to sporadically popup with alternative ways to do neurectomy. Ethanol failed. It didn’t kill. But, still, it was not without effect though not the extreme of neurectomy (before the Medusa aftermath sets in). It was being used (but not often) in open surgery at the point where scissors would snip out a segment of nerve to assure the nerve didn’t grow back, maybe when the surgeon didn’t want a huge effect but just some effect. But others, who go after nerves, were also going through the list of potential injection choices. The physiatrists were in the lead on both phenol and sometimes ethanol. A huge problem – nobody saying it, but, it was out there hanging in the air – transverse myelitis. It is as if the spinal cord was cut across. Complete loss of everything in the lower body, paraplegia of spinal type. SENSATION & MOTOR – GONE! Nasty! This didn’t happen frequently, but it did happen. Wasn’t me! I was no where near the spinal cord! No. No where near it. It had to be (this became the established truth – though quite wrong) allergy. An immune triggered or focal allergic reaction to these substances which are quite safe to the vast majority of people. Like peanuts?