Dr. Brian Nichol
Anesthesiology
North Little Rock, AR
32 years experience male
Locations
Office
North Little Rock, AR
Phone
About
Bio
Individualized chronic pain management
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Anesthesiology
Doctor Q&A
257 Answers
408 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 23-year-old female asked:
Dr. Brian Nicholanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
No: The dosages you listed are within the "usual" parameters for the drugs listed. Each patient is an individual and the dose is chosen on many factors in... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old male asked:
Dr. Brian Nicholanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
Medial branch nerve: The medial branch nerves supply the facet joints. A nerve block of these nerves will temporarily relieve the pain and is done as a diagnostic procedur... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 40-year-old female asked:
Dr. Brian Nicholanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
Yes: You probably received steroids in addition to the lidocaine. The steroids decreased the inflammation and resulted in an improvement of your pain.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old male asked:
Dr. Brian Nicholanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
Variable...: The most important thing for you is to use the absolutely lowest effective dose of narcotic to minimize the development of tolerance.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 25-year-old female asked:
Dr. Brian Nicholanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
No: The local anesthetic can not be flushed out but will be cleared out by blood flow. It is temporary and should resolve within a fraction of an hour to ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 17-year-old female asked:
Dr. Brian Nicholanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
Go to ER: Your symptoms warrant a medical evaluation. Go to your er.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 53-year-old female asked:
Dr. Brian Nicholanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
Consult a pain MD: There are multiple causes for low back pain and the treatment options vary with the cause. Consider consulting a pain management physician who perform... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old female asked:
Dr. Brian Nicholanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
PT, TPI, TENS: In addition to physical therapy and deep tissue massage, the use of a tens unit, trigger point injections and possibly oral muscle relaxants may help.... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old female asked:
Dr. Brian Nicholanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
Yes: They may be taken together and are often prescribed together in chronic pain management. They are both metabolized via the cyp450 pathway but will hav... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old female asked:
Dr. Brian Nicholanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
Safe : You should have no problems with anesthesia or the surgery.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Brian Nicholanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
1%: 50mg/5ml= 10mg/ml. 1000mg = mass of 1ml (h2o). 10mg/1000mg= 1/100=1%.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Brian Nicholanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
Little Difference : Both drugs ate opiates and have identical effects in the body producing dependence and possibly addiction. The route of administration may contribute ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Brian Nicholanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
Benadryl (diphenhydramine): Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine with the side effect of sedation. It is commonly used as an OTC sleep aid.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old female asked:
Dr. Brian Nicholanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
Likely unrelated: The only neurological effect likely from a dural puncture is that of a headache. Rarely, these headaches can last months but usually resolve within da... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Brian Nicholanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
poor choice: Xylocaine (lidocaine) gel is poorly absorbed through intact skin but readily effective on mucus membranes. It would not really "numb" the penis but wo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Brian Nicholanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
no: Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid used as an anti-inflamatory drug.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 52-year-old female asked:
Dr. Brian Nicholanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
several options: Nsaid medications (ibuprofen, celebrex..), Acetaminophen (tylenol), Cymbalta (duloxetine) as well as some topical medications (voltaern gel, pennsaid)... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 27-year-old male asked:
Dr. Brian Nicholanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
Possibly: It may stop a seizure related to dt's caused by alcohol withdrawal in dependent individuals, hypothetically. It is a very poor choice to treat a seizu... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:
Dr. Brian Nicholanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
Keep it clean: Keep the site clean and flush with hydrogen peroxide. Apply some antibiotic ointment (neosporin) several times a day until healed.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 74-year-old male asked:
Dr. Brian Nicholanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
possibly: Acetaminophen, the drug in tylenol (acetaminophen) is toxic to the liver in high doses. The maximum daily dose recommended is 3000mg per day. People w... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old female asked:
Dr. Brian Nicholanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
No: Versed is not toxic to the heart. It can be used very safely for sedation when propey administered and monitored.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old female asked:
Dr. Brian Nicholanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
delivery: Eclampsia is life threatening and usually requires immediate delivery by c-section in addition to aggressive treatment of the mother's hypertension an... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old female asked:
Dr. Brian Nicholanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
Fistula: Your symptoms suggest the possibility of a vaginal fistula (opening which connects) to the urethra or bladder. When bearing down to pass a stool, the ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old male asked:
Are there any long term side effects from topical ketamine/lidocaine? what would happen if overdose?
Dr. Brian Nicholanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
Unlikely : It is very unliky that you will absorb enough topically administered Lidocaine and ketamine to achieve any significantly high blood levels which would... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 29-year-old female asked:
Dr. Brian Nicholanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
Physical therapy: A physical therapist can evaluate and advise you an a rehabilitation program.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old male asked:
Dr. Brian Nicholanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
If: If you have mitral valve prolapse be sure to take antibiotics before the procedure!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 60-year-old male asked:
Dr. Brian Nicholanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
No limit: There is no limit as to how long you may use lidocane patches as you described.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Brian Nicholanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
Time: System cleanouts sold will not remove the metabolites of hydrocodone.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 50-year-old member asked:
Dr. Brian Nicholanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
Should not be done: Transdermal fentanyl patches are engineered to deliver a specific dose per unit of time. The size of the patch and the adhesives/compounds in the patc... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Brian Nicholanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
varies: Typically metabolites of hydrocodone are present in urine from 3-7 days.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Brian Nicholanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
Yes: An initial screen will be positive for opiates. Further confirmatory testing will be specific for the metabolites of hydrocodone specifically.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old female asked:
Dr. Brian Nicholanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
Possibly: Epidural injections do not "fix" a disc herniation. The steroids decrease the inflammation on the nerve roots they are close to thus deceasing the pai... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old female asked:
Dr. Brian Nicholanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
Ephedrine (ephedrine sulfate) : In addition to intravenous fluids, Ephedrine (ephedrine sulfate) is usually used to increase BP during cs as it does not compromise placental blood fl... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Brian Nicholanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
If prescribed...: If your physician has prescribed them for use together. There can be some sedation and possibly respirtory depression which can result from concomitan... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Brian Nicholanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
No: Oxycodone is not toxic to the kidney.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Brian Nicholanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
Addicitionologist: I recommend consulting an addicitionologist for treatment. Methadone has little hepatic toxicity.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Brian Nicholanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
Yes: There is no problem with that combination.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Brian Nicholanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
Duration: Oxycontin is a time release formulation of oxycodone and is indicated only for chronic pain, while oxycodone is an immediate release formulation and c... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Brian Nicholanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
Why?: Tolerance to the effects of narcotics occurs with repeated administration. I do not understand why you would intentionally wan to build up tolerance. ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old male asked:
Dr. Brian Nicholanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
Slightly more potent: Oxycodone is perhaps 25% more potent than hydrocodone. The slight reduction in dose is very unliky to produce marked abstenence syndrome (withdrawal) ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Brian Nicholanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
Several factors: It depends on the surgical procedure being performed and wether it can be safely performed under regional or local anesthesia as well as patient posit... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old female asked:
Dr. Brian Nicholanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
Maybe...: Your response to epidural steroids depends on many factors. Inflammation of nerve roots usually responds much better than mechanical contact/compressi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old female asked:
Dr. Brian Nicholanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
Sympathetic pain: You may have developed sympathetically mediated pain, also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy. I would strongly encourage you to be evaluated for ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 28-year-old female asked:
Dr. Brian Nicholanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
EMG should show : If you had a normal cervical spine MRI it is no surprise that epidurals were ineffective. The EMG you said is abnormal - it should suggest the nerves ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old female asked:
Dr. Brian Nicholanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
Outside lab: Many pap smears are sent out to large lab services rather than local pathologists for myriad reasons and this can result in the perceived delay you ar... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old male asked:
Dr. Brian Nicholanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
Yes: No interactions between Ibuprofen and norco (hydrocodone and acetaminophen).
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old male asked:
Dr. Brian Nicholanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
See your orthopedic : You may have a rotator cuff defect. See an orthopedic surgeon for evaluation.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old female asked:
Dr. Brian Nicholanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
no: The spinal fluid leak from the puncture of the dura matter has healed. You should have no long term problems.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 49-year-old member asked:
Dr. Brian Nicholanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
Rx required: Lidocaine patches (lidoderm) requires a prescription.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old female asked:
Dr. Brian Nicholanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
Call physician: You should contact the physician who performed the procedure as soon as possible; your symptoms may be a complication of the nerve block or a progress... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
4
Recommendations
242
Thank you notes
Nov 27, 2013
Dr. Nichol provides factual answers about pain and anesthesia, with a compassionate voice. I'm glad he's part of the HealthTap community.
Oct 23, 2013
Allow me to be the first to thank you for your insightful answers! Keep up the great job!
HealthTap member
Mar 30, 2015
Dr. Nichol is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
This was very helpful. Thanks! Ok--quite variable. Cannot trust him any longer since he never mentioned that it could happen. Dropped the ball.
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! Great. Since the pain is minimal and wil be reduced.wil pain disappear
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! I am slowly tapering off & so far so good. Thanksfor your interest!
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences/UAMS College of Medicine, AR
Graduated 1991MD
Residency
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Awards
Thought Leader, First Place, Arkansas - Spring
2014
Top Doctor, Third Place, Arkansas - Spring
2014
Top Anesthesiologist, First Place, Arkansas - Spring
2014
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