This online course provides an update for any neurosurgeon, resident, fellow, nurse practitioner or physician assistant who utilizes opioids in neurosurgical practice. It includes information on the pharmacology and clinical evidence supporting opioids and related medications in neurosurgery patients, how to provide these medications safely to neurosurgical patients – even in those who are chronic opioid users – and how new health care legislation affects the use of opioids in neurosurgical practice.

Principal Faculty

Christopher J. Winfree, MD, FAANS Joshua M. Rosenow, MD, FAANS Jakun Willard Ing, MD Jason M. Schwalb, MD, FAANS

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to: 

• Discuss the pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of opioids used in neurosurgical practice, including related medications used, such as naloxone and buprenorphine.
• Recognize the clinical evidence and guidelines for the use of these medications in neurosurgical patients.
• Apply the perioperative management of neuropathic and nociceptive pain in neurosurgical patients, including in patients who are chronic opioid users.
• Describe recent opioid legislation and the implications of these new laws on opioid prescribing in neurosurgical practice. 

The AANS designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.