Since early 2009 many of my "severe" rosacea clients have been working closely with Neurologists to try to learn more about the "fierce" neural-mediated flushing to heat, embarrasment, stess and simple changes in the time of the day (e.g. circadian rhythm). We then collaborate on the findings and possible routes of treatment.

Over the past ten months 19 rosacea clients underwent PET Scans with MRI imaging to measure blood flow, oxygen consumption, metabolite production, anatomical communication, etc. to determine what parts of the brain may be activated during these common stressors that often have life changing impacts on lifestyle, friendships, relationships, jobs, social skills, etc.

While this is not a clinical study, the anecdotal findings are very clear and point to important targets. While being measured during a PET scan there are ways to keep patients still and trigger emotion, frustration, regulate heat, induce stress, determine why brain blood flow increases during arithmetic, find out their flush point for warmth, read sensory burning nerve activity, etc. This tells us a lot about the neurovascular dysfunction that is so common in rosacea ... and finally the forefront of rosacea studies at the National Rosacea Society.

I have been studying Neurovascular Rosacea for over 12 years and have a PhD in Microvascular Physiology, a Post Doctoral Fellowship (4 year residency in Neurovascular Rosacea) and then followed that up with a second Post Doctoral Fellowship in Inflammatory Skin Disorders. To put this in perspective 95% of PhD's are not Medical PhD's who train in Medical School and continue along the medical track at various major University School of Medicine Centers. 98% of PhD's do not undergo speciality training in a 4 year post doctoral fellowship and almost none (99.9%) do not perform a second speciality residency. This is my area of expertise, my passion and I've had to live through it, so it has forever changed my life.

We are putting together the statstics, some from the MAYO clinic, some from University Neurologists, and several from private practice neurologists. The PET scans flew off the chart in very isolated areas of the brain during many of these tests (which is excellent and could point to more selective treatment that covers many triggers and flares). The hyothalamus (thermoregulatory center and partial stress center), preoptic area and thalamus screamed bloody Sunday..... and it makes perfect sense for heat, stress, emotion, circadian rhythm, hormone release and retrieval of sensory nerve from the facial epidermis. Interestingly, many found subsconsious activity to be a major factor in triggers and this makes sense as to why rosacea progresses -- it is reinforced over time. It is a learned trait like Pavlovian dog training.

Below is a photo of the areas mapped -- very generic. We have three blogs and videos under developement with slide and animation to take this to the next level. Check back as we have hired a company, Vertical Tractions to help us with each step and to make sure we don't fall behind schedule and I don't get overwhelmed.

Sometimes, I feel like I am doing this all alone with VHS and my clients, but it is always for the bigger picture. Rosacea has evolved into a financial giant and thus time has been spent pointing out the unscrupulous and the surprising changes in the other two forums. Advertising, sales, self made medical devices, commission, moderators earning a percentage.

I've taken my share of heat for pointing these things out, but from day one, 12 years ago, I was completely transparent with only one goal and that goal never changed..... find the best treatments possible, make sure physicians know that trigger avoidance is unacceptable, and warn people about "bad" treatments and it is just as important to avoid harmful treatments as it is to find the right one...... in doing so, I have inadvertently put some products/companies out of business (great for the rosacea community) but it puts a bulls eye directly on my forehead for Internet mudslinging. If you want to stick to finding the best treatment, I'm here. I always have been. If you want to mudslinging, I'll leave that up to Vertical Traction and the VHS PR Firm.

Keep track of this post and follow our new blogs -- you will be able to sign up for updates and we will be starting a video instructional series, Twitter and Facebook to name a few. Lets please tell the Finacea and Galllos/Dahl's of this world that their studies have no real value to us, no treatment outcome, and no insight into the underlying cause. Lets tell the NRS where our donations should be spent... in 8 years not a single treatment has come out of any research or is even in the pipeline. I have never heard of any association like the AHA, ADA, NIH, etc. getting away with anything like this. They would all be fired year two.

Best Wishes

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Best,
Geoffrey

Dr. Geoffrey Nase
Ph.D: Neuro-Vascular Physiologist

Email: drnase1000@hotmail.com
Bibliography: http://drnase.com

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