How It Started

A pioneering treatment developed in New Zealand is now being used to help people with migraine and other chronic pain conditions around the world — and Irish patients have access to the treatment through one of the country’s few practitioners trained in its use. Known as Perineural Injection Treatment, or PIT, the approach was pioneered by New Zealand doctor John Lyftogt and involves a series of tiny injections of a low-concentration glucose solution around superficial nerves under the skin. The treatment is based on the theory that irritated nerves and neurogenic inflammation can play a significant role in persistent pain. Lyftogt’s organisation says that more than 3,500 practitioners worldwide have learned the treatment to date.