Introduction to Pain and its relation to Nervous System Disorders provides an accessible overview of the latest developments in the science underpinning pain research, including, but not limited to, the physiological, pathological and psychological aspects. This unique book fills a gap in current literature by focussing on the intricate relationship between pain and human nervous system disorders such as Autism, Alzheimer Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Depression and Multiple Sclerosis. This fully illustrated, colour handbook will help non-experts, including advanced undergraduate and new postgraduate students, become familiar with the current, wide-ranging areas of research that cover every aspect of the field from chronic and inflammatory pain to neuropathic pain and biopsychosocial models of pain, functional imaging and genetics. Contributions from leading experts in neuroscience and psychiatry provide both factual information and critical points of view on their approach and the theoretical framework behind their choices. An appreciation of the strengths and weaknesses of brain imaging technology applied to pain research in humans provides the tools required to understand current cutting edge literature on the topic. Chapters covering placebo effects in analgesia and the psychology of pain give a thorough overview of cognitive, psychological and social influences on pain perception. Sections exploring pain in the lifecycle and in relation to nervous system disorders take particular relevance from a clinical point of view. Furthermore, an intellectually stimulating chapter analysing the co-morbidity of pain and depression provides a philosophical angle rarely presented in related handbooks. The references to external research databases and relevant websites aim to prompt readers to become critical and independent thinkers, and motivate them to carry out further reading on these topics. Introduction to Pain and its relation to Nervous System Disorders is essential reading for advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students in neuroscience, medical and biomedical sciences, as well as for clinical and medical healthcare professionals involved in pain management.

Introduction to Pain and its relation to Nervous System Disorders provides an accessible overview of the latest developments in the science underpinning pain research, including, but not limited to, the physiological, pathological and psychological aspects. This unique book fills a gap in current literature by focussing on the intricate relationship between pain and human nervous system disorders such as Autism, Alzheimer Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Depression and Multiple Sclerosis.

This volume provides a comprehensive accounting of pain and its relation to neurology. It is dedicated entirely to the mechanisms and clinical aspects of the subject, and provides a wealth of information on the latest neurobiological and clinical data surrounding the topic. From discussions of the physiology and pathology of the pain pathways from signaling, via spinal cord and supraspinal processing to endogenous pain modulation, users will gain an invaluable reference that provides a new understanding of pain related topics, including cytokines, sex differences, and the autonomic nervous system. Practicing clinicians, internists, surgeons, and those in the fields of psychiatry and gerontology will gain a greater understanding of this challenging topic with chapters that deal extensively with peripheral and central pain conditions, including specific disorders such as fibromyalgia, whiplash, psychiatric diseases, dementia, and even cancer. In addition, treatments for neuropathic pain are also thoroughly presented and discussed. * A comprehensive guide to the topic of pain and its relation to neurology * Invaluable information on specific topics of interest, including discussions of pain and its implications for related diseases and conditions such as fibromyalgia, whiplash, and even psychiatric disorders * Treatment protocols for neuropathic pain and patient care

New updated edition first published with Cambridge University Press. This new edition includes 29 chapters on topics as diverse as pathophysiology of atherosclerosis, vascular haemodynamics, haemostasis, thrombophilia and post-amputation pain syndromes.

Painâ€"it is the most common complaint presented to physicians. Yet pain is subjectiveâ€"it cannot be measured directly and is difficult to validate. Evaluating claims based on pain poses major problems for the Social Security Administration (SSA) and other disability insurers. This volume covers the epidemiology and physiology of pain; psychosocial contributions to pain and illness behavior; promising ways of assessing and measuring chronic pain and dysfunction; clinical aspects of prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation; and how the SSA's benefit structure and administrative procedures may affect pain complaints.

Section One Preclinical Data.- I. The Anatomy of Pain Pathways.- II. The Cutaneous Receptor and the Concept of "Specificity"--III. The Physiology of Pain.- IV. The Psychology of Pain.- Section Two Clinical Syndromes.- V. Causalgia and Reflex Paralysis.- VI. Minor Causalgia.- VII. Post-traumatic Pain Syndromes.- VIII. Chronic Low Back Disability.- IX. Facial Neuralgias.- X. Phantom Limb Pain.- XI. Technic.- Section Three Interpretations.- XII. Protopathic Pain.- XIII. Hyperalgesia.- XIV. The Sympathetic Component.- XV. The Vicious Circle.- Summary