"An illuminating, authoritative, and in-depth examination of the fascinating science behind pain and the complexities of its treatment--from one of the internationally leading doctors in pain management."--Publisher's description.
Drawing on a dazzling array of disciplines--physiology, neurology, psychology, anthropology, linguistics, and philosophy--Ian Glynn explains virtually every aspect of the workings of the brain, unlocking the mysteries of the mind. Glynn writes with exceptional clarity as he illuminates the mechanics of nerve messages; the functioning of sensory receptors; the processes by which the brain sees, tastes, and smells; the seats of language, memory, and emotions. The breadth of Glynn's erudition is astonishing, as he ranges from parallel processing in computers to the specialization of different regions of the brain (illustrated with fascinating instances of the bizarre effects of localized brain damage). He explains the different types of memory, traces the path of information that leads to emotional responses, and engages in a discussion of language that ranges from Noam Chomsky to Hawaiian pidgin. No other single volume has captured the full expanse of our knowledge of consciousness and the brain. A work of unequaled authority and eloquence, this book promises to be a new landmark of scientific writing. "Monumental."--The Observer "Glynn's erudition is astonishing...a hugely enjoyable intellectual journey."--Nature
The book provides a multidisciplinary, comprehensive, and broad coverage of up-to-date knowledge about the anatomical and physiological bases for many forms of pain. The role of neuroplasticity in many forms of pain is discussed. The main types of pain -- pain that is caused by stimulation of pain receptors in normal tissue (physiological pain) and pain that is caused by pathological processes and change in the function of the spinal cord and the brain (pathological pain)-- are discussed in separate Sections. The book is suitable for anybody interested in pain; a person who has pain will find information that may relate to his/her own pain. Pain is complex; it can be an adverse phenomenon that deserves treatment, but at the same time, some forms of pain are absolutely necessary for a normal life. Pain is a fascinating yet frightening subject, from wherever and however it is viewed. It has emotional features and medical features. Pain can last a short time (acute pain) or it can last a long time (chronic pain). The book is derived from my many years of teaching both undergraduate and graduate courses on the "Biology of Pain" in the Neuroscience Program of the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences at The University of Texas at Dallas.
Acclaimed medical historian Howard Markel traces the careers of two brilliant young doctors—Sigmund Freud, neurologist, and William Halsted, surgeon—showing how their powerful addictions to cocaine shaped their enormous contributions to psychology and medicine. When Freud and Halsted began their experiments with cocaine in the 1880s, neither they, nor their colleagues, had any idea of the drug's potential to dominate and endanger their lives. An Anatomy of Addiction tells the tragic and heroic story of each man, accidentally struck down in his prime by an insidious malady: tragic because of the time, relationships, and health cocaine forced each to squander; heroic in the intense battle each man waged to overcome his affliction. Markel writes of the physical and emotional damage caused by the then-heralded wonder drug, and how each man ultimately changed the world in spite of it—or because of it. One became the father of psychoanalysis; the other, of modern surgery. Here is the full story, long overlooked, told in its rich historical context.
This is the first atlas to depict in high-resolution images the fine structure of the spinal canal, the nervous plexuses, and the peripheral nerves in relation to clinical practice. The Atlas of Functional Anatomy for Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine contains more than 1500 images of unsurpassed quality, most of which have never been published, including scanning electron microscopy images of neuronal ultrastructures, macroscopic sectional anatomy, and three-dimensional images reconstructed from patient imaging studies. Each chapter begins with a short introduction on the covered subject but then allows the images to embody the rest of the work; detailed text accompanies figures to guide readers through anatomy, providing evidence-based, clinically relevant information. Beyond clinically relevant anatomy, the book features regional anesthesia equipment (needles, catheters, surgical gloves) and overview of some cutting edge research instruments (e.g. scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy). Of interest to regional anesthesiologists, interventional pain physicians, and surgeons, this compendium is meant to complement texts that do not have this type of graphic material in the subjects of regional anesthesia, interventional pain management, and surgical techniques of the spine or peripheral nerves.
Pain is a fascinating yet frightening subject, from wherever and however it is viewed. It has emotional features and medical features. Understanding pain and its cause is both interesting and challenging. Pain in itself is not life-threatening, but it decreases the quality of life. The book Aage R. Moller: "Pain, Its Anatomy and Physiology" is now in its second edition. This revised edition includes recent developments especially regarding chronic neuropathic pain and its treatment. It discusses many aspects of pain such as how pain can affect people, the cause of many forms of pain and their treatment including some new and little-known treatments. It also discusses the efficacy of conventional treatments and their side effects. The effect of inflammation on many forms of pain including low back pain is discussed. Today's treatment is often inadequate, especially for pain that lasts a long time. The reason can be that there is no known adequate treatment but often the reason is that the available treatments are not used or not used correctly. The book addresses many general questions about pain and it is written in common language and knowledge about neuroscience is not necessary for understanding the matters covered by this book. I, therefore, believe that many people who have pain will find the book of value in understanding their pain. I use the book as the textbook for teaching both graduate and undergraduate courses in the biology of pain in the Neuroscience Program of The University of Texas at Dallas School of Behavioral Neuroscience. Many of my undergraduate students have little knowledge of neuroscience. The book sells at Amazon.com for only $18.00; a Kindle version is available for $9.99.
In 1858, Drs. Henry Gray and Henry Vandyke Carter created a book for their surgical colleagues that established an enduring standard among anatomical texts. After more than 150 years of continuous publication, Gray’s Anatomy remains the definitive, comprehensive reference on the subject, offering ready access to the information you need to ensure safe, effective practice. This 41st edition has been meticulously revised and updated throughout, reflecting the very latest understanding of clinical anatomy from field leaders around the world. The book’s traditional lavish art programme and clear text have been further honed and enhanced, while major advances in imaging techniques and the new insights they bring are fully captured in new state-of-the-art X-ray, CT, MR, and ultrasonic images. Presents the most detailed and dependable coverage of anatomy available anywhere. Regional organization collects all relevant material on each body area together in one place, making access to core information easier for clinical readers. Anatomical information is matched with key clinical information where relevant. Numerous clinical discussions emphasize considerations that may affect medical care. Each chapter has been edited by experts in their field, ensuring access to the very latest evidence-based information on that topic. More than 1,000 completely new photographs, including an extensive electronic collection of the latest X-ray, CT, MR, and histological images. Carefully selected electronic enhancements include additional text, tables, illustrations, labelled imaging and videos – as well as 24 specially invited ‘Commentaries’ on new and emerging topics related to anatomy.