Chasing Pain: The Search for a Neurobiological Mechanism

Chasing Pain: The Search for a Neurobiological Mechanism
Author: Kenneth L. Casey
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Total Pages: 291
Release: 2019-02-22
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0190920084

Conceptual models of how pain is created influence medical practice, neuroscientific research, and philosophical ideas about pain and other neurological functions. Given the broad scope of pain experiences, realistic models of pain neurobiology must consider the correlation between pain and tissue damage and how it is strongly affected by neurological disease, emotionally compelling circumstances, and by complex cognitive processes. Recent discoveries have made it clear that both sensory and affective systems are strongly modulated by activity in other sensory pathways and by affective and cognitive processes originating in the brain. As a result, pain should then be conceived as emerging from the conjoint activity of both sensory and affective neural systems, each becoming a target for pain treatment. Historically, pain has been conceived as emerging either from an undefined pattern of neural activity or from anatomically and physiologically unique structures in the nervous system. Observations made during the early and mid- 20th century showed that pain and pain-like behaviors normally require not only sensory detectors of noxious events (called nociceptors) but also brain affective (hedonic) mechanisms that generate emotional experience and expression. In Chasing Pain, pain specialists and neuroscientists will find a thoughtful discussion of the neuroscientific and clinical evidence that has led to contemporary concepts of pain neurobiology and how pain might emerge from neuronal activity. Written in a concise and annotated format, Doctor Kenneth Casey reveals that while contemporary research has greatly enriched our model of pain neurobiology, several important and therapeutically challenging clinical conditions remain poorly understood.

Chasing Pain: The Search for a Neurobiological Mechanism of Pain

Chasing Pain: The Search for a Neurobiological Mechanism of Pain
Author: Kenneth L. Casey
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Total Pages: 193
Release: 2019-02-22
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0190920076

Conceptual models of how pain is created influence medical practice, neuroscientific research, and philosophical ideas about pain and other neurological functions. Given the broad scope of pain experiences, realistic models of pain neurobiology must consider the correlation between pain and tissue damage and how it is strongly affected by neurological disease, emotionally compelling circumstances, and by complex cognitive processes. Recent discoveries have made it clear that both sensory and affective systems are strongly modulated by activity in other sensory pathways and by affective and cognitive processes originating in the brain. As a result, pain should then be conceived as emerging from the conjoint activity of both sensory and affective neural systems, each becoming a target for pain treatment. Historically, pain has been conceived as emerging either from an undefined pattern of neural activity or from anatomically and physiologically unique structures in the nervous system. Observations made during the early and mid- 20th century showed that pain and pain-like behaviors normally require not only sensory detectors of noxious events (called nociceptors) but also brain affective (hedonic) mechanisms that generate emotional experience and expression. In Chasing Pain, pain specialists and neuroscientists will find a thoughtful discussion of the neuroscientific and clinical evidence that has led to contemporary concepts of pain neurobiology and how pain might emerge from neuronal activity. Written in a concise and annotated format, Doctor Kenneth Casey reveals that while contemporary research has greatly enriched our model of pain neurobiology, several important and therapeutically challenging clinical conditions remain poorly understood.

The Oxford Handbook of the Neurobiology of Pain

The Oxford Handbook of the Neurobiology of Pain
Author: Professor John N. Wood
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Total Pages: 512
Release: 2020-06-17
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0190860529

The Oxford Handbook of the Neurobiology of Pain represents a state of the art overview of the rapidly developing field of pain research. As populations age, the number of people in pain is growing dramatically, with half the population living with pain. The opioid crisis has highlighted this problem. The present volume is thus very timely, providing expert overviews of many complex topics in pain research that are likely to be of interest not just to pain researchers, but also to pain clinicians who are seeking new therapeutic opportunities to develop analgesics. Many of the topics covered are of interest to neuroscientists, as pain is one of the most amenable sensations for mechanistic dissection. The present volume covers all aspects of the topic, from a history of pain through invertebrate model systems to the human genetics of pain and functional imaging. Chapters include the role of ion channels, the opioid system, the immune and sympathetic systems, as well as the mechanisms that transform acute to chronic pain. Migraine and the interplay between sleep and pain are also discussed. New technology in the form of transgenic animals, chemogenetics, optogenetics, and proteomic analyses are providing significant advances in our research and are covered as well. Demystifying pain through an understanding of its fundamental biology, as outlined in this volume, is the most direct route to ameliorating this vast human problem.

The Neurobiology, Physiology, and Psychology of Pain

The Neurobiology, Physiology, and Psychology of Pain
Author: Rajkumar Rajendram
Publisher: Academic Press
Total Pages: 460
Release: 2021-11-09
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 012820608X

The Neurobiology, Physiology and Psychology of Pain focuses on bettering readers' understanding of acute and chronic pain. Featuring chapters on neurotransmitters, pharmacology, and brain imaging, this volume discusses, in detail, the mechanisms of pain and experimental studies undertaken to better understand the pathways involved. The translational work in this area has applicability for neurologists, anesthesiologists, pharmacologists, and anyone working in the intersection of these areas. This volume is integral for anyone interested in the molecular underpinnings of pain at every level. - Provides comprehensive coverage on a broad range of topics related to the neuroscience of pain - Contains an abstract, key facts, a mini dictionary of terms, and summary points to aid in understanding in each chapter - Features chapters on molecular pathways, imaging and a deep look at behavior associated with the experience of pain - Contains unique topics that will help readers navigate key areas for research and further clinical recommendations

An Introduction to Pain and its relation to Nervous System Disorders

An Introduction to Pain and its relation to Nervous System Disorders
Author: Anna A. Battaglia
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 453
Release: 2016-05-02
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1118455975

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.

The Right to Pain Relief and Other Deep Roots of the Opioid Epidemic

The Right to Pain Relief and Other Deep Roots of the Opioid Epidemic
Author: Mark Sullivan
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Total Pages: 305
Release: 2023-01-24
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0197615724

"Pain has always been a problem for Western Society, but not the same kind of problem. Until about 1500, pain was primarily understood as a religious problem. Pain and suffering challenged the truth of religious belief and the legitimacy of the Church: How could a just, merciful, and all-powerful God allow so much pain and suffering in the world? As our society became more secular over the next 300 years, pain came to be understood primarily as a social problem. This modernizing society aimed to create the best environment for human flourishing: How might human society be designed and regulated to reduce the pain and suffering of everyone to the minimum possible? At least since 1900, we have separated pain as a medical problem from the remainder of human suffering. We have aimed to reduce this problem to a minimum through medical treatment. This quest has led us to our opioid epidemic. To fully comprehend the limitations of this medical interpretation, we must appreciate how the medical explanation of pain grew out of earlier religious and social interpretations of pain"--

Encyclopedia of the Neurological Sciences

Encyclopedia of the Neurological Sciences
Author:
Publisher: Academic Press
Total Pages: 4744
Release: 2014-04-29
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0123851580

The Encyclopedia of the Neurological Sciences, Second Edition, Four Volume Set develops from the first edition, covering all areas of neurological sciences through over 1000 entries focused on a wide variety of topics in neurology, neurosurgery, psychiatry and other related areas of neuroscience. The contributing authors represent all aspects of neurology from many viewpoints and disciplines to provide a complete overview of the field. Entries are designed to be understandable without detailed background knowledge in the subject matter, and cross-referencing and suggested further reading lead the reader from a basic knowledge of the subject to more advanced understanding. The easy-to-use 'encyclopedic-dictionary' format of the Encyclopedia of the Neurological Sciences, Second Edition features alphabetic entries, extensive cross-referencing, and a thorough index for quick reference. The wealth of information provided by these four volumes makes this reference work a trusted source of valuable information for a wide range of researchers, from undergraduate students to academic researchers. Provides comprehensive coverage of the field of neurological science in over 1,000 entries in 4 volumes "Encyclopedic-dictionary" format provides for concise, readable entries and easy searching Presents complete, up-to-date information on 32 separate areas of neurology Entries are supplemented with extensive cross-referencing, useful references to primary research articles, and an extensive index

Dopamine Nation

Dopamine Nation
Author: Dr. Anna Lembke
Publisher: Penguin
Total Pages: 305
Release: 2023-01-03
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 1524746746

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES and LOS ANGELES TIMES BESTSELLER “Brilliant . . . riveting, scary, cogent, and cleverly argued.”—Beth Macy, author of Dopesick, as heard on Fresh Air This book is about pleasure. It’s also about pain. Most important, it’s about how to find the delicate balance between the two, and why now more than ever finding balance is essential. We’re living in a time of unprecedented access to high-reward, high-dopamine stimuli: drugs, food, news, gambling, shopping, gaming, texting, sexting, Facebooking, Instagramming, YouTubing, tweeting . . . The increased numbers, variety, and potency is staggering. The smartphone is the modern-day hypodermic needle, delivering digital dopamine 24/7 for a wired generation. As such we’ve all become vulnerable to compulsive overconsumption. In Dopamine Nation, Dr. Anna Lembke, psychiatrist and author, explores the exciting new scientific discoveries that explain why the relentless pursuit of pleasure leads to pain . . . and what to do about it. Condensing complex neuroscience into easy-to-understand metaphors, Lembke illustrates how finding contentment and connectedness means keeping dopamine in check. The lived experiences of her patients are the gripping fabric of her narrative. Their riveting stories of suffering and redemption give us all hope for managing our consumption and transforming our lives. In essence, Dopamine Nation shows that the secret to finding balance is combining the science of desire with the wisdom of recovery.

Synaesthesia

Synaesthesia
Author: Julia Simner
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Total Pages: 153
Release: 2019
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 019874921X

In 1893 a Swiss neuroscientist called Theodore Flournoy conducted an interview with an individual known only as "Madame L", during which Madame L described the personalities of numbers, from 6, an orphaned young man, very well brought up and polite, to 9, the selfish and maniacal husband ofMadame 8, to the extravagant and self-centred 5. For Madame L it was impossible to contemplate the numbers without feeling their attendant personalities. This is one of the first records we have of synaesthesia, often described as a rare neurological condition that gives rise to a type of "mergingof the senses". For those who experience it - synaesthetes - one sense appears to cross with another. Some people experience the sensation of different flavours when they hear certain words, while others see vivid colours on reading words. In the varying forms of synaesthesia letters, numbers,words, sounds, colours, or textures can merge together, resulting in sensations of colourful chords, chicken that feels pointy when eaten, and beef that tastes dark blue.In this Very Short Introduction Julia Simner introduces the many different ways synaesthesia presents itself. Discussing the scientific tests we have developed for distinguishing true synaesthetes (who may not even be aware that their sensations are unusual), Simner considers how we can measure theeffects synaesthesia has on the everyday lives of people living with it. Exploring the fascinating stories of different individuals' experiences of the world through the many forms of synaesthesia, she discusses the increasingly documented links between synaesthesia and artistic creativity andlateral thinking, and also the potential limitations synaesthesia might impose. Delving into the neuroscience behind synaesthesia, Simner also relates contemporary attempts at understanding both the genetic causes of synaesthesia, and how synesthetic sensations occur in the brain.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, andenthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Pain

Pain
Author: Margo McCaffery
Publisher:
Total Pages: 822
Release: 1999
Genre: Medical
ISBN:

Pain: Clinical Manual advocates an interdiciplinary approach to the care of patients with often under-treated pain. This book makes the application to scientific knowledge to the development of practical tools and guidelines for the care of patients in all clinical settings and all age groups. * Provides ready-to-use forms and recommendations for pain care committees to assist health care facilities to prepare for JCAHO inspections. * Includes two FREE pocket-size, laminated cards: equianalgesic charts to assist clinicians with dose calculations when changing routes of administration or analgesics, and dosing guides to commonly used adjuvants and nonopioids. * Includes FREE access to Mosby's PAIN WEBSITE. * The most clinically useful book ever published on pain, written by authorities who helped establish the pain management movement. * Includes 11 new chapters and five expanded and updated chapters to provide the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive pain management information. * Includes icons to alert the reader to important, need-to-know information, such as pediatric content, patient examples, and reproducible material. * Features over 200 boxes and tables to help quickly locate key information and apply complex concepts at the bedside. * Presents a unique, multidisciplinary perspective. * Provides ready-to-use, practical, proven, and reproducible tools, pain assessment and documentation forms, and guides to analgesic use. * Contains patient information handouts on analgesics and nondrug methods of pain relief to educate the patient/family/caregiver about the patient's specific pain management. * Includes reproducible key policies, procedures, and protocols to assist the clinician in implementing patient focused interdisciplinary pain management. * Presents pharmacology content in four chapters - the three analgesic groups and an overview of how to combine them - to provide a readily understandable reference and practical resource. * Includes quick guides with illustrations of selected pain problems, such as pain related to sickle cell disease, peripheral neuropathy, and fibromyalgia. * Contains pain rating scales in over 20 languages to enhance patient/clinician communication in culturally diverse populations.