Understanding pain Exploring the perception of pain

In discussions ranging from necessarily dense introductory physiology to broad philosophical questions regarding all categories of pain, Cervero (McGill Univ., Canada) utilizes a straightforward narrative style incorporating historical contexts and clinical patient presentations to present a complex topic in a remarkably readable and engaging fashion. Clinicians will appreciate the clear, concise explanations of neurophysiology concepts and terminology such as plasticity, nociception, and sensitization, accompanied by relevant linkages to medical disorders. Medical training is not a prerequisite to following the discourse, though, as each topic is accompanied by appropriately detailed definitions of terminology and underlying concepts. Topics include the multidimensional nature of the perception of pain; the unique characteristics of visceral, neuropathic, referred, and functional pain; pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions; genetic and gender influences on pain; and societal norms pertaining to pain treatment. Understanding Pain is appropriate for a wide range of readers with an interest in the topic; it has limited use for those seeking an in-depth scientific treatise for research purposes as it lacks references. Any careful reader will understand the clear explanations, but it probably will be most appreciated by readers with some clinical or scientific background. Summing Up: Recommended. General readers; lower-division undergraduates through graduate students; professionals. R. A. Brugna York College (NY)

Cervero (anesthesia, McGill Univ., Montreal) discusses how and why we experience pain and what can be done about it. After briefly explaining the history of how pain has been defined and interpreted since ancient times, he discusses types of pain, ways of measuring it, how pain is generated and processed through the brain and nervous system, how people perceive and experience pain, and the past and future of treatment. Though his book is more medical text than manifesto, Cervero advocates for pain to be treated "as a disease in its own right" and describes pain treatment as "a fundamental human right." He discusses functional pain syndromes (that is, pain with no identifiable physical cause, including fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome) without being dismissive. -VERDICT Cervero condenses a wealth of information into a succinct yet comprehensive summary of what is known about the physiological and psychological aspects of pain. Lay readers may struggle with the academic writing style and terminology, but those who persevere will learn much about the universal human experience that is pain.-Janet A. Crum, City of Hope Lib., Duarte, CA (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.