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An estimated 50 million Americans suffer from chronic pain, and an additional 25 million experience acute pain as a result of surgery or injury. Many people assume they must live with pain, but this is simply untrue. Most pain can be managed or greatly eased with proper pain management; however, the reality is that most pain goes untreated, under-treated, or improperly treated. With proper management the overall health, well-being, and quality of life of millions of Americans can be improved.Understanding Pain provides a comprehensive guide for individuals who do not have medical training yet experience chronic pain and wish to improve their understanding about the problem they live with each day. Chapters include:Chapters include: Explanation and rationale for acute and chronic pain treatmentsA self-evaluation to collect and organize important information that should be communicated to the healthcare providerAn explanation of how pain is perceived and processed by the brain to equip patients with a basis for understanding the selection of treatment optionsResources for patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals And much moreThis book will help patients understand the multifaceted nature of pain and the range of treatment options available for its management. It will also enable them to communicate more effectively with their doctors and other healthcare providers. This latest volume in the American Academy of Neurology Press Quality of Life Guide series is an essential tool for all individuals coping with chronic pain, caregivers, and allied healthcare professionals.

The spinal cord is a vital part of the central nervous system; even a small injury can lead to severe disability. In the US, there are approximately 230,000 people living with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI), with over 10,000 more becoming disabled each year. Learning to live with SCI can be a challenge to any individual, caregiver or family. To improve their ability to cope, everyone involved must understand how the body responds to a spinal cord injury, and educate themselves about treatment and management issues. Spinal Cord Injury, the newest title in the critically acclaimed American Academy of Neurology Press Quality of Life Guides, is an authoritative and reliable resource for any patient, family member or caregiver looking to inform themselves on this topic.Written in easy-to-understand language, this excellent overview of spinal cord injury and its treatment, is essential reading for all patients desiring a better quality of life, and for family members and caregivers who need a better understanding of this condition and its effects. This informative book explains the anatomy of the spine, the results of injury and the treatment and management issues encountered during rehabilitation. It contains a glossary with commonly used terms, and website resources that can aid in further research. In addition, it includes current research to help SCI patients make informed medical decisions that promote optimum healing. Spinal Cord Injury will help patients, caregivers, and family members cope with SCI and enjoy a better quality of life.

Peripheral neuropathy affects 10 to 20 million people in the U.S, including ten per cent of all people who have diabetes. This condition has numerous causes, but can be associated with diseases such as HIV, alcoholism, and lupus, and may result from treatments for other medical conditions, such as cancer chemotherapy. Symptoms include pain, numbness, loss of balance, and tingling in the extremities. Although a widespread condition, most people don't know about it, and when diagnosed find it difficult to obtain information. Peripheral Neuropathy, by Norman Latov, Professor of Neurology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University, explains what we know about neuropathy, including its causes and manifestations, and what can be done to manage it. Topics covered include:The causes of peripheral neuropathyDrug therapy for the condition itself and for managing symptoms such as painInterventional therapyCaring for your feetPersonal accounts of people living with neuropathyAlternative medicines, and much moreThis indispensable guide will help millions of people understand this condition so that they can take control of their lives and make informed decisions. In addition, it will be a useful resource for their families, caregivers, and health care providers.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a disorder in which the body's immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system. Feelings of tingling and weakness increase in intensity until the muscles cannot be used at all and the patient is almost totally paralyzed. No one knows why Guillain-Barre strikes some people and not others, or what sets the disease in motion. What we do know is that GBS is now the most common cause of acute paralysis in Western countries since the virtual elimination of poliomyelitis with vaccination programs.Guillain-Barre Syndrome, co-authored by a survivor of this illness, addresses all aspects of this condition, including initial symptoms, diagnostic evaluation and criteria, general and illness specific treatments, and typical outcomes. Fortunately, most GBS patients have a good recovery, but the pathway to this goal can be slow and scary. This book covers a wide range of issues including: Features unique to GBS such as pain without injury and other abnormal sensations Workplace adjustment with incomplete recoveryIntensive care unit managementPractical caregivers guidelinesThe rehabilitation process Sexual dysfunction, and much more Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a comprehensive book, written in lay terms, covering everything from diagnosis to emotional issues. It is a book that stands alone.This latest volume in the American Academy of Neurology Press Quality of Life Guide series is an essential tool for all individuals, families, and caregivers coping with Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

Epilepsy is the most common neurologic disorder in children, adults, and the elderly. The Epilepsy Foundation estimates that over 2.7 million people in the U.S have epilepsy, and an additional 181,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Despite these numbers, epilepsy is often misunderstood. Individuals diagnosed with epilepsy face many difficulties and lifestyle changes. A proper understanding of epilepsy is a vital first step toward managing this disease and maintaining a normal life. Epilepsy: A Guide to Balancing Your Life is an excellent resource for individuals who are diagnosed with epilepsy. Sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology, it contains practical and reliable information written in layman's terms. Filled with helpful tables and illustrations, this guide will answer commonly asked questions about epilepsy, explain how it is diagnosed and treated both with medications and other treatment options. It also discusses: Diet Epilepsy and pregnancy Sports and epilepsy Surgical treatment The effects of epilepsy in different age groups And much more!Epilepsy: A Guide to Balancing Your Life is essential reading for all people with epilepsy seeking a better quality of life, and for family members and caregivers needing a better understanding of this condition.

The Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation estimates that up to 8 percent of the population suffers with restless legs syndrome (RLS). The hallmark of this neurologic disorder is an irresistible urge to move, most commonly at night. It causes uncomfortable sensations often described as creeping, crawling, tugging, burning, or aching feelings in the calves, feet, thighs, and arms. These disruptive symptoms vary in severity and can result in difficulty staying or falling asleep, fatigue, and impaired daytime function resulting from loss of sleep. Written by respected leaders in this field and sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology, Restless Legs Syndrome explains what we know about RLS, including its causes and manifestations, and what can be done to manage it. Topics covered include: Causes, symptoms, and diagnosis