Koki Shimoji - Böcker

The spinal cord has a characteristic structure and functions that are distinct from those of the brain. Its functions are tremendously important since it modulates the peripheral sensory inputs to the dorsal horn, and it gives rise to the ascending pathways transmitting peripheral afferent inputs to the brain, and conveys the descending pathways from the brain both to the lower motor neurons, the final common pathway, and to dorsal horn sensory neurons. In spite of these vital functions, the spinal cord constitutes only a small percent­ age of the mass of the human central nervous system and is located far from the skin surface, which has obstructed the recording of its electrical activity. Recently, however, important advances have been made in several recording techniques, including epidural recording or averaging methods, allowing both sensory and motor evoked spinal cord potentials in man to be recorded. This volume is based on the papers presented at the Fourth International Symposium on Spinal Cord Monitoring and Electrodiagnosis. Each of these international symposia has brought together many of the specialists involved in this research, with an important increase in the number of participants since the first symposium was held in Toyko in 1981. At the past symposia several attempts were made to standardize data, techniques, and clinical applications and to integrate the new findings into patient care.

Techniques using evoked spinal cord potentials (SCPs) have become important clinical tools for monitoring spinal cord surgery and diagnosing spinal cord diseases. This book surveys the neurophysiological and neuropharmacological bases of evoked SCPs with reference to animal studies and to recording those potentials mainly from the spinal epidural space. Generous use of illustrations promotes understanding of the neurophysiological and neuropharmacological backgrounds of monitoring spinal cord functions, and case studies provide additional insight into the monitoring and diagnosis of spinal cord dysfunction and disease. The book is especially useful for students and those new to the fields of clinical neurophysiology, neurosurgery, neurology, orthopedics, and neuroanesthesia. No other text sets forth the terminology of the components of evoked SCPs as clearly as this volume does with its careful use of lucid explanations and illustrations.

Techniques using evoked spinal cord potentials (SCPs) have become important clinical tools for monitoring spinal cord surgery and diagnosing spinal cord diseases.

This book covers a range of topics, from the cause and identity of pain, to pain relief management. Starting from the mechanism of pain, it continues to pain management techniques such as nerve blocks, drugs (pain killers), noninvasive manipulations psychological techniques and electric management, before describing the management of various painful conditions such as headaches, back pain, extremities pain, post-herpetic pain or complex regional pain syndrome. It also provides the format of case reports which can be used to explain management options. A novel feature of the book is that it provides additional insights into how clinicians involve patients in treating their own pain through guided self-assessment and self-management. Recent studies have revealed that pain is not only a biological alarm that warns of disease, but can also be the disease itself, or the catalyst of a vicious circle of pain and disease. Providing rapid pain relief is often effective in sparking the rapid recovery from various diseases. This book offers the perfect guide for all clinicians, not only those working at pain clinics but all those who have to treat patients who are in pain.