Central pain. A neurosurgical challenge

The introduction of newer neuroradiological and nuclear medicine technology in the field set off a true revolution in our understanding of the mechanisms of chronic pain. I have to say that central pain stood to gain the most, and so it did. Cortex is no more the unwanted guest, but has taken up the role it deserved. The neurochemistry of central pain is also much clearer, and our therapeutic approach is gaining from our theoretical speculations, e. g. cortical stimulation. Science is coming on and tradition is taking a back seat, wihch means better treatment for these unfortunate patients. However, the downside of all this is that central pain remains unrecognized by the vast majority of medical professionals and, worst of all, even by pain phisicians. This book tries to fill a mile-long gap by providing fresh data from the research field for all those interested in the field of pain, and, hopefully, beyond.