Pain: The Science of Suffering (Maps Of The Mind) [Paperback]

Pain is a fact of life. It transcends species and has been omnipresent throughout history: most people at some time suffer from it, some enjoy it and seek it out, yet until now few people have attempted to explore it from a philosophical, sociological or physiological standpoint. Patrick Wall, a neuroscientist by training and Fellow of the Royal Society, is well qualified to write on this sadly overlooked area. He is the inventor of the TENS pain relief system that has transformed the experience of labour for millions of women. In 1965, he and Professor Ronald Melzack conceived of the famous "gate theory" of pain control, and in 1993 they coauthored The Challenge of Pain, an update of research in this area.

Pain: The Science of Suffering examines the philosophical basis of pain as well as our physiological experience of it. We are taken on a journey through our nerves, spinal chords, bloods, tissues and brain, laying bare the hard scientific facts of the mechanisms of pain as we know them. Wall also analyses the images of suffering within society, such as those found in cultural stereotypes--why do we have all those Mother-in-Law jokes, religious experiences such as the Passion of Christ and childbirth?. Wall's book is a remarkable achievement, a concise journey through a vast array of new ideas and an effective summary of existing ones. The one criticism of this book is that it is too short! Wall stresses in the "Introduction" that "this is not a textbook". To call it so would be to miss the point of this truly fascinating book. --Alison Jardine

In this generally thoughtful text, Wall offers his belief in the benefit of narcotic medications for cancer patients in pain. Publishers Weekly Wall is a sage neuroscientist who challenges younger pain researchers and the 'new breed of clinicians' to create a contemporary picture of a 'subtle multiplexed reactive system' we call the neurological response to pain. Library Journal Despite his impressive academic qualifications, Wall writes lucidly, using vivid examples, stories from his own life, and a general dose of personal opinions. Readers may find they know more about pain than those who should be experts -- such as their doctors Kirkus Reviews You won't meet a finer piece of popularization this year than Patrick Wall's crack at one of medicine's greatest mysteries. And his book commands attention, coming as it does from the world's expert on the subject. -- Roy Porter The Times (London) A first-class, well-written account of what is known about pain and how to relieve it, by one of the world's greatest experts on the subject... We are all frightened of pain, and we all need to know more about it. This short, comprehensible summary could not be bettered. Both those who suffer and those who attempt to relieve suffering will learn a great deal from it. -- Anthony Storr The Sunday Times (London) [Wall] provides a broad, comprehensive overview of the pain experience and offers a very interesting discourse on the complexities involved in understanding pain and its treatment... The chapters are well organized, with an introduction and closing summary, and... they include descriptions of fascinating studies that have led to breakthroughs in the study of pain...The information on central and peripheral mechanisms involved in pain sensation is well woven in with medical history and clinical cases. This book would be useful to upper-division undergraduates and graduate students entering the pain research arena. It would also interest pain researchers, faculty in academic medicine, medical students, and health professionals who treat pain. -- C.S. Weisse, Union College (NY) Choice --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Drawing on recent biological findings, this book examines the causes and consequences of pain, both mental and physical. It also provides an assessment of possible cures, ranging from drugs and surgery, through relaxation techniques and exercise, to accupuncture and herablism.

Patrick Wall is in the Division of Physiology, UMDS, St Thomas's Hospital, London. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society.