Bookedited by Jean Brihaye, Fritz Loew, H.W. Pia.
Summary: The book gives a survey of the medical, philosophical and religious aspects of chronic pain and suffering. Experts in the fields of neuropharmacology, anaesthesiology, psychology and psychotherapy, neurology and neurosurgery as well as representatives of the main world religions and of different philosophical directions were brought together during the First Convention of the Academia Eurasiana Neurochirurgica in September 1985, and discussed the various aspects of pain and suffering, including the possibilities for treatment. The combination of religious, philosophical and medical facets of pain means a new approach to better understanding of the problems related to pain and suffering.
Contents:
I. Somatic Aspects of Pain
Cytochemical Studies of the Neural Circuitry Underlying Pain and Pain Control
Neuronal Mechanisms of Pain with Special Emphasis on Visceral and Deep Somatic Pain
The Role of Substance P and Other Neuropeptides in Transmission of Pain
Opiates, Opioids and Their Receptors in the Modulation of Pain
Nonopioid Analgesics
Central Analgesics
Drug Abuse: Control Through National and International Regulatory Practice
Evaluation of Antinociceptive, Reinforcing and Aversive Properties of Psychotropic Agents and Analgesics in Animals: Models for Prediction of Their Analgesic Activity and Dependence Liability
Central and Peripheral Electrical Stimulation of the Nervous System in the Treatment of Chronic Pain
Externally Portable and Implantable Devices for Continuous Delivery of Analgetics
Spinal Infusion of Opiates and Somatostatin
Acupuncture Analgesia
Neurosurgical Treatments of Pain-a General Survey
II. Psychological, Theological and Anthropological Aspects of Pain
Psychological Determinants in Chronic Pain
Sociopsychosomatic Aspects of Individual, Familial and National Suffering and Pain
Psychological Therapy of Pain
Difficulties in Psychotherapy of Victims of Man-Made Disasters
Models of Pain and Suffering: Foundations for an Ethic of Compassion
The Interpretation of Pain: the Point of View of Catholic Theology
About Anthropology of Pain: View of Protestant Theology
Pain and Suffering: Views of Jewish Theology
Pain: Points of View of Islamic Theology
Hindu Philosophy on Pain: an Outline
A Chinese Perspective on Pain
Pain and Japanese Zen
Pain Understanding and Suffering Considered by an Agnostic
Pain: a Case Study for the Mind-Body Problem
Cultural-Historical Aspects of Pain
Pain and Language
Pain Understanding and Treatment-an Interdisciplinary Challenge. Summary of a Round Table and General Discussion
III. Inauguration of the Academia Eurasiana Neurochirurgica
The Aims of the Academy
The Anthropological Challenge of Pain
Non solum gloria. The Foundings of Academies in History.