Trigeminal Neuralgia and Other Cranial Neuralgias: A Practical Personalised Holistic Approach - Paperback

by Joanna M. Zakrzewska (Editor), Turo Nurmikko (Editor)

Trigeminal neuralgia and other cranial neuralgias comprise a group of facial pain conditions, characterised by disabling pain attacks that selectively respond to specific treatments. Although not as common migraine, they affect over 1% of the population and must be recognised and adequately treated in clinical practice. The spectrum of cranial neuralgias is wide and as a consequence the conditions are managed by a range of different specialists. Studies show that delayed diagnoses and mismanagement are common and can lead to depression and suicide.

36 recognised experts from nine countries have contributed to OPML Trigeminal Neuralgia and Other Cranial Neuralgias to guide you through the maze of pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnosis-making, and condition-specific treatments. The approach is practical and evidence-based and ready for real-world applications. The value of phenotyping, targeted investigations, and treatment algorithms is emphasised. The editors and contributors subscribe to the view that there needs to be a holistic approach with multidisciplinary teams working together and with patients being at the centre of this process. Psychologists and patent support groups can help to ensure that patients are managed holistically and share the decision-making process. Their involvement in the handbook has helped to emphasis this. There remain considerable challenges, but the field is rapidly evolving and there are increasing number of opportunities opening up to improve our understanding of these conditions and hence
their management.

The editors and contributors have included case scenarios, algorithms, self-administered tools for training in diagnosis and management, clinical tips and carefully chosen references. Each chapter includes a lay summary and key points and can be read as a stand-alone unit.

Author Biography

Joanna M. Zakrzewska, Professor of Pain in Relation to Oral Medicine, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UCL, London, UK, Turo Nurmikko, Professor of Pain Science, Neuroscience Research Centre, The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK

Joanna M. Zakrzewska is both dentally and medically trained (King's College London and University of Cambridge). Between 2007- 2015 she set up the largest award winning UK multi-disciplinary facial pain service at UCLH, London. Currently working part time at UCLH while setting up a national Trigeminal Neuralgia Institute. Chairperson of Medical Advisory Board and founder Trustee of Trigeminal Neuralgia Association UK (patient support group). She has written five books, contributed to 27 chapters, written over 180 peer reviewed papers and has been rated as the top expert in trigeminal neuralgia in the world. Lectured as an invited speaker in 100 international meetings in 30 countries.

Turo Nurmikko is a certified Neurologist and Pain Specialist. 1991 he received his PhD (DSurgMedSci) from the University of Tampere, Finland. He established and led the Tampere Pain Clinic Tampere 1983-1994 before moving to work as a Consultant of Relief at the Walton Centre, Liverpool UK until 2015 where he founded and headed a multidisciplinary facial pain clinic 2005-2013. He was Chair of Pain Science at University of Liverpool 2001-2011 and Honorary Professor 2012-2018. He was a founding member of Neuropathic Pain SIG, IASP, and its first Chairman (2002-2005). He held the directorship of Pain Research Institute, Liverpool 2001 - 2018. He has written over 100 peer-reviewed articles and 40 textbook chapters and lectured as an invited speaker in 180 international meetings in 30 countries.