A cluster headache is a type of primary headache called a trigeminal autonomic cephalgia (or TAC). Cephal- refers to the head, whilst -algia means pain. So, a TAC means pain in the head, arising from the trigeminal nerve, with autonomic (involuntary) signs. The symptoms cluster in location and time, hence the name. Cause Currently, the […]
Pain Neurosurgery
Hemifacial Spasm
What is it? Hemifacial spasm is a rare condition, affecting on average 4,000 people in the UK. A spasm is when a muscle, or group of muscles, contracts involuntarily, when they’re not supposed to. The word ‘hemifacial’ describes the area affected by the spasm – half of the face; most commonly the left side. Both […]
Phantom Limb Pain
Phantom meaning false, or not present, phantom limb pain refers to the fascinating phenomenon wherein the mind believes a body part is still attached, and experiences neuropathic pain in that place. Neuropathic meaning due to a lesion or disease of the somatosensory system. This blog post will delve into what we currently know about the […]
Chronic and Complex Pain Syndromes
What is chronic pain? Chronic pain affects many people, across a variety of patient populations. Acute pain indicates a short duration and/or recent onset event, thought to be a protective mechanism of the body. Normally, this leads to healing and restoration however, persistent pain that lasts for over 12 weeks is referred to as chronic […]
Cancer Pain – A Summary
1. What is Cancer Pain? Pain, as eminent surgeon-writer Atul Gawande puts it, us a symphony. A complex response that includes not just a distinct sensation but also motor activity, a change in emotion, a focusing of attention, a brand-new memory,” [1]. Put more simply, it is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience [2] that […]