Migraine by Oliver Sacks (1999, Paperback, Revised)

Synopsis
In his first book, Dr. Oliver Sacks examines the fearsome phenomenon of migraine headaches with his characteristic ingenuity and insight. Using an extensive series of case studies, Sacks examines the biological causes and the most effective treatments for various types of migraines. He also illuminates the uniquely troublesome mental aspect of migraines, which have a definitive, damaging effect on a patients' psyche, unlike pains in other areas of the body. This updated edition features chapters detailing the latest breakthroughs in treatments for migraines, including new medicines and alternative therapies, as well as a fascinating exploration of the mysterious hallucinogenic aura which many migraine sufferers indicate they see prior to an onset, complete with artwork from real patients.

Key Details
Author:	Oliver Sacks
Language:	English
Publisher:	Vintage Books
Format:	Paperback
ISBN-10:	037570406X
ISBN-13:	9780375704062

Additional Details
Edition Description:	Revised; Expanded

Size
Length:	338 pages
Thickness:	0.8 in
Weight:	12.8 oz

Publisher's Note
"Balanced, authoritative . . . brilliant."  --The London Times

"Written by one of the great clinical writers of the twentieth century, Migraine . . . should be read as much for its brilliant insights into the nature of our mental functioning as for its discussion of the migraine."  --The New York Times Book Review


The many manifestations of migraine can vary dramatically from one patient to another, even within the same patient at different times. Among the most compelling and perplexing of these symptoms are the strange visual hallucinations and distortions of space, time, and body image which migraineurs sometimes experience. Portrayals of these uncanny states have found their way into many works of art, from the heavenly visions of Hildegard von Bingen to Alice in Wonderland. Dr. Oliver Sacks argues that migraine cannot be understood simply as an illness, but must be viewed as a complex condition with a unique role to play in each individual's life.

"I am sure . . . that any layman who is interested in the relation between the body and mind . . . will find the book as fascinating as I have."  --W. H. Auden, The New York Review of Books

The best-selling author of Awakenings describes the symptoms and history of migraine headaches, identifies the foods and conditions that may provoke attacks, and examines possible treatments for this devastating ailment. Reprint. 12,500 first printing.

Industry Reviews
"I am grateful to Dr. Sacks for writing such a lucid discussion of my one-time affliction. His commentary is so erudite, so gracefully written, that even those people fortunate enough to never have had a migraine in their lives should find it equally compelling."
(06/19/1985)

"Dr. Sacks's primary purpose in writing this book was, no doubt, to enlighten his fellow practitioners about a complaint of which most of them know all too little...I am sure, however, that any layman who is at all interested in the relation between body and mind, even if he does not understand all of it, will find the book as fascinating as I have."
New York Review of Books - W. H. Auden (06/03/1971)

"By one of the great writers of the 20th century...[this book] should be read as much for its brilliant insights into the nature of our mental functioning as for its discussion of migraine."
New York Times Book Review

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