Abstract
This is the seventh iteration of a venerable reference begun in 1948 by Dr Harold Wolff, and championed since the third edition by Dr Dalessio. Joined previously by Dr Silberstein, and for the current edition by Dr Lipton, this tome easily exceeds its stated goal of remaining ‘a vibrant and useful source of information for headache specialists and primary care doctors’. The book is laid out quite logically in 27 chapters. It begins with ‘Remembrances of Dr Harold G. Wolff’ by Dr Dalessio, who trained with Dr Wolff. While Saint Pantaleon is classically regarded as the patron saint of physicians, Dr Dalessio's reminiscences clarify why Dr Wolff has been so regarded by modern headache specialists. This chapter is followed by a complete survey of what is known about headache from both clinical and research perspectives. Each section utilizes recognized authorities on the particular topics, and is extensively referenced with both classic and current citations. Fundamental topics such as diagnosis and pathophysiology are followed by discussions of genetics, epidemiology, and comorbidity. Specific headache types are then dealt with, followed by chapters on neuralgias, headache in children and adolescents and on nonpharmacological therapies.
This volume is extremely readable, and the scientific information has been well-correlated with practical treatment ramifications. The chapter on Chronic Daily Headache exemplifies this nicely, as does the impressive chapter on Headaches Associated with Head Trauma. The scope of information is impressive, and the quality is uniformly high, a tribute to the editors, given the large number of contributing authors (43).
By way of constructive criticism, I was surprised there were no chapters on Headache in the Emergency Department, Headache in the Elderly, and Headache in Association with Sleep Disorders. These topics are dealt with, to varying degrees, under other headings and can be accessed readily through the well-designed index.
This edition concludes with another new chapter on Communicating with the Patient. It nicely serves to remind the reader that all the vast information compiled in this, or any other text, is for naught unless a therapeutic alliance can be forged with the patient. With this edition, the editors have continued a fine tradition and provided a wonderful headache reference for anyone interested in learning about headaches and in helping headache sufferers.