Abstract
This is the second edition of this text and builds on the success of the first offering. This volume succeeds on many levels: it is clear and well written, but, more importantly, is concise and delivers more than most doctors would ever want to know about headache disorders. It is divided into three major sections. The first section deals with the epidemiology and pathophysiology of headache, the second with the primary headache disorders, and the third with the secondary headache disorders. The information in these sections is supported by extensive, but not excessive, references to the pertinent past and present literature of headache, including many important papers by the authors cited.
The headache disorders discussed are based on the classification of the International Headache Society (1988) with some sections updating and proposing new classifications for disorders not previously recognized. There is extensive updating of the information on migraine and cluster headache and the sections on the trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias are remarkable and the best yet in any modern text on headache. The comprehensive chapter on chronic daily headache is most welcome as well, as this is an area of diagnostic and therapeutic concern for physicians and their patients. Beyond that, all sections once again are updated and relevant to clinical practice. The pathophysiology section is detailed for a volume of this size but is clinically relevant and comprehensive in nature, as is the epidemiology section.
Migraine and other primary headache disorders, including cluster headache, also receive detailed treament and the reader will not be disappointed. The therapeutic sections are balanced and presented in a logical and organized manner. Investigations and all relevant secondary headache disorders are covered. However, what is remarkable about this volume is the outstanding visual material found throughout the text. The illustrations, in full colour, are abundant and there are numerous tables, clinical photographs and imaging to support the text. This visual material significantly enhances the value of the text as an educational volume.
This is a book that can be highly recommended to anyone interested in headache and is as valuable to the novice as to the expert clinician. There are no major deficiencies. Future volumes can be expected to be even better, but for now this volume is so well done and clinically solid that all headache physicians should consider having it on their desks in the clinic, and not on a library shelf as a reference alone.