FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ON April 21, 2004
AAN Develops Neurology Education Series for Patients and Families
St. Paul, Minn. -
The American Academy of Neurology announces publication of a series of books that offer valuable information about common disorders of the brain and central nervous system. Migraines and Other Headaches is the first in the series. “This book is the essential guide for anyone who suffers from headaches, and for those who don’t, to understand those who do,” according to neurologist and series editor Austin Sumner, MD. Written by neurologists William B. Young, MD, and Stephen D. Silberstein, MD, Migraines and Other Headaches offers explanations for different types of headaches, effective pain management strategies, descriptions of symptoms that warrant immediate medical attention, and additional resources available to patients and family members. “By referring patients to this book, physicians may help headache sufferers answer their questions before they even arise,” adds Sumner. Two dozen neurological topics will be covered through this quality-of-life series, including Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (“Lou Gehrig’s disease”), back pain, cerebral palsy, chronic pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke. “Our intent is to provide detailed information about these disorders, their causes, and potential courses they may follow, in addition to offering strategies for coping and handling various non-medical issues resulting from the disorders,” according to Bruce Polsky, chief executive officer, AAN Enterprises Inc., a subsidiary of the American Academy of Neurology. “The better-informed patient is often able to play a vital role in his or her own care,” notes Polsky. This is especially the case with many neurological disorders for which effective management of the disease can be promoted, and potentially enhanced, through patient education and involvement. The series is being published cooperatively with Demos Medical Publishing. Books in the series will be available through the AAN Online Store (www.aan.com/academy.cfm), the AAN Store Catalog, or by calling the member services department at (800) 879-1960 or (651) 695-2717. For online information about common disorders of the brain, as well as to learn about people living with these disorders, visit the AAN Foundation website at www.thebrainmatters.org.