Central Sensitization and Sensitivity Syndromes: A Handbook for Coping

by Amy Titani

Overview

Millions of people experience symptoms of central sensitization (CS) and central sensitivity syndromes (CSS) such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia and multiple chemical sensitivities. Yet many lack diagnoses, education and resources. Without proper support, some patients may become withdrawn, suffering needlessly and possibly developing mental illness.

Covering the syndromes within the context of central sensitization (CS), this book provides candid personal experience, strategies for symptom management, and suggested methods for coping and long-term healing, with easy-to-understand science.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781476668635
Publisher:	McFarland & Company, Incorporated Publishers
Publication date:	07/06/2017
Series:	McFarland Health Topics
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	252
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.40(h) x 0.90(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Amy Titani has been teaching and providing peer support to others with Central Sensitization and Central Sensitivity Syndromes since 2014. She lives in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
Foreword by Ric Arseneau, M.D.
Preface
1. Sensitization and Syndrome Basics
2. Decreasing Trigger Exposure and impact
3. Fatigue, Pain, Relapse and Crash
4. Beyond Crisis—Advanced Symptom Management Strategies
5. Coping Emotionally and Psychologically with CS and CSS
6. Longer-Term Symptom Management, Living Skills and Healing
Appendix A: For Friends and Loved Ones—Helping, Connecting and Coping
Appendix B: For Medical Providers and Patients—CS-Friendly Office Protocols
Appendix C: For Medical Providers—A Patient-Centered Approach
Appendix D: For Singles with CS Who Live Alone—A Crash Plan
Appendix E: Travel and Vacations with CS and CSS
Appendix F: Recommended Reading and Viewing
Chapter Notes
Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Amaal Jilani Starling, MD (Mayo Clinic Arizona)
Description: This is an easy-to-read and understand handbook written by a well-informed patient with central sensitization and sensitivity syndrome for patients, caregivers, and even providers. It presents facts about these invisible illnesses with compassion and empathy and provides a practical step-by-step approach from diagnosis to acceptance to management and, finally, to healing. Bite-sized informative sections, bulleted facts, easy-to-use charts, easy-to-follow instructions, and checklists are just some of the practical tools this book has. In addition, there is an extensive index for resources and referencing by topic.
Purpose: The purpose is to ensure that no one with these diagnoses has to travel their healthcare journey alone. With easy-to-understand facts, step-by-step strategies, and practical tools patients can use this book to progress towards long-term healing. This voice is needed for education, understanding, compassion, and empathy for those with these syndromes. With its practical tools this book does meet its objective and serves as a life skills book for these patients. In addition, it opens a window into the patient experience for caregivers and providers,
Audience: This book is written primarily for patients with these syndromes, but those who would like to gain a better understanding of this patient population would benefit from it as well. This book is also written for caregivers and providers. Although the author is not a doctor or a medical expert, she is well researched and educated on the topic as a patient advocate.
Features: This book provides a patient-level explanation for central sensitization and sensitivity syndromes, practical tools to reduce trigger exposure, and how to navigate a "crash" of symptoms. In addition, it addresses life beyond the acute stages of the disease with advanced symptom management and coping skills. Lastly, the book provides primers for friends, family, caregivers, and medical providers on sensitivity syndrome friendly language and protocols. The extensive index is full of resources for patients.
Assessment: This handbook for coping is very useful for patients to navigate central sensitization and sensitivity syndromes. In addition, it provides others with a window into the patient experience.

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