Amino Acids. Neuromethods, Volume 3. (Electronic book text)

Until the '80s of the last century, neonatal pain, as well as fetal pain, have been denied. Thanks to the deeper understanding of their pathophysiology and to the most recent diagnostic tools, the last 30 years have seen a big development in this field, but the treatment of neonatal and fetal pain is still a controversial issue, and a central topic not only in specialties directly concerned with it, but also in bioethics.Some important issues are still being investigated: when does pain perception appear? Is it ethical to cure fetal pain? Has pain in fetus consequences on the developing brain? Can a fetus suffer? This volume wants to give an overview of the current knowledge in this field, and an international team of specialists evaluates neonatal and fetal pain from the different points of view - neurological, pediatric, gynaecological, anesthesiological - and possible consequences of pain - even psychological - on the brain. It will be an invaluable resource for neonatologists, pediatricians, anesthesiologists, gynaecologists and other professionals involved in this field, as well for post-graduate students in all disciplines.