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Show Journal of Clinical NeuTo-ophthDlmology 7(4): 255. 1987. Book Review Neuro-Ophthalmology Review Manual, 2nd ed. By Frank J. Bajandas, M.D. and Lanning B. Kline, M.D., Thorofare, NJ: Slack Inc. 1986, 176 pp, $34.50. I have always been a big fan of Dr. Frank Bajandas' original neuro-ophthalmology board review manual. I know of very few ophthalmology residents or fellows in training, in spite of their particular subspecialty interests, who do not have a worn and tattered copy of this manual, both for understanding the basics of neuro-ophthalmology and for preparation for their ophthalmology board examination. Dr. Bajandas certainly had a special talent in breaking down the very complex field of neuro-ophthalmology into a more simple, easier to understand outline that immediately became both clear and "learnable" to the student of ophthalmology. No doubt, many neurology and neurosurgery residents have also benefitted from Dr. Bajandas' original work. Just when we thought the first edition could not possibly be improved, Dr. Lanning Kline surprised us with a remarkably enhanced second edition. A slight reorganization of the chapters, by Dr. Kline, was quite appropriate. The approach to visual fields in Chapter 1 is as excellent as always, but the diagrams are improved. I know of no better basic visual field test than the one provided by Drs. Bajandas and Kline. Certainly, the discussions on supranuclear and intranuclear gaze pathways, as well as nystagmus, are hard to beat for a compact and simplified approach to this complex subject. 255 © 1987 Raven Press. Ltd., New York All of the diagrams that were somewhat unclear and lacked specific detail in the first edition, have been completely redrawn. I believe this is one of the strengths of the new edition; the addition of better diagrams and specific tables of pertinent facts. Chapters concerning the pupil, the swollen disc, the pale disc, as well as specific cranial nerve palsies are all nicely expanded and updated. New chapters to this edition include a very excellent chapter on the cavernous sinus syndrome, as well as myasthenia gravis and ocular myopathies. There are also excellent chapters on headache and ancillary clinical procedures by Dr. Patrick S. O'Connor. Specifics concerning temporal artery biopsy, the Tensilon test, forced duction testing, and confrontation visual field testing are all clinical pearls that each and every practitioner will appreciate. In summary, the second edition of Neuro-Ophthalmology Review Ma/lual is absolutely required reading for any student of ophthalmology, including the paraneurological fields and those in private practice. It is the best summation and explanation of common neuro-ophthalmologic problems encountered in clinical practice a nonspecialist could ever hope to read. It is a bargain at any price! Bradley K. Farris, M.D. University of Oklahoma College of Medicine Dean A. McGee Eye Institute Oklahoma City, Oklahoma |