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Show BOOK REVIEWS Section Editor: Steven A. Newman, MD Neuroscience: Fundamentals for Rehabilitation, 3rd Edition Laurie Lundy-Ekman, PT, PhD. Saunders Elsevier, St. Louis, MO, 2007. ISBN 13: 978-1-1460-2578-8, $67.95. Scope: In covering the fundamentals of the normal and abnormal nervous system in humans, from the basics of anatomy to disease states that affect the central and peripheral nervous systems, this book seems to be primarily intended for the beginning practitioner. Authored almost entirely by Dr. Lundy-Ekman, it is a practical reference for practitioners with limited interaction with this patient population. This 575-page highly illustrated textbook also includes an additional 16-page glossy atlas of the brain and a CD-ROM with 40 illustrative animations/videos. Strengths: This textbook is clearly and accurately written in a simple and easily understood style. The text is divided into sections and subject headings that make reading pleasurable. There are ample tables, illustrations, photo-graphs, and clinical examples to expand on the text. The linkage between the neuroscience and clinical fundamen-tals is excellent. Weakness: The content of this textbook is too superficial to serve as a "go-to" reference for the mid-level or experienced practitioner. The neuroscience background material is interesting and well written but inadequate for the textbook to serve as a resource text. The accompanying CD-ROM offers little practical information and does little to truly augment the textbook. Recommended Audience: This textbook, although pleasant to read and review, has a narrow clinical audience. It does not offer enough depth to serve a role for the basic neuroscientist. It should serve, however, as a good introductory text for allied health professionals, including nurses. Critical Appraisal: Although eye-catching and well written, this text has limited depth of clinical information, which prevents it from being a "must have" resource for physicians in the field of neuroscience. Unfortunately, this same limitation prevents it from serving a particular role as a resource for practitioners who only see occasional patients with disorders of the nervous system. David Cifu, MD Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Virginia The Brain Atlas: A Visual Guide to the Human Central Nervous System, 3rd Edition Thomas A. Woolsey, MD, Joseph Hanaway, MD, and Mokhtar H. Gado, MD. John Wiley & Sons, Hoboken, NJ, 2008. ISBN 0-7216-8154-9, $105.00. Scope: Neuroanatomy books tend to focus either on verbal descriptions or on visual presentations. This book clearly falls into the latter category. It is a true atlas, with far more space devoted to pictures than to words. Although several sections do contain accompanying (and welcome) text, the stars of this book are the pictures. The book is divided into five parts. The first part is primarily a textual introduction. It is worth the small time investment to read as it sets the stage for the rest of the book. It is also packed with interesting trivia you either never learned, or if you did, you have certainly forgotten. For example, do you remember that the brain contains about 100 million neurons? The second part is entitled ‘‘The CNS and Its Blood Vessels.'' Diagrams, photographs, embellished photo-graphs, and angiograms provide an effective summary of how blood is delivered and recovered from the brain, brainstem, and spinal cord. The third section, ‘‘Brain Slices,'' provides a classic overview of neuroanatomy. The pictures are excellent. Unlike some neuroanatomy atlases, labels of named structures are placed directly on the photographs of the brain slices. This is quite welcome, as atlases that require the eyes to jump back and forth require substantially more time to digest. Labeled brain slices are presented next to corresponding MRI images, which are also labeled. I found this section refreshingly practical and efficient. Part 4 is entitled ‘‘Histological Sections.'' It provides enlarged, stain-enhanced photographs of critical brain regions. It nicely complements the more general photo-graphs and radiographs from part 3. Part 5, called ‘‘Pathways,'' delivers more than infor-mation on neuroanatomical connections. It is organized by structure, with the detailed anatomy of the specific structure under consideration, its anatomic relation to neighboring and associated structures, and its efferent and afferent connections presented in direct progression. In some instances, these pathway overviews are the clearest, most concise, and easiest to digest that I have ever come across. The reader can quickly walk away with a nice review, or if deeper knowledge is desired, it, too, can be extracted. J Neuro-Ophthalmol, Vol. 28, No. 3, 2008 249 Strengths: The figures are very clearly labeled, and neuroanatomical pathways are nicely laid out. This edition has more magnetic resonance images than the previous one. It is wonderful to have a portable, easy-to-use reference that allows you to simultaneously review an actual brain dissec-tion and its corresponding MRI cut. The focused treatments of particular brain regions and systems included in the final sections are excellent. Weaknesses: Some sections would benefit from a bit more text explanation. For example, in the thalamus the usual ventral-dorsal conventions do not apply, a fact that is not discussed. Avoiding some of the more common eponyms may leave the reader wanting. For example, there is no mention of the Papez circuit, which is perhaps unusual for a neuroanatomy atlas or text. Recommended Audience: This book is recommended for anyone studying human brain anatomy. Because it is so concise and clear, it will suit students from multiple levels or disciplines (undergraduate, graduate, medical, and physical therapy). Neuroscientists from disciplines in which neuroanatomical knowledge is requisite will appre-ciate this book. This book will also benefit physicians requiring advanced knowledge of the human nervous system (neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuro-ophthalmolo-gists, and psychiatrists). Physicians at the resident level trying to learn neuroanatomy will find this book extremely useful. Post-residency physicians preparing for recertifica-tion examinations or those who want to efficiently refresh their fading neuroanatomical knowledge will love this book. Critical Appraisal: This book is designed to provide a visual overview of human neuroanatomy. It succeeds admirably. For those hoping to master the subject matter, it will prove to be a valuable adjunct to neuroanatomy books that focus more on text and less on images. Those already familiar with the subject but who could benefit from a review of neuroanatomy will benefit enormously. I did. Russell H. Swerdlow, MD University of Kansas School of Medicine Kansas City, Kansas Specialist Training in Neurology R. Jon L. Walters, BSC, MBBS, MD, MRCP, Adrian Wills BSC, MBBS, MD, FRCP, and Philips Smith, MD, FRCP. Mosby Elsevier, Edinburgh, UK, 2007. ISBN: 978-0-7234-3390-3, $79.95. Scope: This is a 319-page multiauthored paperback book describing the basics of clinical neurology for the neurologist in training. The chapters highlight the fundamentals of the neurologic examination, anatomical localization, and com-mon neurologic diagnosis and management. There is also a concise chapter covering the most common neuro-ophthalmologic signs and symptoms. Strengths: Each chapter begins with a brief clinical case highlighting the chapter topic. The information is organized in a concise and readable format (bullet points, text boxes, and diagrams), allowing busy interns or residents to continue basic self-directed learning of clinical neurology. In addition, each chapter is short enough to be read in one sitting. There are many MRI brain and head CT scans that correspond to the topic at hand. In addition, two of the greatest strengths of the text are the numerous well-illustrated color diagrams of basic neuroanatomy and color-coded tables highlighting clinical features and differential diagnosis. Weakness: As a review text, this book serves as a supplement to a more complete clinical neurology reference text. Apart from the first two chapters (the neurologic consultation and basics of neuroanatomy), there is no specific organization to the order of the chapters or the material within each chapter. Recommended Audience: This book is most appropriate for first-year neurology residents. Medical students or interns planning to specialize in neurology, ophthalmolo-gists, and other physicians will find this to be a readable text for reviewing clinically relevant neurology. Critical Appraisal: This is a well-illustrated review book of clinical neurology and would serve as a good supplement to a comprehensive neurology textbook. Melissa W. Ko, MD Scheie Eye Institute Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, Pennsylvania The Future of the Brain: The Promise and Perils of Tomorrow's Neuroscience Steven Rose, PhD. Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK, 2005. ISBN 978-0-19-530893-8, $18.95 (paperback). Scope: As the title indicates and the first chapter summarizes, this single-authored text is about the current state of brain neuroscience and its application to perceived social and medical disorders. The text is written primarily for a lay audience with a good college-level or higher background in the biologic sciences. The first seven chapters review the evolution of brains, the development of the 250 q 2008 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins J Neuro-Ophthalmol, Vol. 28, No. 3, 2008 Book Reviews modern mammalian brain, including epigenetic influences, and the mature brain's organization and senescence. There are several informative illustrations in these chapters. The last five chapters build upon this background and present the arguments for hope, but primarily for caution, in the application of neuroscientific findings to social maladies and medical disorders ranging from neurodegenerative to psychiatric and the uncertain territories between them. Strengths: To review the biologic history of the brain from the origin of life to senescence is a daunting task, but Professor Rose, a senior neuroscientist at the Open University and a Visiting Professor at University College, London, UK, presents these complex concepts in easily readable prose. One is not likely to find elsewhere a more comprehensive review in so limited a space. The purpose of this review is to set the stage for the more polemic chapters to follow. These last four chapters are introduced by a linking chapter, Chapter 8, which discusses the limitations, imposed by our imperfect knowledge and technology, on our ability to predict the experiential and behavioral results of brain activity or of manipulating the brain. The final chapters review and critique current and possible future attempts to use electrophysiologic and neuroimaging recordings to assess private experience, and pharmacologic, surgical, or even electromagnetic interventions to manipulate brain function. Many of these issues are of serious concern now or will be in the near future. Weakness: The history of the brain does not require speculations about the origin of life, and Professor Rose seems to overextend himself in this area. In dealing with the familiar nature-nurture arguments about brain evolution, development, and plasticity, the author frankly assaults views he deems excessively deterministic (Steven Pinker's, for example) and this seems unnecessary, given the main thrust of his final arguments at the end. Some of the discussion about the possible future misapplications of neuroscientific knowledge seems exaggerated; for example, it is unlikely that ‘‘thought control'' by remote electro-magnetic stimulation is likely to become a public, or even, military threat any time soon. Recommended Audience: Neuroscientists and physicians, especially those in the neurologic disciplines, will find this an interesting, informative, and provocative book. In addition, those in the health care ‘‘industry,'' the professions dealing with medical-legal issues, and students in these fields should read this book. The wider audience of biologically knowledgeable laypersons will benefit from becoming informed about the importance and broad social impact of the neurosciences. Critical Appraisal: Professor Rose has presented a reviewof the brain's history that is impressive for its breadth and cogency. What it lacks in depth and detail is more than balanced by its effectiveness as an introductory background for his argument to follow. His style is highly personal so that I felt I understood his argument from the background of his experience as a teacher and neuroscientist. As part of that personal relationship, I regretted his occasional snipe at others who support what he considers a rigid, highly deterministic view of brain development and function. Having read most of the authors he cites in this regard, I think he overstates the differences. As he introduces his cautionary arguments, Professor Rose uses a clever imaginary device, the ‘‘cerebro-scope,'' to demonstrate that, regardless of how detailed our information about brain functionmay be, we are, and probably will forever be, unable to predict individual experience or behavior to the degree necessary to control human behavior or cure many of the neurologic or psychiatric diseases. There is far more about perils than promises in this book, and perhaps the promises have been so neglected as to give the impression of therapeutic nihilism. Nonetheless, anyone with a relation-ship to the neurosciences and their application to medical or social issues must face the problem of avoiding both hubris and inertia. Professor Rose's book is a good place to start. Kenneth L. Casey, MD University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Michigan The Nervous System: Basic Science and Clinical Conditions AdinaMichael-Titus, PhD, Patricia Revest, PhD, and Peter Shortland, PhD. Churchill Livingston Elsevier, Edinburgh, UK, 2007. ISBN-13-978-0-443-07179-9, $57.95. Scope: This book is part of the Systems of the Body series designed primarily for medical students as a problem-based neuroscience course. The authors explain that their aim is to cover basic elements of structure and function of the nervous system and major pathologic conditions. The first part of the volume provides instruction in both the general organization of the nervous system and cellular neuroscience. Later chapters describe systems with clinical scenarios and delve into diagnosis and management issues. Each chapter begins with a half dozen clearly stated objectives and concludes with self-assessment questions. There is an answer section at the very back with full discussions of these questions. Strengths: The British tone of the writing is quaint and charming. For example, an opening analogy of the nervous system to a car asks the reader to ‘‘open the bonnet and check the petrol.'' The organization and writing make reading this material easy and entertaining, and the illustrations include 251 Book Reviews J Neuro-Ophthalmol, Vol. 28, No. 3, 2008 some clear and elegant schematic diagrams. There are also some fine examples of neuroradiologic imaging. The quality of reproduction on glossy paper is excellent. This book succeeds in combining the best of British didacticism with a modern problem-oriented style. Weakness: Unfortunately, clarity sometimes comes at the cost of superficiality and even accuracy. There are misstatements and errors of fact in the text and in the figures. In Chapter 7, the reader is told that there are many serious causes of blindness requiring patients to visit their ‘‘optician''. Multiple sclerosis is described as a disease in a separate category from inflammations. The choroid is described as a brown membrane, and ‘‘pigment is produced by the melanocytes of the retinal pigment epithelium.'' Figure 7.2, a classic photo of background diabetic retinopathy, is described as ‘‘hypertensive diabetic neurop-athy.'' Although this chapter seems particularly replete with errors, several other chapters are problematic as well. Recommended Audience: Although aimed at medical students, this book will be popular among neurology residents. Neuro-ophthalmologists will be troubled by the many inaccuracies in the chapter on the visual system. Critical Appraisal: This book makes clinical neuroscience very attractive. However, the multitude of sins described above mitigates its value and precludes its endorsement as a standard textbook for teaching neurology or as a scholarly reference book. Alfredo A. Sadun, MD, PhD Doheny Eye Institute Keck-USC School of Medicine Los Angeles, California Neurobiology of Disease Sid Gilman, MD, FRCP. Elsevier, Philadelphia, 2007. ISBN-13: 978-0-12-088592-3, $199.95. Scope: This text is a scholarly review of the pathophys-iology and molecular biology of neurologic disease edited by one of the leaders of modern academic neurology, a clinical neuroscientific polymath. It is explicitly aimed at the non-clinician neuroscientist. Its goal is to provide information on current concepts and developments, placed in clinical context, to better define areas of opportunity for basic scientific investigation. It does not seek to be all-inclusive, but rather to focus on areas of substantial current activity or particular investigational promise. Nevertheless, it encompasses a vast spectrum of neurologic disease. The 95 chapters are divided into 18 sections, including metabolic diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, genetic diseases, neuroimmunologic disorders, cerebrovascular diseases, paroxysmal disorders, neoplastic diseases, in-fectious diseases, motor neuron diseases, malformations and developmental disorders, neurologic manifestations of medical diseases, sleep disorders, substance abuse and basic toxicology, imaging and the nervous system, peripheral neuropathies, myopathies and neuromuscular junction disorders, autonomic disorders, and pain. It is not heavily illustrated. But the illustrations provided (some in color) are generally well chosen and of very high quality. Strengths: It would take extraordinary effort to track down isolated reviews on all the topics covered in this book. To have them provided for us under one cover, with the uniformity and consistency of vision achieved by a strong editor and with the able assistance of section editors, is remarkable. The chapters are generally well written and some are gems. Given the targeted audience, one might have expected much inscrutable molecular neurobiology. With only occasional exceptions, however, this is not the case, and the content of the book is very much accessible to the informed clinician. Weaknesses: As in any edited text, there are some very strong chapters and some that do not excel. Some authors were at a disadvantage to start with as they strived to write chapters on disorders for which the neurobiologic basis is still poorly understood. Recommended Audience: As a clinical scientist, I am not in a position to judge how well Dr. Gilman has reached his target audience. However, the goal of this text was to summarize what is known about the why's and how's of neurologic diseases, and it provides us much of the bounty of the revolution in molecular biology that has occurred over the past 15 years. As such, it is of potential interest to all neurologists, and most academic neurologists will find it fascinating. Although the content is probably too dense for it to become a routine component of the resident curriculum, it provides a superb guide to ways of thinking about neurologic disease that residents so need, ways of thinking that will endure even as the facts change. Critical Appraisal: Many, perhaps even most, fields of neurologic research suffer from a gap that exists between basic and clinical scientists. This ambitious and successful text should help to bridge that gap. It may also help clinicians to decipher the endless enigmas that their patients continually pose. Stephen E. Nadeau, MD VA Medical Center University of Florida College of Medicine Gainesville, Florida 252 q 2008 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins J Neuro-Ophthalmol, Vol. 28, No. 3, 2008 Book Reviews |
