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Show journal of Neuw- OphUinliuologi/ 16( 3): 223- 226, 1996. Book Reviews Atlas of Optic Nerve Disorders, by Thomas C. Spoor. Raven Press Ltd., New York, 1992, $ 142.00. Type of Book: This book is a clinical atlas describing the author's approach to the diagnosis of common optic nerve disorders and illustrating those disorders with excellent color illustrations, full-color photographs, and radiographs. Scope of Book: The book is designed to provide the practitioner with the essential tools for managing the most common neuro- ophthalmic disorders affecting the optic nerve. The text is not encyclopedic and is not meant to substitute for more comprehensive works, such as that by Walsh and Hoyt. The text provides excellent full- color drawings of optic nerve anatomy, including the details of the complex optic nerve vascular supply. The basics of optic nerve examination and neuroimag-ing are discussed. The level of complexity is appropriate for practicing general ophthalmologists, residents in ophthalmology, and advanced medical students. Practicing neuro- ophthalmologists will find the many excellent color illustrations useful for teaching purposes but will want to consult primary references or more exhaustive texts for discussion of controversial issues in diagnosis and management. Contents: The book is divided into 11 chapters. The first two chapters provide the groundwork for optic nerve evaluation by outlining the essentials of anatomy, physiology, and examination techniques. The next nine chapters cover the common neuro- ophthalmic optic nerve disorders, including optic neuritis, ischemic optic neuropathy, and optic nerve trauma. An appendix consists primarily of color fundus photographs of various optic disc abnormalities, along with a brief clinical discussion of the related clinical disorder. Strengths: The strengths of the book are its easy readability and the high quality of its color illustrations and color fundus photos. An interested reader can turn to any page and expect to find a unified and thoroughly user- friendly discussion of the essentials of any topic of interest. The illustrations and photographs greatly enhance the text. Weaknesses: The major weakness of the volume is that it sometimes omits discussion of controversial issues in diagnosis and management. The author © 1996 Lippincotl- Raven Publishers, Philadelphia Barrett Katz, MD does indicate in the preface that, " Reader be warned- there is no universal agreement in the neuro- ophthalmologic community as to the efficacy or appropriateness of some of the described treatments." The novice will be unaware of exactly which areas are controversial and which are well accepted. This is particularly important for residents, who may not yet have the necessary experience to recognize areas of probable controversy. For example, in Chapter 9 the author discusses the treatment of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. He states, without qualification, that " Patients with NAION and progressive visual loss may benefit from surgical decompression of the optic nerve sheaths ( ONSD)." Although the volume was published before the results of the recent clinical trial on this subject became available ( and the conclusions may still be open to debate), it would have been fairer to indicate that this was ( and still is) an extremely controversial area. The discussion of dysthyroid optic neuropathy is also incomplete. Although the subject is mentioned in several places, there are no recommendations or guidelines for the use of steroids, radiation, or orbital decompressive surgery. A volume of this type cannot, of course, provide an exhaustive discussion of the subtleties of every controversy and must necessarily reflect the treatment biases of the author. Nevertheless, some indication of the controversies involved, as given in the chapter on optic nerve trauma, would have been desirable. Recommended Audience: This book would be valuable for general ophthalmologists, ophthalmology residents, and advanced medical students. Critical Appraisal: The text will serve as a useful reference for graphic teaching and demonstration of common disorders of the optic nerve. It will be used by residents and practitioners looking for good photographs of optic disc pathology. Readers must be aware that, as the author fairly states in the preface, many modalities of neuro- ophthalmologic therapy are the subject of intense controversy. This is not always explicitly indicated, and readers will often require further reading as well as expert guidance before applying the recommended treatments to complex clinical problems. Joel M. Weinstein, M. D. Madison, Wisconsin 223 224 BOOK REVIEWS The Vestibulo- Ocular Reflex and Vertigo, edited by James A. Sharpe and Hugh O. Barber. Raven Press, New York, 1993, $ 121.00. Type of Book: This is a multiauthored book edited by internationally recognized authorities in neurophysiology and clinical disorders of the vestibulo-ocular system. The authors of individual chapters are well known for laboratory or clinical research in the topics covered by their chapters. Black and white graphs and drawings illustrate most chapters. The 33 chapters are short and organized into initial sections that review the anatomy and physiology of the vestibulo- ocular reflex, with later sections describing clinical disorders. Scope of Book: As the editors explain in the preface, " This book is directed to vestibular physiologists, otologists, neurologists, and internists actively engaged in treating patients with dizziness and balance disturbance and to therapists providing exercise programs for vestibular rehabilitation." Therefore, the authors write for a mixed audience of scientists and clinicians. They attempt to inform scientists about the clinical relevance of anatomic and physiologic studies, and they illustrate for clinicians how laboratory studies can lead to useful, new clinical tests or treatment. Contents: The first section ( five chapters) covers the anatomy and physiology of the vestibulo-ocular reflex, subjects with which most readers will be familiar. The second section ( seven chapters) describes the otolith- ocular reflex. Most otologists and clinicians will not be familiar with this subject and will need to spend time paying careful attention to the details presented in this section. Much of the material comes from recent research; but is important in understanding vestibular disorders and symptoms. The third section ( three chapters) describes the smooth- pursuit system, optokinetic nystagmus, and visual vestibular interactions. The fourth section ( five chapters) reviews nystagmus. The chapter about head- shaking nystagmus ( HSN) is particular interesting, as this test is simple and can identify some patients with asymmetric vestibular function. The authors discuss the role of HSN as a clinical test. The final section ( 13 chapters) covers the diagnosis and management of common and important vestibular disorders. Clinicians will find this section interesting and useful. Strengths: The editors did a good job in selecting their authors. Each is an expert in his assigned topic and does a good job of summarizing the topic, incorporating recent research findings and highlighting the clinical relevance of the topic. They referenced their material well so that readers can use it as a summary of current knowledge and a starting point for additional reading. Weaknesses: As in other multiauthored books, the authors repeat some statements or explanations and have a variety of writing styles. The material is presented in short chapters. Therefore, readers must concentrate to understand the text and graphics fully. This is not a book for skimming. Recommended Audience: This book is not an introduction to eye movements and their disorders. Scientists, clinicians, and students who want an introduction should consider reading other textbooks, such as The Neurology of Eye Movements, edition 2, 1991, F. A. Davis Co.', Philadelphia, by R. John Leigh and Davis S. Zee. The present book is recommended for scientists and clinicians who are already interested in vestibular physiology and vestibular disorders. Those with strong interest should probably buy the book for their private libraries and plan to spend a few days reading it. Those with moderate interest should convince their librarians to purchase the book. Critical Appraisal: This text does a fine job in updating and reviewing basic science and clinical knowledge about the vestibular system and its disorders. It will be useful for both scientists and clinicians and will help to connect their areas of interest. Robert D. Yee, M. D., F. A. C. S. Indiana University Medical Center Indianapolis, Indiana Clinical Neurology of Aging, edited by Marty Albert and Janice Knoefel. Oxford University Press, New York, 1914, $ 125.00. Type of Book: In the preface to the 2nd edition of Clinical Neurology of Aging, coeditors Martin Albert and Janice Knoefel introduce the mission of their text when they state that " The group of Americans over age 65 now represents 12.6% of the population and is projected to climb to 22.6% in the next 45 years." The implication is clear: that any new textbook of medicine must include a comprehensive discussion of the clinical conditions indigenous to the elderly. Scope of Book: Drs. Albert and Knoefel have pooled the knowledge of 30 distinguished experts from various subspecialties in neurology, ophthalmology, psychiatry, otolaryngology, pediatrics, and law and have compiled an encyclopedia of neurologic information fully devoted to the neurologic infirmities of the aged. Contents: The table of contents is hexamerously / Natro- Oplitlmlnwl, Vol. 16, No. 3, 1996 BOOK REVIEWS 225 divided into sections entitled ( 1) Scientific Basis of Geriatric Neurology, ( 2) Clinical Examination and Diagnostic Studies, ( 3) Mental Status, ( 4) Special Senses, ( 5) Motor Control and Peripheral Nerve Function, and ( 6) Common Neurological Conditions. Conveniently and cleverly, the order of presented material in the table of contents conforms with the order of performing a neurologic examination; section one addresses the alterations and methods of evaluating mental status, followed by detailed discussions of cranial nerve, motor function, coordination, and peripheral nerve dysfunction. The format is simple and the subtopics enticing, some of which are the acute confusional states in the elderly, primary and secondary dementias, falls among the elderly, the common disorders of bowel and bladder continence, and, under separate cover, neuro- ophthalmologic, sleep, psychiatric, and gait disorders. Strengths: Several chapters are notable. The chapter on the mental status examination in the elderly by Mandell, Knoefel, and Albert describe a step- by- step, pragmatic approach to the geriatric mental status examination, including the description of a bedside method of evaluating visuospatial and manipulospatial skills. It gives both the resident in neurology and the seasoned clinician a handy and reproducible method of documenting the sundry disorders of speech, language, and attention span. Matjucha and Katz's chapter on the neuro- ophthalmology of aging reviews the aberrations of visual sensory and motor function that occur with aging and touches on the ocular stroke syndromes common to this age group. Other chapters deal equally well with the age- related alterations of the other special senses, including hearing, smell, and taste. An entire chapter is devoted to competency and related medicolegal issues, information that is extremely useful but is rarely included in most textbooks of neurology. Weaknesses: The major weaknesses of the book are few. There was a conspicuously meager amount of information concerning some of the newly developed noninvasive, neurodiagnostic examinations, such as MRI and MRA scanning and carotid duplex ultrasonography. Not only have these studies come of age in depicting small and previously undetectable lesions within the central nervous system, but they have also assumed a more important role in the evaluation of older and frequently frail patients who cannot tolerate more strenuous testing. Moreover, considering the utility of MRI, MRA, and duplex ultrasonography in such conditions as dementia or cerebrovascular disease, more scans should have been included. In many places, an imaging study could have been used to substitute pictorially for, illustrate or at least supplement lengthy and sometimes dry textual description. Also missing was a discussion of the indications, advantages, and pitfalls of transthoracic versus transesphageal echocardiography and some of the newer ultrasonographic methods of evaluating cerebral and retinovascular disease. The chapter on headache and " other head pains," including trigeminal neuralgia, was disappointingly brief considering the frequency and incidence with which many of the neuralgias prefer the elderly. Recommended Audience: Many types of clinicians besides neurologists will find information in this book they need for more effective patient care. Those interested in the research aspects of aging will be rewarded with full and well- annotated discussions of the neurochemical, neuropathological, neuroanatomical, neuroimmunologic, and neurogenetic observations in the aged. Social workers and other paramedical personnel who usually compose the clinical team in a gerontology unit will particularly appreciate the comprehensive manner in which a number of sensitive issues indigenous to the aged are addressed. The book definitely belongs in the libraries of all neurology training programs. My guess is that the fully trained practitioner will glean as many " pearls" from the text as their students. Critical Appraisal: Despite a few minor flaws, Clinical Neurology of Aging provides a remarkably thorough view of the aging process and how it alters neurologic function. Many practical, day- today issues are addressed and easily located in the table of contents. Chapters, for the most part, were well illustrated and annotated. Lengthy textual discussions of differential diagnoses and medications were often summarized in tabular form. There is a unifying and refreshing theme to this book, namely, that it trumpets the value of a mul-tidisciplinary approach to the care and well- being of the elderly. Perhaps if more " gatekeepers" allow themselves the opportunity of reading and digesting this text or even perusing its table of contents, they will soon realize that serious considerations should be given to the opinion of a specialist or subspecialist- before simply shoving the patient into the gantry of an MRI machine- if we are to provide high- quality, cost- effective care to the exponentially rising numbers of people over age 65. Robert A. Spector, M. D. Atlanta, Georgia / Neuro- Oplitlmlmol, Vol. 16, No. 3, 3996 226 BOOK REVIEWS Books in Brief Barrett Katz, MD Clinic- Pathologic Atlas of Congenital Fundus Disorders, by Juan Orellan and Alan H. Friedman. Springer- Verlag, Inc., New York, 1993, $ 155.00. Perhaps wrongly titled, as several of the conditions illustrated are not congenital but rather hereditary, this atlas does afford some fine fundus photographs of unusual inherited conditions, with frequent histologic correlations. The text is organized into examples of infections, degenerations, vascular disease, optic nerve, pigment epithelium, the choroid, phakomatoses, and neoplasms. There are more than 200 illustrations, most in color. Basic aspects of anatomy and embryology are cursorily reviewed; a short bibliography is afforded for each entity presented. Although the quality of most fundus photographs is excellent, several convey little useful information ( e. g., the nerve head of a Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy patient and the port wine stain of a patient with Sturge- Weber syndrome). The atlas might be better marketed with the photographs available as a slide set. Nonetheless, this is a simple, concise reference of value to the resident and refreshing for the practitioner. The Neurology of Thinking, by D. Frank Benson. Oxford University Press, Oxford, England, 1994, $ 55.00. Dr. Benson is a well- respected authority on behavioral neurology and higher cortical functions. He has constructed a fine monograph on cognition and done so from the perspective of classic neurologic teachings. Here he presents his own analysis of mental activities based on clinical case histories, as did earlier cognoscenti of this field- from Broca to Wernicke, Critchley to Freud. The text accepts Mesalum's organizational framework and terminology of the varieties of human cortex, with differentiation into idiotypic ( primary), unimodal ( secondary), and heteromodal ( tertiary) associative areas. These latter features are both the book's strengths and weaknesses. It is readable for the clinician, familiar in form and substance, yet lacking a unifying vision and organization. Disorders are arranged into functional categories, yet never truly integrated into a meaningful holistic analysis. The chapter that neuro- ophthalmologists will look forward to most, that on the neurology of visual imagery, is disappointing and stilted. Nonetheless, this monograph offers an extensive overview of the subject of higher cortical functions, from sensory input to executive control of cognition and motor output. Neuro- Ophthalmology Review Manual, 4th edition, by Lanning B. Kline and Frank J. Bajandas. Slack, Inc., Thorofare, NJ: 1996, $ 40.00. This new 4th edition extends the reach of what is the Cliff's Notes of neuro- ophthalmology by incorporating new chapters on eyelids disorders and on carotid artery disease and the eye. Previous editions added contributions on hysteria and malingering and on common ancillary clinical procedures ( including optic nerve sheath fenestration). The authors have been true to the original intent and design of this book and maintain its simple bullet approach with appropriate graphics and organization and a simple current bibliography. The manual serves to assist the ophthalmology or neurology resident with a review and useful outline of what still is for many their most poorly taught subspecialty, neuro- ophthalmology. It was promulgated to be a handy, readable compendium of the " no- nonsense" aspects of this clinical domain. Although perhaps the whole cannot be distilled into eight diagrams ( as suggested in the first edition), there is much that is simplified and practically useful here, and residents will still find it an outstanding teaching tool. / Neuw- Ophthalmol, Vol. 16, No. 3, 1996 |