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Show BOOK REVIEWS Section Editor: Handbook of Neuro- Ophthalmology and Orbital Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment, Second Edition Robert L. Tomsak and Mark R. Levine. Butterworth Heine-mann, Philadelphia, PA, 2004. ISBN: 0- 7506- 7417- 2. $ 41.95 Scope: Limited to 160 pocket size ( 12.5 x 20 cm) pages, this textbook provides a concise, highly clinically oriented discussion of 17 topics in neuro- ophthalmology by Robert Tomsak and five topics on orbital disease by Mark Levine. Some of the chapters address symptoms or signs ( diplopia, headache, ptosis). Others address diagnostic entities ( anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, optic neuritis, optic glioma, ocular myasthenia, and orbital fractures). Two chapters deal with treatments ( nystagmus and oscillopsia, and botu-linum toxin). There are many tables dealing with diagnostic classifications and treatment options, black and white photographs of faces and fundi, visual fields, pathological specimens, and various diagrams. Although the publisher's Web site states that " case reports throughout illustrate approaches to treatment," there are only four in the neuro-ophthalmology chapters and none in the orbital chapters. The reprinted preface to the first edition states that the book " is aimed at physicians at the resident level and up." Strengths: The book's greatest strength is its compact size, a true " hand book" that easily can be carried in a pocket. The clinical approach includes various " pearls," such as a list of prism prescribing tips adapted from The Fine Art of Prescribing Glasses Without Making a Spectacle of Yourself by Milder and Rubin, and a pragmatic approach to the treatment of headaches. The chapters have a consistent format. The text reads fluently and tables are used effectively to avoid incorporating lists in the main text. Each chapter has a suitable list of references for further study. Weaknesses: Its size limits how deeply this book can explore neuro- ophthalmic and orbital diseases. There is no discussion of chiasmal disease, except in the context of gliomas, or post- chiasmal visual loss. There is no mention of gaze palsies or dorsal midbrain syndrome. Occasionally there are unsatisfactory statements such as " special attention should be given to the visual field examination" or " emphasis on visual field testing is mandatory" without any further explanation. The use of Octopus rather than Humphrey visual fields and reference to " seldom- used tests such as the Lancaster red- green test," without any mention of the value of Hess charts or the Lees screen, fail to reflect the reality of clinical practice. The introductory paragraph of the chapter on optic neuritis makes it clear that the author wishes to include within that entity inflammatory optic neuropathies not due to demyelinating disease, yet the rest of 268 Katz, MD, MBA the chapter only deals with the management of acute demyelinating optic neuropathy. The need to investigate atypical optic neuritis is not made clear. Recommended Audience: General ophthalmologists and neurologists who need a quick guide to the management of neuro- ophthalmic and orbital disease will benefit most from this book. Critical Appraisal: This book achieves a great deal in a small amount of space. It manages to cover most of the common neuro- ophthalmic and orbital diseases that an ophthalmologist will encounter, although the failure to cover post- chiasmal visual loss will disappoint neurologists. The text is easy to read and absorb, emanating an aura of simplicity. But the book does no more than scratch the surface of neuro- ophthalmology. Paul Riordan- Eva, FRCOphth King's College Hospital London, United Kingdom Neuro- Ophthalmology: The Requisites in Ophthalmology Timothy J. Martin and James J. Corbett. Mosby, Inc., St. Louis, MO, 2000. ISBN: 0- 323- 00182- 3. $ 95.00 Scope: This is an introductory text on clinical neuro-ophthalmology aiming for a place between briefer board review outlines and a comprehensive reference book. It is part of a " Requisites" series, with volumes for other ophthalmic subspecialties. The book's size and writing style suggest that it is designed to be read in its entirety rather than being used piecemeal for specific topics. The book's 256 pages are broadly divided into four parts: history, the sensory visual system, the visual motor system, and miscellaneous topics. The two larger middle sections each begin with a chapter on examination techniques. These skills ( for example, measuring strabismus with a single Maddox rod) are presented with enough detail that a beginner would be able to accomplish the task without additional training. The remaining chapters, each about 20 pages in length, have a uniform organization: an outline, the presented material, a recapitulation of the major teaching points, and suggested readings. Each chapter covers an anatomical grouping, such as " Optic Nerve Disorders." Typically, they start with a review of the relevant anatomy and then go through a selection of common diseases. The more important conditions have sections that discuss evaluation and management but may not include sufficient detail to be used as an exclusive source. JNeuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 24, No. 3, 2004 Book Reviews JNeuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 24, No. 3, 2004 Strengths: This book makes outstanding use of illustrations, often using several techniques to show different sides of a topic. For example, internuclear ophthalmoplegia is illustrated with 1) a sagittal diagram of the eye movement circuits in the brainstem; 2) a pseudo- three dimensional drawing of the connections between the cranial nerve nuclei, the medial longitudinal fasciculus, and the eyes in right and left gaze; 3) a set of clinical photos showing eye movements; and 4) an axial magnetic resonance image showing the lesion. The authors also make good use of tables and boxes to emphasize teaching points and to provide more extensive differential diagnoses than could be included in the text. It is clear that the illustrations were a major design consideration and not an afterthought to the written material. Weaknesses: The more neurologic topics such as headache are not as rigorously discussed using the same format of anatomy through treatment. Similarly, nystagmus is treated descriptively without the same level of specific examination techniques, evaluation and treatment options, or even illustrations. Recommended Audience: Residents and general ophthalmologists and neurologists would benefit from this book. Critical Appraisal: In addition to being an excellent introduction to the field, its size, organization, and illustrations make it useful for a brief review when one is faced with a neuro- ophthalmic patient in office practice. Gerald Striph, MD Vision Associates Toledo, Ohio The Headaches, Second Edition Jes Olesen, Peer Tfelt- Hansen, K. Michael Welch. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins; Philadelphia, PA, 2000. ISBN: 0- 7817- 1597- 0. $ 199.00 Scope: This 1,000- page, 7- pound book represents the " state of the art" in the field of headache. The three editors of this multi- authored text are the academic cognoscenti of the international headache world. The 140 contributors read like a " Who's Who" of the headache community in Europe and North America, and include a number of our own NANOS members. Contents: The book is divided into seven sections, including " Basic Science Aspects of the Headaches," " Secondary Headaches," " Cranial Neuralgias," " Headache and Facial Pain Associated with Disorders of the Skull and Cervical Spine," and " Special Problems in Headaches and their Management." There are 132 chapters that comprehensively cover nearly all aspects of headache. The text is organized and written in a manner reminiscent of the current Walsh and Hoyt textbook. While the prose is copious, there is also an appropriate supplement of graphs, tables, and pictures. The Basic Science section is comprised of 15 chapters covering peripheral and central pain transmission, central sensitization, serotonin receptors, channelopathies and their purported relationship to migraine, and cortical spreading depression. The section on migraine consists of 40 chapters and 300 pages, and includes another discussion of the pathophysiology of migraine. The chapter on acute and preventive therapy of migraine nicely summarizes dozens of studies of various drugs, though it falls short on treatment recommendations. Strengths: This text is the most comprehensive and scientifically based single source for information about headache. The chapters concerning pathophysiology, pain mechanisms, biochemistry, genetics, and anatomy are comprehensive and well presented. The text is well written and edited, despite having numerous authors. The book is organized, very well referenced, and contains a comprehensive index. Weaknesses: Several medications that are gaining widespread use in headache treatment in the United States, such as topiramate and botulinum toxin, are not mentioned. While the common headaches such as migraine, cluster, and tension type headaches are extremely well covered, there is inadequate information on some of the less common headache disorders, such as hemicrania continua and " short- lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing" ( SUNCT). Considering the significant number of headache and facial pain problems that stem from the eye and its structures, there is only rudimentary coverage of ocular issues. For example, there is little more than a mention of Horner syndrome in association with headache. While the topic of painful ophthalmoplegia is covered well, including a nice table on differential diagnosis, there are less than two pages given to this topic. For the physician looking for treatment recommendations and guidance, this is not the appropriate source. Recommended Audience: This text is recommended for those with a major interest in headache disorders, specifically headache specialists. It is also would be an appropriate addition to any comprehensive medical library, or as a resource in a neurology departmental library. It is not a book appropriate for medical students, ophthalmology residents, or those with only a passing interest in headache. Critical Appraisal: This is an excellent and comprehensive reference book on headache that contains excellent discussions about pathophysiology and a slightly dated but otherwise comprehensive review of headache therapy. It 269 JNeuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 24, No. 3, 2004 Book Reviews rightfully belongs on the shelf of the headache specialist, and in each serious reference library. Ben Frishberg, MD The Neurology Center La Jolla, California Imaging Cerebrovascular Disease Viken L. BabiMan, Lawrence R. Wechsler, Randall T. Hi-gashida, Editors. Elsevier Science ( ButterworthHeinemann), Philadelphia, PA, 2003. ISBN: 0750673028. $ 155.00 Scope: This is a timely and complete comprehensive review of established and developing neuroimaging techniques. It is assembled by 38 contributing authors ( 17 radiologists, 16 neurologists, and 5 neurosurgeons) and contains approximately 400 illustrations. It is formulated for clinicians managing patients with cerebrovascular disease. Contents: There are five major sections. " Imaging Cerebrovascular Anatomy" and " Imaging Cerebrovascular Physiology" discuss the currently available methods of neuroimaging with emphasis on their technical aspects and specific role in cerebrovascular disease. " Imaging Ischemic Cerebrovascular Disease" and " Imaging Hemorrhagic Cerebrovascular Disease" approach the same material from a more clinical perspective. " Recent Developments" provides a view of newer techniques- particularly interventional methods for stenotic vessels- and technologies for addressing aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations. Strengths: The book's greatest strength is its practical value for neuroradiologists and clinicians. The technical information is necessarily detailed for neuroradiologists, yet still comprehensible to clinicians. The clinical content will be valuable to neuroradiologists. There is uniformity of approach between chapters that is unusual in books with many authors, including a realistic explanation of the limitations of each method of neuroimaging, such as the misclassifica-tion of severity of carotid stenosis by ultrasound. There is emphasis throughout the book on possible new therapies and their optimal methods of assessment of patients with acute stroke. For example, there is a useful algorithm based on time since onset of symptoms and signs for possible thrombolysis. The quality of illustrations is high. Weaknesses: Some readers may dislike the repetition between the first and second sections, which cover similar material from both the radiological and clinical perspectives. There is no mention of computed tomography angiography in the diagnosis of cerebral venous sinus occlusion. Important issues in clinical management, particularly whether magnetic resonance angiography can replace catheter angiography for detection of intracranial aneurysm in symptomatic patients, are not addressed as directly as some readers might wish. Recommended Audience: This book is highly recommended for any clinician involved in the management of patients with acute or chronic cerebrovascular disease. It is particularly useful for those confused by the plethora of imaging techniques available and who feel insufficiently informed when discussing cases with their neuroradiological colleagues. Neuro- ophthalmologists would benefit by having a copy readily available. Critical Appraisal: The editors' statement that their book " aims at integrating the clinical and radiologic features of cerebrovascular diseases, and it addresses both the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of disease management" is amply fulfilled. They have successfully managed to satisfy the needs of both neuroradiologists and clinicians, and offer a testament to healthy discussion between those that perform the tests and those that order them on their patients. Paul Riordan- Eva, FRCOphth King's College Hospital London, United Kingdom Greenfield's Neuropathology, Seventh Edition David I. Graham and Peter L. Lantos, Editors. Arnold Publisher, London, England, 2002. ISBN: 0- 3407- 4231- 3. $ 499.00 Scope: Since its first edition in 1958, this book has been the gold standard and foremost encyclopedic source of everything and anything the thoughtful clinician/ scientist would want to know about pathology of the central nervous system. The current seventh edition continues in this extraordinary tradition. It is a two- volume set, with over 1,000 pages in each volume. A series of over 50 outstanding experts from around the world have contributed to this new edition. The texts are not meant to be read cover to cover; rather, they offer a compendium of the histopathology of normal and abnormal central nervous system tissue. Readers expect a new edition to maintain the standards that made previous editions such classics. They will not be disappointed. This edition continues the highest standard of scholarly presentation marked by comprehensiveness, elegance of illustration, and aesthetics of design. The style is wonderfully compelling; the individual entities are easily found for reference, the index is complete, and the references are up to date. 270 © 2004 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Book Reviews JNeuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 24, No. 3, 2004 The first volume includes formal presentations on the central neuron itself, structure and function of glia, the cellular basis of pathology of the central nervous system, and chapters on raised intracranial pressure, hypoxia, vascular disease, malformations, and nutritional metabolic and neurodegenerative disorders. There is a wonderful section on perinatal neuropathology. Also included in volume one are chapters on mitochondrial disorders, neuro- toxicology, trauma, and epilepsy. There is a cogent chapter on ophthalmic neuropathology, and others on lysosomal diseases, presentations of a disordered hypothalamus or pituitary gland, an overview of regional neuropathology of the spinal cord and vertebral column, and summaries of epilepsy and trauma. The second volume presents a different analysis of neuropathology, one organized about etiologically identifiable events. These include chapters on viral disease, parasitic disease, bacterial disease, aging and dementia, prion disease, and disorders of movement and neurodegenera-tion. There are also presentations on the neuropathology of psychiatric disorders, disorders of muscle and nerve, and tumors of the central and peripheral nervous system. There is a useful table of abbreviations employed, a complete bibliography to each chapter, and a reasonable and detailed index. Strengths: The book's strengths are its aesthetic appeal: the wonderful illustrations- both photographic and schematic- the elegance of the prose, and the completeness of topics. The illustrations are of exceptional quality. The book is a pleasure to hold and look through. Though intimidating, if taken in small bites it is wonderfully palatable. Weaknesses: The weakest chapter is the one on ophthalmic neuropathology. Indeed, some of the included fundus photographs are of borderline value and quality. Recommended Audience: It is often said, if rarely true, that " this is one book that all should be familiar with." Greenfield's Neuropathology is just such a text. Like a telephone book, you do not need to know every line that is in it, but you need to know where it is, and how to use it. Everyone with an interest in the central nervous system will find something of value in this book. Critical Appraisal: This is an outstanding presentation by gifted authors of the pathology of the central nervous system. It is elegantly presented and organized, superbly illustrated, impeccably referenced. The definitive work in the field, it is a living testament to Sir Francis Bacon's comment that the liquor of knowledge would soon vanish were it not conserved in books. Barrett Katz, MD, MBA The George Washington University Washington, DC The Prevention of Stroke Phil B. Gorelick and Milton Alter, Editors. Parthenon Publishing Group, Boca Raton, FL, 2002. ISBN: 1- 8421- 4115- 5. $ 109.95 Scope: The Prevention of Stroke is a short, well written, concise, and nicely organized text that provides an accurate and current review of major stroke topics. Contents: The text is organized into three general categories of stroke: those at risk for stroke, approaches to stroke prevention, and the control of risk factors and recurrent stroke. The first section on risk for stroke offers a concise review of stroke epidemiology, with useful chapters non-modifiable risks and non- traditional modifiable risks ( including physical inactivity, alcohol use, inflammation, infection, homocystine, oral contraceptives, and estrogen replacement therapy). The chapter on genetics and stroke contains a nice glossary of terms and a user- friendly set of tables that are complete and practical. There are five chapters on some social and political issues of stroke prevention. These include community and mass screening strategies; quality improvement methodology; and local, state, and national opportunities to educate the public about stroke prevention through both governmental and nonprofit organizations. Although this section is devoted to stroke, important parallels may be drawn for most any other disease. The last section contains the more traditional chapters addressing how best to control specific risk factors such as hypertension, and life style interventions. The appropriate use of medical and surgical techniques to prevent stroke are also reviewed. New endovascular approaches to treatment of stroke, aneurysm, and arteriovenous malformation are discussed in both practical and current applications. Strengths: The organization and completeness of the monograph are its great strength. The innovative and complete helicopter view of the area is refreshing. For example, an entire chapter is devoted to controversies about asymptomatic intracranial aneurysms- a difficult area for all clinicians. As a concise text, this book offers the advantage of being readable from cover to cover. Weaknesses: The only drawbacks to this text are those related to its compact size. With only 266 pages, the text tempts the reader who would like more detail. Fortunately, the references are adequate to direct the interested student to further sources for more depth. Recommended Audience: Any clinician that regularly sees patients with stroke and wishes to have a broader background in the understanding of stroke risk and general approaches toward reducing those risks would benefit from reading this book. 271 JNeuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 24, No. 3, 2004 Book Reviews Critical Appraisal: Those that have some interest in the administrative world of stroke, either at their hospital, in their managed care settings, or in the local, regional, or national public policy arena would find this an excellent introduction. Richard L. Hughes, MD Division of Neurology Denver Health Medical Center Denver, Colorado Neurology and Neurosurgery: Basic Principles Frank P Smith. University of Rochester Press, Rochester, NY, 2001. ISBN: 1- 58046- 084- 4. $ 150.00 Scope: This is a single- author, comprehensive neurology textbook. The book intends to be a reference source for all physicians involved in neurological matters. Contents: This is basically a neurology text. Topics are organized in seventeen different chapters in a very traditional format. The first eight chapters deal with pertinent basic science, from a short history of neurology and neurosurgery, to embryology, neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neuropathology, the neurologic exam, neurodiagnostic tests, and neurogenetics. The remainder of the book deals with specific clinical conditions of the nervous system. Chapters 9 to 17 deal with specific clinical conditions. Strengths: Many of the topics are introduced to the reader with a rather interesting historical comment. The clinical aspects of each topic are well discussed. It is clear that the author is a consummate clinician with a keen interest in teaching the importance of clinical neurology. The illustrations are pertinent and well annotated. Although the book clearly represents the personal knowledge and experience of the author, it presents classic neurological concepts that are an important asset for anyone dedicated to this field ofmedicine. Weaknesses: The reader will find that each of the first eight chapters discusses the topic broadly and does not get into enough detail. This is especially true for the neurophysiology, neuropathology, and neurogenetics chapters, as well as for the section dealing with current neuroradiological tests. The text is not presented in a dynamic, reader- friendly format, but in a dull, rather monotonous one that makes it unattractive for young readers, particularly medical students and residents. Treatment and management discussions, on the other hand, are rather outdated. For example, multiple sclerosis treatment lacks discussion on the pharmacotherapies. Although claimed within the book's title, this is not a neurosurgery textbook. Neuro- ophthalmology topics are essentially absent. Recommended Audience: Resident and students are the intended audience, but because of the monotonous format of this book, I doubt they will find it attractive. Critical Appraisal: This is a basic neurology text authored by an accomplished clinician whose main goal is to remind the reader of the importance of classic clinical concepts. It is well- organized and clearly written, and the figures and illustrations are pertinent. But the dull and at times redundant format, as well as the lack of updated data, may disappoint the reader. Alfio P. Piva, MD Doheny Eye Institute University of Southern California Los Angeles, California 272 © 2004 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins |
