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Show BOOK REVIEWS Section Editor: Steven A. Newman, MD Principles and Practice of Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychology Matthew Rizzo, MD and Paul J. Eslinger, PhD. Elsevier Saunders, Philadelphia, 2004. ISBN 0- 7216- 8154- 9, $ 105.00. Scope: This is a multi- authored textbook about behavioral neurology and neuropsychology. The two editors are renowned researchers and clinicians who have thoroughly reviewed every aspect of behavioral neurology. The 92 contributing authors include not only neurologists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and neuroscientists, but also authors from internal medicine, radiology, rehabilitation, urology, oncology, pediatrics, public health, and law. This book is extremely valuable for anyone with an interest in behavioral neurology and neuropsychology. The book is divided into seven sections, including 55 chapters, each giving an overview of a particular area. Although extremely detailed, it presents a pragmatic approach to cognitive, behavioral, and adaptive impairments caused by neurologic, traumatic, and medical disorders. The book begins with an overview of key issues in behavioral neurology and neuropsychology and covers a wide area of topics in 55 subsequent chapters. Except for 12 color plates placed at the beginning of the book, all illustrations are in black and white. Strengths: The editors have brought together a wide group of contributors who have thoroughly reviewed every aspect of medicine relevant to behavioral neurology and neuropsychology. The writing is clear and the chapters are well organized with abundant tables and illustrations. Weaknesses: The size of the book ( 1,168 pages) may dissuade readers who are looking for a quick piece of information. However, its clear organization and detailed index make it easy to use. Recommended Audience: This book is extremely valuable for anybody with interest in all aspects of behavioral neurology and neuropsychology. Critical Appraisal: The book was written by experts in behavioral neurology and neuropsychology who provide the most accurate and updated information on the diagnosis and management of behavioral changes in the setting of traumatic and nontraumatic disorders. Neurologists, psychiatrists, psychologists, pediatricians, and practitioners involved with rehabilitation or patients with chronic diseases should have this book on their desk. Valerie Biousse, MD Emory University Atlanta, Georgia The Physiology of Cognitive Processes Andrew J. Parker, PhD, Andrew M. Derrington, PhD, and Colin Blakemore, PhD, Editors. Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2003. ISBN hardback 0- 19- 852559- 1, $ 145.00; paperback 0- 19- 852560- 5, $ 69.50. Scope: This volume of predominantly original research rather than review papers represents the proceedings of a Discussion Meeting at the Royal Society in December 2001 with authors from Europe, the United States, and Mexico. Strengths: Brought together in a single volume are 13 papers that illustrate the current boundaries in research into the physiology of cognitive processes, including sensation, perception, decision- making, attention, memory, the application of rules to guide behavior, and the use of sensory information to control movement. Weaknesses: For most clinicians, the scientific complexity is overwhelming. Recommended Audience: It is unlikely that any clinician will want to read this book from cover to cover. Many, however, will enjoy the opportunity to dip into its contents if only as a reminder of how far animal research has extended the forefront of scientific knowledge of cognitive processes. Critical Appraisal: Unsuitable as a basic review of the subject, this book will, however, be of interest to neuro-ophthalmologists with a significant interest in basic science research. They might benefit from reading the chapters that, for example, expound the evidence that memory function may be widely distributed rather than localized to the temporal lobe, that distinct neural processes for the location of saccade targets and the generation of saccades are necessary to explain the flexibility of visually guided behavior, and that there is more than one area on the ventral surface of the occipital lobe involved in color perception. Paul Riordan- Eva, FRCOphth King's College Hospital London, United Kingdom J Neuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 26, No. 3, 2006 235 J Neuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 26, No. 3, 2006 Book Reviews Orbital Tumors Zeynel A. Karcioglu, MD, Editor. Springer, New York, 2005. ISBN 0- 387- 21321- X, $ 175.00. Scope: This is a thorough exposition of the pathology, including pathogenesis, clinical, and investigation features, and treatment of ocular, orbital, and periocular tumors. There are contributions from 30 individuals from around the world and extensive illustrations. It is aimed primarily at general ophthalmologists and oculoplastic surgeons as well as orbital specialists, but also is offered as a reference for pediatricians, radiologists, pathologists, neurosurgeons, and otolaryngologists. The major sections deal with oncogenesis, diagnosis ( including a helpful summary chapter on imaging in orbital differential diagnosis), and management of primary tumors, secondary tumors, pediatric tumors, and rumor- like conditions. Strengths: The text is comprehensive with numerous well-illustrated cases. The first section on oncogenesis is a useful resource for clinicians unfamiliar with current knowledge of cancer biology, particularly with reference to orbital tumors. The section on diagnosis reiterates basic concepts of clinical assessment and investigation of orbital disease, including an enlightening discussion of new orbital imaging modalities. The sections on the various tumor types provide an easy- to- read exhaustive account of disease manifestations and management. The final section on management offers an overview of staging of orbital tumors, surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy as well as developments in image- guided biopsy, surgery, and radiotherapy. Weaknesses: Like many multi- authored texts, there is unnecessary, sometimes contradictory, duplication of material, inaccuracies when authors seem to stray outside their area of expertise, and inadequate indexing. It is unclear why there need be chapters on " Mass- Forming Inflammatory Lesions of the Orbit" and " Orbital Inflammation and Infection versus Neoplasia" or a chapter on " Neuro- Ophthalmologic Evaluation of the Orbit" after a chapter on " Clinical Evaluation of the Orbit." Amalgamation of these chapters would have been preferable. In one chapter, the authors depart from accepted practice in suggesting that total surgical excision is the recommended treatment of all meningiomas affecting the orbit, including optic nerve sheath meningiomas. The chapter on ultrasonography mainly details the pathologic and clinical features, the ultrasonographic characteristics being assigned to the legends, which are significantly more difficult to read. The annotations of some of the illustrations are too small. Recommended Audience: This book will be a useful addition to the library of general ophthalmologists, oculoplastic surgeons, orbital specialists, and neuro- ophthalmologists as well as being a reliable reference for non- ophthalmologists. Critical Appraisal: The book's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. It is a generally well- written, well- illustrated, and comprehensive account. Paul Riordan- Eva, FRCOphth King's College Hospital London, United Kingdom Ultrasonography of the Eye and Orbit, 2nd Edition D. Jackson Coleman, MD, FACS, Ronald H. Silverman, PhD, Frederic L. Lizzi, EngScD, Mark J. Rondeau, Harriet Lloyd, MS, Dan Z. Reinstein, MD, FRCSC, DABO, and Suzanne W. Daly, BSN, RDMS, CRNO. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, 2006. ISBN 0- 7817- 4650- 7, $ 199.00. Scope: The second edition of this multi- authored ultrasound text is the long- awaited update to the authoritative reference that was first published in 1977. Although CT and MRI are the mainstays of orbital investigations, the text illustrates that adjunctive information and follow up can be obtained through ultrasound. Strengths: The physics of ultrasound is presented in a readable fashion. The text clearly delineates the usefulness, reliability, and limitations of orbital ultrasonography. The book reviews newer ultrasound technologies such as power spectrum analysis, three- dimensional scans, very- high-frequency ultrasonic biomicroscopy, color Doppler imaging, and swept scans. Synopsis tables summarize important clinical information. The figures are of high quality, and the narrated dynamic ultrasound images on the accompanying DVD add use. Weaknesses: Neuro- ophthalmologists would appreciate a separate chapter on color Doppler imaging and further ultrasound demonstrations of dysthyroid orbitopathy, orbital inflammatory syndrome, and arteriovenous fistulas. The text has few illustrations comparing the Ultrasound Bio-microscope ( Zeiss- Humphrey Instruments, San Leandro, CA) with the anterior segment images obtained from the Artemis VHF ultrasound unit ( Ultralink LLC, St. Petersburg FL). Migrated punctal plugs are an increasingly recognized problem and ultrasonic examples of this would be welcome. Recommended Audience: The text is highly recommended as a general reference for all ophthalmologists 236 © 2006 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Book Reviews J Neuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 26, No. 3, 2006 and for neuro- ophthalmologists with an interest in orbital disease. Critical Appraisal: The authors are well- published in the field of ultrasonography. The second edition of their ultrasonography text will be recognized as a benchmark reference. Edsel Ing, MD, FRCSC University of Toronto Toronto, Ontario, Canada Atlas of Clinical Ophthalmology, 3rd Edition David J. Spalton, FRCS, FRCP, FRCOphth, Roger A. Hitchings, FRCS, FRCOphth, Paul A. Hunter, FRCS, FRCOphth, James C. H. Tan, PhD, FRCOphth, and John Harry BSc, MB, BCh, FRCPath, FRCOphth, Editors. Elsevier Mosby, Philadelphia, 2005. ISBN 0- 3230- 3656- 2, $ 229.00. Scope: This is a 764- page third edition of a phenomenal compendium of clinical images coupled with informative text. The first edition, published in 1984, is likely found in every ophthalmology library and many clinicians' personal libraries. A wonderful second edition followed in 1994. Now, 11 years later, the authors have compiled yet another outstanding edition. There are over 3,300 images- virtually all of high caliber- with over 1,800 in full color. There are external photographs, labeled line diagrams, slit lamp photographs, pathology slides, and electron micrographs to facilitate the illustration of various conditions. There are 28 contributing authors who have written on every topic of ophthalmology with helpful images of anatomy and ocular examination. They have taken extra effort to demonstrate to the reader that many eye conditions are often a reflection of systemic disease. They have similarly done a marvelous job of covering emerging technologies since the last edition, including wavefront analysis, optical coherence tomography, macular hole surgery, phacoemulsification surgery, and corneal refractive surgery. Strengths: The images are colorful, informative, and representative of many ocular conditions. Almost every discipline in ophthalmology is equally represented. The authors have masterfully covered both local and systemic diseases. A useful CD- ROM includes all the images in digital format. The book is reasonably priced for such a large, high- quality color atlas. Weaknesses: Some cross- referencing between individual chapters is required when readers are looking for the various ocular manifestations of a systemic condition. Recommended Audience: This book belongs in every ophthalmology library and resident bookshelf. It is a classic atlas supporting ophthalmology's claim as a strong visual specialty. The accompanying digital images on CD- ROM will be used by many residents in electronic presentations to depict clinical conditions. Critical Appraisal: This is a masterpiece. The first edition was honored with the Best Medical Textbook of the Year award ( 1984) and is on the list of the 100 important ophthalmology books of the 20th century. The third edition simply builds on previous excellence. I will refer to this book frequently in teaching. Anil D. Patel, MD Dean A. McGee Eye Institute University of Oklahoma Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Clinical Pathways in Neuro- Ophthalmology: An Evidence- Based Approach, 2nd Edition Andrew G. Lee, MD, and Paul W. Brazis, MD. Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., New York, 2003. ISBN 3- 13- 108642- 4, $ 99.95. Scope: This text provides a comprehensive overview of the vast majority of clinically important neuro- ophthalmic entities. Seven of the 20 chapters deal with optic nerve disease followed by a thorough discussion of other afferent and efferent neuro- ophthalmologic disorders. Two chapters are devoted to eyelid abnormalities and one to the pupil. Strengths: The rubric " evidence- based medicine" describes the process by which clinical reports are currently evaluated, and it is this methodology that the authors apply to the subspecialty of neuro- ophthalmology By attaching a metric to class of evidence ( I- IV) and strength of treatment recommendations ( A- U), the authors provide the reader a framework to evaluate why clinicians " do what they do" in virtually all clinically important neuro- ophthalmologic scenarios. In addition, diagnostic algorithms provide a useful overview of the clinical problem at hand to not become lost in the vast literature reviewed in this textbook. Weaknesses: No illustrative material is provided. In many instances, such information ( optic disc appearance, neuro-imaging findings) is critical in establishing the correct diagnosis. In addition, many of the tables are so comprehensive that they may be overwhelming for the reader in search of basic information. 237 J Neuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 26, No. 3, 2006 Book Reviews Recommended Audience: This is not a book for the neophyte in neuro- ophthalmology, but for physicians with a strong interest and clinical passion for this subspecialty. The authors assume that the reader has a sound understanding of anatomy and physiology of the central nervous system and that localization of the disease process has been correctly established. The question- and- answer format is a useful way to help the reader understand what is most important in the clinical case at hand. Critical Appraisal: This book is an important addition to the array of texts available in this subspecialty. Its unique approach is an important step in applying an evidence-based strategy to neuro- ophthalmology. It teaches the importance of critically reading the literature as a basis for formulating rational and appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic decisions. Lanning B. Kline, MD Department of Ophthalmology University of Alabama School of Medicine Birmingham, Alabama Handbook of Headache, 2nd Edition Randolph W. Evans, MD, and Ninan T Mathew, MD, FRCP. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, 2005. ISBN 0- 7817- 5223- X, $ 44.95. Scope: This is a 400- page pocket book that reviews the diagnosis and management of headache. It is intended for primary care physicians, residents, and students. The book begins with an introductory chapter on headache diagnosis and medicolegal issues, and then continues with 14 chapters on the diagnosis and treatment of specific headaches such as " posttraumatic headaches," " chronic daily headache," and " first or worst headaches." Migraines are addressed in more detail with diagnosis, abortive, and preventive care handled in separate chapters. It concludes with chapters providing case presentations and discussion, a self- test, and patient resources. A typical chapter begins with a short introduction on the identifying aspects of the particular headache and the International Headache Society classification. It continues with a differential diagnosis and suggested diagnostic testing. It concludes with treatment options. Chapters are well- referenced and include numerous tables of supporting data. Strengths: The two authors, both neurologists specializing in headache, write with a single voice in approaching the diagnosis and management of headache. Important data are summarized in tabular form. Unlike many medical handbooks, it provides synopses of more rare syndromes. The authors offer specific recommendations for stepwise diagnostic testing and treatment, including medication dosages. They provide a range of treatments but highlight their personal experience with the pros and cons of each medication or modality. The index provides rapid access to the pertinent sections. Weaknesses: Additional tables or flowcharts to guide an inexperienced clinician would have been useful. Recommended Audience: Although the book is intended for primary care physicians and residents, it should also be useful for ophthalmologists who see patients with headaches. It does not have sufficient detail to be useful to neurologists. Critical Appraisal: This book is a winner on two fronts: a solid reference text that is also practical. Gerald G. Striph, MD Toledo, Ohio 238 © 2006 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins |