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Show BOOK REVIEWS Section Editor: Steven A. Newman, MD Walsh and Hoyt's Clinical Neuro-Ophthalmology: The Essentials, 2nd Edition Neil R. Miller, MD, Nancy J. Newman, MD, Valerie Biousse, MD, and John B. Kerrison, MD, Editors. Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, 2008. ISBN-10: 0-7817-6379-7, $99.00. Scope: This book is a distillate of the full three-volume, 3,500-page 6th edition of Walsh and Hoyt's Clinical Neuro- Ophthalmology. It is designed to cover the most clinically relevant aspects of neuro-ophthalmology. There are five main sections: 1) Afferent Visual System; 2) Pupil; 3) Efferent System; 4) Eyelid; and 5) Nonorganic Disease. The afferent visual system section comprises 13 chapters and about half of the book's pages. The content is extremely comprehensive and well organized into chapters on examination techniques, anatomy, various optic nerve pathologic conditions, chiasmal/retrochiasmal lesions, and central disorders of vision. The pupil section contains chapters on examination and disorders of the pupil, accommodation, and lacrimation. The efferent system section includes chapters on examination (Chapter 16), chapters that divide efferent disorders by location (supranuclear and internuclear, nuclear and infranuclear, neuromuscular junction, and muscle), and a final chapter covering nystagmus and other motility abnormalities. There are clinical photographs of virtually every significant ocular motility abnormality, and these are well correlated with imaging studies and schematic diagrams. The final two sections comprise 1 chapter each: eyelids and nonorganic visual loss. The eyelid chapter covers anatomy and abnormalities of both eyelid opening and closure. The nonorganic disease chapter contains a nice introduction concerning correct terminology followed by sections on the nonorganic afferent system, efferent system, pupil, accommodation, and eyelid entities. Strengths: This is a very comprehensive but fairly succinct, clinically relevant, and useful text. The numerous illus-trations, photographs, and schematic diagrams help to bring the conditions and concepts to ‘‘life.'' Frequent correlation with neuroimaging facilitates better comprehension of the material. Weaknesses: There are no references in the text and the reader is referred to the full Walsh and Hoyt text. Clearly including the references will lengthen the book, but I suspect not everyone will own the entire Walsh and Hoyt or at least not have both texts in the same location. It also would have been advantageous to have had the fundus photographs in color. Recommended Audience: The recommended audience is neuro-ophthalmologists and neurologists and ophthalmol-ogists with more than a passing interest in neuro-ophthalmology. Critical Appraisal: Excerpting the most relevant material from this encyclopedic text is a tour de force. This is the choice for those with a special interest in neuro-ophthalmology. Karl Golnik, MD, MEd University of Cincinnati The Cincinnati Eye Institute Cincinnati, Ohio Eye Movement Disorders Agnes M. F. Wong, MD, PhD. Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK, 2008. ISBN 978-0-19-532426-6, $65.00. Scope: The book is divided into 4 sections, the first covering the functional classes of normal eye movements (vestibular, optokinetic, saccadic, smooth pursuit, and vergence systems) and their neural pathways and the second through fourth sections covering clinical disorders of ocular motility. The second section covers involuntary eye movements such as nystagmus and saccadic intrusions. In the third and fourth sections, the approach to clinical eye movement disorders is localization based, covering supra-nuclear, internuclear, nuclear, and infranuclear lesions. Strengths: The major strength of the manual is its presentation. It succeeds in dividing a formidable and complex topic into accessible and easy-to-read segments with reinforcement of the fundamental aspects of each eye movement disorder via ample use of color-coded boxes, tables, photographs, and anatomical illustrations. It is practical and clear, with a heavy clinical emphasis. A CD-ROM containing the complete text and eye movement videos of some of the disorders is included. All videos are cross-linked with the text. Avery extensive index makes for easy localization of topics of interest. Weaknesses: Although the book contains a selected bibliography for each chapter, none of the textual details J Neuro-Ophthalmol, Vol. 28, No. 4, 2008 361 J Neuro-Ophthalmol, Vol. 28, No. 4, 2008 are directly referenced. The text is not intended to be exhaustive, and the reader who desires detailed, referenced coverage of the biology, physiology, anatomy, and clinical disorders of ocular motility may find the brief, bulleted topic coverage insufficient. For the inexperienced student, the lack of video legends may prove slightly challenging, as some of the abnormalities shown on the videos are subtle. Recommended Audience: Neurology and ophthalmology residents and clinicians directly involved in evaluation of patients with ocular motility problems are likely to find this book most useful. Critical Appraisal: The author has captured the funda-mentals of ocular motility disturbances in an understand-able and simple format. Much of the material is found in the esteemed text, The Neurology of Eye Movements by R. J. Leigh and D. S. Zee. The anatomic illustrations and emphasis on clinical recognition, in combination with the accompanying eye movement videos, will enable the reader to grasp and appreciate the knowledge presented and to improve diagnostic prowess in identification of clinical eye movement disorders. Janet Rucker, MD Rush University Chicago, Illinois Clinical Neuro-Ophthalmology. A Practical Guide Ulrich Schiefe, MD, Helmut Wilhelm, MD, and William Hart, MD, PhD. Springer-Verlag, Berlin, DE, 2007. ISDN: 978-3-540-32706-6, $229.00. Scope: This introductory text of neuro-ophthalmology is a translation of a 2003 German text entitled Praktische Neuroophthalmolgie. It has extensive color illustrations and figures and includes a DVD with 37 videos of examination techniques and eye movements, as well as 6 animations of clinical signs. In addition, 5 posters are included, and there is 1 interactive teaching case. Each of the 24 chapters is written by a combination of the 3 editors and 23 additional contributors. In addition to the expected chapters on taking a history, functional anatomy, perimetry, pupillary disorders, and optic disc changes, there are also chapters on electrophysiology, neuro-ophthalmic aspects of orbital disease, brain tumors relative to clinical neuro-ophthalmology, headaches from a neuro-ophthalmic point of view, drug-induced and 362 toxic disorders in neuro-ophthalmology, pediatric neuro-ophthalmology, imaging, neurology, neurosurgery of the visual pathways, and radiotherapy for tumors of the anterior visual pathways. There is also a chapter on reading disorders. In view of the concise aspect of the book, many of these chapters are really quite short. However, there is an emphasis on take-home messages that are color-coded. The authors are specific about the intended audience, including comprehensive ophthalmologists and residents in training. Strengths: The major strength is the inclusion of the DVD. It not only allows for rapid search of particular topics, but also permits the inclusion of ocular movement videos as well as some illustrations and animations of clinical examination techniques and findings. The graphics are presented simply, and the teaching points are direct. Another major strength of this volume is the emphasis and identification of ‘‘pearls.'' The text is well organized and easy to go through. The authors do include newer technologies such as multifocal electroretinography (ERG). Weaknesses: Some of the weaknesses are inherent in the attempt at keeping this volume short. The discussion of neurosurgery and radiology are extremely brief. The interactive case study is difficult to go though, and cost effectiveness is not adequately emphasized. The posters are helpful. The flow diagrams are impractical and confusing. I doubt that any are going to be posted on a wall! There are some non-mainstream neuro-ophthalmic concepts, includ-ing the idea that a temporal crescent lesion might be due to a temporal lobe lesion. Some of the illustrations are confusing. The videos could be of better quality, partic-ularly those involving pupil problems. Recommended Audience: This book is intended for residents or practitioners who are interested in a basic introduction. General ophthalmologists will find in this book convenient, easy-to-read explanations of the basics of neuro-ophthalmology. It is an improvement on the available texts in the wide use of illustrations and the inclusion of a DVD containing videos. It is not a substitute for encyclopedic texts and probably is not a volume that one would use for reference. Critical Appraisal: The authors have admirably kept this text simple. They have well emphasized the important pearls of neuro-ophthalmology and have presented them in a readable format. Compared with other abbreviated intro-ductions to neuro-ophthalmology, this book has the advan-tage of improved illustrations, identification of critical concepts, and inclusion of videos. Steven A. Newman, MD University of Virginia Charlottesville, Virginia q 2008 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Book Reviews J Neuro-Ophthalmol, Vol. 28, No. 4, 2008 Handbook of Pediatric Neuro-Ophthalmology Kenneth W. Wright, MD, Peter H. Spiegel, MD, and Lisa S. Thompson, MD. Springer Science, New York, 2006. ISBN 0-387-27929-6, $64.95. Scope: Pediatric neuro-ophthalmology is more than just neuro-ophthalmology of little people. The diseases are different from those of adults, with a greater prevalence of congenital malformations and genetic disorders. The approach also differs, particularly with regard to examina-tion techniques and interaction with parents. The multi-authored chapters of this handbook are taken from the neuro-ophthalmology section of Wright and Spiegel's comprehensive hardcover book, Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (Springer, 2003). This book does a wonderful job summarizing neuro-ophthalmic disorders seen in childhood. Topics covered include ocular motility disorders, congenital optic nerve abnormalities, cortical visual impairment, nystagmus, and neurodegenerative conditions. As a paperback handbook measuring 10.25 cm 17.5 cm 2 cm, it can easily fit in a laboratory coat pocket, or doctor's bag. Strengths: Most of the authors are well-known pediatric neuro-ophthalmologists (Buckley, Phillips, Brodsky, Repka, and Borchert) whose expertise and ability to communicate are evident in their chapters. Two outstanding chapters should be highlighted. Mintzer and Buckley's extremely informative chapter on ‘‘Neurocranial Defects with Neuro-Ophthalmic Signifi-cance,'' and Chernus-Mansfield's refreshing chapter entitled ‘‘Breaking the News: The Role of the Physician'' are both unique. The latter describes how crushing it is for parents to hear that their seemingly perfect baby is permanently blind. Weaknesses: The intended audience for this book is not clear. It appears to be geared toward ophthalmologists. Thus, in the embryology chapter, the principal emphasis is placed on eye development and malformations rather than on brain development and central nervous system mishaps. There is very little information on the neurologic examination. Because chapters were pulled from a larger book, some of them contain information that seems out of place in a neuro-ophthalmology book. In the low vision chapter, for example, there is advice for ‘‘the aphakic child'' and ‘‘myopes.'' There are some errors and redundancies which could have been eliminated with careful editing. On p. 138 there is a figure of a middle-aged man with a third cranial nerve palsy, out of place in a pediatric neuro-ophthalmology book. Illustrations for recording nystagmus are presented in two separate chapters. Chiari II malformations are covered twice. Cerebral visual impairment is the topic in two chapters. Recommended Audience: Students, residents, fellows, pediatric neurologists, and ophthalmologists who examine children with neuro-ophthalmic disorders would benefit from this book. Critical Appraisal: Those who desire a handy source in the clinic will find this book very helpful. However, pediatric ophthalmologists will probably already have a copy of Wright and Spiegel's more comprehensive hardcover book. Those wanting a more detailed reference textbook on pediatric neuro-ophthalmology may be disappointed. Grant T. Liu, MD Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Neuro-Ophthalmology. Neuronal Control of Eye Movements Andreas Straube, MD, and Ulrich Bu¨ttner, MD. Karger, Basel, Switzerland, 2007. ISBN 978-3-8055-8251-3, $198.00. Scope: This book is a multi-authored monograph in the series entitled Developments in Ophthalmology edited by W. Behrens-Baumann. The aim of this volume is to present to clinicians and basic scientists the current state of research and clinical studies in the ocular motor system. The aim is also to promote a continuing interdisciplinary approach to further improve diagnostic methods and develop new therapies. The book contains 10 chapters from 13 contributing authors, 39 figures, and 3 tables. It highlights our current understanding on the anatomy and mechanical properties of the ocular motor system, the neural basis of the vestibular-ocular reflex, saccadic, smooth pursuit, and vergence eye movements, and the contribution of the eyelid to eye movements. It also discusses the various techniques for recording eye movements and the current models of different eye movement subsystems. It concludes with a chapter on pharmacologic treatment of ocular motor disorders. Strengths: The chapters in this book reflect the expertise of its authors, all knowledgeable in ocular motor control. Important topics are covered, and advances in different areas are well presented and referenced. 363 J Neuro-Ophthalmol, Vol. 28, No. 4, 2008 Weaknesses: A more in-depth treatment of the topics would be beneficial for someone who is not familiar with the ocular motor system; however, this is not the intention of this book, which focuses on recent advances in this field. Recommended Audience: This book successfully reaches its target audience-ophthalmologists, neurologists, and basic scientists. Critical Appraisal: This book is worthwhile reading for anyone who would like to become familiar with the latest developments in ocular motor research. Agnes Wong, MD, PhD, FRCSC University of Toronto Toronto, Ontario, Canada Color Atlas of Strabismus Surgery: Strategies and Techniques, 3rd Edition Kenneth W. Wright, MD. Springer, New York, 2007. ISBN 978-0-387-33249-9, $199.00. Scope: The text is intended to provide a ‘‘how-to manual'' for the strabismus surgeon. The text offers much more than a simple color atlas. In the first third of the book, the author discusses basic diagnostic and nonsurgical management of subjects of interest to the strabismus surgeon ranging from amblyopia to cranial nerve palsies. The rest of the book covers basic surgical technique, procedures on each of the extraocular muscles, adjustable techniques, and methods to approach reoperations. In this third edition, there is a new chapter on strabismus surgery under topical anesthesia. As in the prior editions, this version is richly illustrated with line drawings and color photos of anatomy, eye movements, and surgical techniques. New in this edition are 15 videos on a DVD. Many of these videos are basic but helpful to the surgeon inexperienced in patient positioning, instrument placement, and tissue handling. Strengths: There are not many textbooks that cover the practical details of strabismus surgery planning and performance. The videos are a special bonus. Weaknesses: Neuroimaging in diagnosis of complex strabismus and planning of surgical treatment is restricted to three low-quality images. There is no discussion of theories of extraocular muscle pulleys and how these may affect management. Recommended Audience: This necessarily tightly written text is most appropriate for residents, fellows, and surgeons who perform strabismus surgery infrequently. The experienced strabismus surgeon will find the text too basic. Critical Appraisal: The publication of the third edition of this atlas fills a large void. The insights will assist surgeons in developing their surgical approaches, although they should remain receptive to alternative opinions. Michael X. Repka, MD Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, Maryland Strabismus Surgery and Its Complications David K. Coats, MD, and Scott E. Olitsky, MD, Editors. Springer, New York, 2007. ISBN 978-3-540-32703-5, $199.00. Scope: This book represents a detailed description of surgical indications, procedures, and complications. It covers ocular and orbital anatomy, techniques of strabismus surgery, and complications. A DVD that contains video footage of the surgical techniques complements the first part of the text. The text is divided into two parts. The first part deals with the surgical management of strabismus. There are excellent chapters on surgically important anatomy, physiology of eye movements, indications for strabismus surgery, and surgical decision making. Preoperative and postoperative care and anesthesia considerations also have dedicated chapters. There is also a chapter on surgical equipment, operating room supplies, and patient prepara-tion. Six chapters detailing techniques of surgery explain in detail techniques for performing standard extraocular muscle surgery. The individual chapters on muscle weakening and strengthening procedures are well written. There are also chapters on surgery of the inferior and superior oblique muscles and on transposition procedures. Finally, there are chapters dealing with adjustable suture techniques, unusual surgical procedures in strabismus, the use of Botox, and nonsurgical treatment of strabismus. The second part of the book is devoted to complications of strabismus surgery. There are chapters on common errors (inappropriate decision making, operating for the wrong surgical angle, and operating on the wrong muscle). Anterior segment ischemia, pyogenic granuloma, scleral perforation and penetration, and postoperative infection have individual chapters. Additional chapters deal with anesthesia-related complications, unexpected postoperative changes in alignment, and residual diplopia. 364 q 2008 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Book Reviews J Neuro-Ophthalmol, Vol. 28, No. 4, 2008 This section concludes with medicolegal aspects of strabismus surgery. Strengths: This text is a wonderful complement to traditional surgical teaching. It is meticulous and impec-cably documented with photographs. It is well written and well referenced. The photographs are of extremely high quality. The DVD is excellent in showing common surgical techniques. Weaknesses: The text has few weaknesses. However, some of the more complicated special surgical techniques are not described in sufficient detail to allow the reader to feel comfortable in adopting them. Recommended Audience: Ophthalmologists who perform strabismus surgery occasionally and residents will find this text useful. It is also a superb text for the pediatric ophthalmology fellow. Critical Appraisal: This text book is an important con-tribution to the field. It will be widely used. Sean P. Donahue, MD, PhD Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Nashville, Tennessee Neurology Board Review. An Illustrated Study Guide Nima Mowzoon, MD, and Kelly D. Flemming, MD, Editors. Mayo Clinic Scientific Press, Rochester, MN, 2007. ISBN: 978-0-8493-3791-8, $149.95. Scope: This 1,000-page hard cover volume is designed to be a comprehensive source for neurologists studying to pass the certification written and oral examinations set by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN). There are many other books to consult for this purpose-most of them softcover, shorter, and relatively superficial. This is truly a hard-core production. It is in outline form, but that is its only real difference from a standard textbook. It is brilliantly organized and illustrated with superb anatomic drawings, schematic diagrams, pathologic speci-mens, flowcharts, and imaging studies. Although some of material is excerpted, a surprising amount is original. There are 25 chapters, many written by the co-authors, who seem to be Mayo-trained clinicians of junior vintage. The remaining chapters are also anchored by Mayo trainees. The field of neurology is well-covered, and there is even an excellent chapter on the basic principles of psychiatry containing almost enough material to allow a trainee to pass the psychiatry section of the ABPN examination. Strengths: I have read most of this material and find it stunningly informative and easy to absorb. The outline form helps to keep the text from wandering off the clinical margin. The text is grounded in solid pathophysiologic principles and evidence. Weaknesses: Text in outline form is not for everyone, especially those going through this material for the first time. Also, multi-authored textbooks inevitably suffer from nonuniformity-some chapters are better than others. But the topics with which I was most familiar, particularly those in the neuro-ophthalmologic section, were remarkably free of error. Recommended Audience: Although this book is designed for neurology trainees preparing for their certifying examinations, it should work very well for readers who know the pieces but are not sure how they fit together. Critical Appraisal: This is not an off-the-cuff production. It is a serious work with high production values and careful editing. The two editors have nicely authored much of the text and solicited fine contributions from their co-authors. This is a valuable resource, not merely for those preparing for the certifying examination in neurology, but for those who are looking for a thoughtfully organized approach to complicated medical material. Jonathan D. Trobe, MD Kellogg Eye Center Departments of Ophthalmology and Neurology University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Michigan Fundamental Neuroscience for Basic and Clinical Applications, 3rd Edition Duane E. Haines, PhD. Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, Philadelphia, 2006. ISBN: 978-0-443-06751-8, $78.95. Scope: This is a comprehensive neuroscience textbook that integrates the basic sciences with clinical information. This new edition incorporates more on the clinical relevance of anatomy and physiology of the nervous system compared with previous editions. Each chapter is authored by experts in the various fields. The book is divided into three sections. The first section, Essential Concepts, details development of the nervous system, cell biology, neurophysiology, and 365 J Neuro-Ophthalmol, Vol. 28, No. 4, 2008 neuronal communication. The second section, Regional Neurobiology, includes chapters dedicated to the ventricles and cerebrospinal fluid, meninges, cerebrovascular system, spinal cord, and each region of the brain. The last section, Systems Neurobiology, focuses on the somatosensory system, viscerosensory pathways, visual, auditory, and vestibular systems, olfaction and taste, the motor system, the basal nuclei, cerebellum, visual motor systems, visceral motor pathways, hypothalamus, limbic system, and cerebral cortex. The final chapter is an overview of the neurologic examination. Strengths: This book is up-to-date and comprehensive yet concise and will have broad appeal to medical students, residents, and practicing physicians who wish to consult a reference for quick review of anatomy and physiology. The book is well organized and is beautifully illustrated, including many MRI scans. The authors use a ‘‘Synopsis of Clinical Points'' at the end of each chapter, which helps to highlight important clinical issues. Purchase includes access to an online version. Weaknesses: The clinical information is sparse, generally consisting of only one to two sentences per topic. The last chapter on the neurologic examination only covers basic aspects of the examination at a level appropriate for a medical student. Thus, this is not the book from which one can learn clinical neurology. Recommended Audience: This book is best for medical students or undergraduate students taking a neuroanatomy course. In addition, this book could serve as a basic science reference for practicing physicians. Critical Appraisal: This book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date yet concise account of the neurosciences. It is set apart from other books on similar topics by the fine drawings, and neuroimages. Kevin A. Kerber, MD Department of Neurology University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Michigan The Clinical Neuropsychiatry of Multiple Sclerosis, 2nd Edition Anthony Feinstein, PhD. Cambridge University Press, New York, 2007. ISBN: 978-0-521-85234-0, $99.00. Scope: This is a single-authored book reviewing the neuropsychiatric issues in multiple sclerosis (MS). It is divided into 12 chapters. Chapter 1 is a thorough but succinct overview of MS, which effectively sets the stage for the remainder of the material. Chapters 2-6 focus on the psychiatric issues seen in patients with MS, including depression and pseudobulbar affect. The author cites all of the available literature on this topic and provides useful recommendations. Chapters 7-12 focus on the cognitive issues in MS. This portion of the book covers natural history, testing methods, neuroimaging, and other dementias. Strengths: This book represents the most comprehensive source on neuropsychiatric issues in MS. The second edition of this book is a welcome update on this complex but essential aspect of MS. The author does a commendable job distilling the important and interesting aspects for the reader. The book is well written and edited. The chapters are well laid out with useful summary points. Weaknesses: Given the complexity and breadth of material covered in Chapters 7-12, I think the author could have further crystallized the information. For example, in Chapter 9, which reviews the testing methods for cognitive impairment in MS, the author states that ‘‘To the uninitiated, these multiple acronyms may be confusing, if not irritating.'' I agree, and would have welcomed a table to consolidate and classify these tests. In Chapter 12, the text regarding subcortical neuroanatomy could have been augmented with illustrations of pathways to provide the reader with a three-dimensional concept of the relevant pathways and their association with other brain structures (as was done in Chapter 5). Recommended Audience: I would recommend this book to anyone caring for patients with MS, including physicians, nurses, and rehabilitation therapists. In addition, community advocates for MS would benefit from reading this book. Critical Appraisal: The author provides us with the only comprehensive, up-to-date review of this important and often under-recognized aspect of MS. It will serve as a cornerstone for future publications on this topic. Myla D. Goldman, MD Department of Neurology University of Virginia Charlottesville, Virginia Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery Mark R. Proctor, MD, and Peter M. Black, MD, PhD, Editors. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ, 2005. ISBN: 1-58829-147-2, $175.00. 366 q 2008 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Book Reviews J Neuro-Ophthalmol, Vol. 28, No. 4, 2008 Scope: This book covers an important and evolving trend in neurosurgery, namely the minimally invasive approaches that have been developed to treat a variety of problems in novel and effective ways. These concepts have captured the imagination of surgeons, physicians, and patients, and they surely are here to stay. The techniques covered are diagnostic and surgical. The chapters on diagnosis include MRI, proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, intraoperative MRI, and functional brain mapping. Many of these topics are also pertinent to standard neurosurgical procedures. The use of endoscopy is well described as a founda-tion for many of the applications covered in the second section. Endovascular neurosurgery is well described for the management of aneurysms and other cerebrovascular problems, using coils and stents and embolic agents. Image guidance using neuronavigational systems is covered, as are the techniques used to produce stereotactic lesions with radiofrequency current. There are also chapters on gene and viral therapy and on direct injection of agents into the brain. The second section describes the application of these concepts in children, vascular diseases, tumors, brain and spine disorders, peripheral nerve disorders, and traumatic brain injury. Strengths: This book provides an introduction to many of the new techniques that have allowed minimally invasive approaches. All topics are well described. Weaknesses: It is difficult to be up to date in an evolving field, and this book lags in some areas. Recommended Audience: This volume will be of interest to those desiring an overview of an evolving and innovative area of neurosurgery. Critical Appraisal: This is a useful introduction for those interested in technological advances and their application to neurosurgical problems. Edward R. Laws, MD, FACS Stanford University Palo Alto, California The Massachusetts General Hospital Handbook of Neurology, 2nd Edition Alice W. Flaherty, MD, PhD, and Natalia S. Rost, MD. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, 2007. ISBN 13: 978-0-7817-5317-7, $42.95. Scope: This is the second edition of this popular hand-book, designed as a pocket reference guide to neurologic diagnosis and management. In addition to basic material on neuroanatomy, localization, and specific diagnoses, it includes sections on pharmacology, neuroimaging, and internal medicine. The intended audience appears to be primarily residents in neurology seeking quickly accessible information on the initial approach to neu-rologic conditions. Non-neurologists will find it useful as well. The format is compact and organized alphabetically into sections on Admissions, Adult Neurology, Child Neurology, Drugs, Imaging, Medicine, and Procedures. The material within each section is also organized alphabetically. In addition to the table of contents and index, a list of neurologic and common medical emergen-cies is included on the flyleaf with page references. The material in each section is presented in outline format. Throughout the manual, there are excellent anatomic illustrations and useful tables presenting additional material in summary format. Strengths: The authors have managed to include an enormous amount of information, covering basic and more specialized aspects of neurology. The outline of the neurologic examination will be particularly useful for students and non-neurologists. Essential features of a screening examination are underlined, although this feature is not carried through consistently. Additional information on the examination is included in sections on specific symptoms and syndromes. In general, the material from various specialties within neurology is well presented and reasonably comprehensive, with cross-references to other relevant sections. A particular strength is the succinct guidance on interpretation of neurodiagnostic findings in particular conditions. The sections on neuroimaging are particularly strong. The inclusion of information from closely related specialties such as neurosurgery and internal medicine is particularly useful for management in the inpatient setting, as are the sections on orders and procedures, appropriate in a work targeted primarily to residents. Weaknesses: Inevitably in a manual of this type, the brevity required to cover a great deal of information in a small volume will occasionally lapse into the telegraphic. Not all references are clear, and some reflect primarily local practice in examination and management. Some of these less-standardized elements are presented without further clarification and will be particularly perplexing to the non-neurologist, examples being Wartenberg's sign and the go/ no go task. The algorithms to determine prognosis in coma or to administer tPA in acute stroke require more guidance than is available here. The sections on psychiatric disorders and ‘‘psychosomatic neurology'' are marred by over-generalization and often glib advice. There are occasional 367 J Neuro-Ophthalmol, Vol. 28, No. 4, 2008 proof-reading errors, such as omission of page references in allusions to material elsewhere in the handbook, and rare factual errors. This reviewer found the occasional jocular asides on topics such as ‘‘MD jargon aphasia'' and use of colloquialisms (‘‘snot'') to detract from the overall practical and informative tenor of the material. Recommended Audience: This will be most useful to residents in neurology and to those in fields related to neurology as a quick guidance in the initial approach to a wide range of neurologic problems. The succinct and practical guidance in neuroanatomy, differential diagnosis, and neurodiagnostics, particularly neuroimaging, will be welcomed. Critical Appraisal: This handbook succeeds admirably in its stated aim ‘‘to quickly update and remind the reader.'' The scope of the information that it contains is greater than would be expected for a pocket manual. It provides an informed clinical perspective in directing the initial approach to neurologic problems. Madaline Harrison, MD Department of Neurology University of Virginia Health System Charlottesville, Virginia Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations Philip E. Stieg, MD, PhD, H. Hunt Batjer, MD, and Duke Samson, MD. Informa Healthcare Inc. New York, NY, 2007. ISBN: 978-0-8247-0993-8, $399.95. Scope: This is a reference text intended for vascular neurosurgical and cerebrovascular fellows and practi-tioners. It is composed of 34 chapters from 85 different authors. A review of the list of authors reveals an excellent cross-section of experienced and mainly academically based neurosurgeons, complemented by neurocritical care intensivists, neuroanesthesiologists, and neuroradiologists. The subject matter is very comprehensive and well-balanced. There are six well-organized sections: I, Anatomy and Physiology; II, Clinical Presentation and Diagnostic Eval-uation; III, Basic Considerations; IV, Therapeutic Manage-ment; V, Special Problems; and VI, Future Considerations. The chapters presented within each of these sections are in depth and show good attention to the importance of arteriovenous malformation (AVM) localization and defining interventions, anesthesia considerations, clinical presenta-tions, and outcomes. These chapters demonstrate an appreciation of the complexity of this disease and the characteristics that need to be taken into consideration. Thus, the book has direct clinical application and relevance rather than simply being a general discussion of the topic. Strengths: The editors' goal of ‘‘providing a thorough discussion of the scientific data in prose that is and understandable for clinical application'' has been remarkably achieved. Highlights from each section include the following. The chapters on surgical anatomy and hemodynamic properties contain concise and clinical relevant informa-tion. The surgical anatomy chapter is well integrated into those on therapeutic management. The chapter on the use of modeling to study AVMs for clinical and translational research applications adds a novel contribution by intro-ducing material not normally found in this depth. The chapter on radiographic diagnosis is particularly strong. The chapters devoted to general principles of surgical, endovascular, and radiosurgical approaches of treatment could easily be books in themselves. In the chapter on decision analysis for the asymptomatic lesion, the authors should be commended for their attempts to present this tool based on the morbidity/mortality rates for both the individual surgeon and an individual lesion. The chapters on management of cerebral AVMs allow the reader to use the book as a reference for an individual clinical case. This section includes consideration of anesthesia, perioperative angiography, and the manage-ment of associated aneurysms, AVMs during pregnancy, treatment of pediatric AVMs, and the management of residual lesions after initial treatment. The illustrations are well chosen. There are 8 pages of color illustrations that demonstrate important concepts of histopathology, gross pathology, neuroimaging, and surgi-cal approaches. The chapters are well-referenced, but, more importantly, there are numerous new insights based on the wisdom acquired from the vast experience and expertise of the authors. Weaknesses: Some aspects of endovascular treatment could be expanded. For example, the discussion of Onyx embolization is quite superficial. In future editions the clinical presentation section should be expnaded. There is one chapter devoted to natural history and a single page to nonhemorrhagic clinical presentations. The presentation of the erroneously diagnosed ‘‘migraine patient'' with solely unilateral migrainous-type headaches needs to be empha-sized as an important caveat in the presentation of the patient with headache. Recommended Audience: This book is most suitable for neurosurgical and neuroradiology clinicians and their trainees, including residents and fellows. 368 q 2008 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Book Reviews J Neuro-Ophthalmol, Vol. 28, No. 4, 2008 Critical Appraisal: This book is an outstanding con-tribution. It is one of the few comprehensive books on this topic. The editors have done a superb job in editing the individual chapters to ensure comprehensive coverage without unnecessary overlap. The textbook will undoubt-edly become an important reference for physicians involved in the diagnosis and therapeutic decision making for patients with cerebral AVMs. Nina J. Solenski, MD Department of Neurology University of Virginia Health System Charlottesville, Virginia Aaron S. Dumont, MD Department of Neurological Surgery University of Virginia Health System Charlottesville, Virginia The Dementias 2 John H. Growden, MD, and Martin N. Rossor, MD, FRCP, Editors. Butterworth Heinemann Elsevier, Philadelphia, 2007. ISBN: 978-0-7506-7542-0, $134.00. Scope: This volume provides an up-to-date and concise review of research on the current conceptualization of dementing illnesses. It focuses on recent progress and understanding of the etiology of the dementias based on molecular mechanisms. In this second edition (the first appeared in 1998), the authors have changed the organization of the book. The book is divided into three types of chapters. The first type covers specific dementias such as Alzheimer disease. The second type addresses underlying theories of dementia such as amyloid and amyloid-like protein aggregates. The third type addresses characteristics of dementia, covering topics such as cognitive neuropsychol-ogy and advances in neuroimaging. The book is loosely organized so that the etiologic theory chapters precede the chapters on the associated dementias. The chapters addressing clinical features are placed at the rear of the book. The disease-specific chapters are largely consistent in their approaches and cover diagnostic criteria, clinical features, epidemiology, genetics, and management. These chapters are easy to digest and are filled with valuable information for the clinician. The chapters describing characteristics of the dementias provide practical and current information. The chapters describing the underlying pathologic bases are more variable in their level of complexity. Granted, the complexity of material to be presented is high in these chapters. Moreover, several of the dementias do not fit neatly into a single category. The chapter on amyloid is particularly clear. Strengths: This is an excellent resource and provides stimulating reading on the clinical consequences of neurodegeneration as well as current diagnostic and management strategies. Weaknesses: The deficiencies of the text involve incon-sistencies in level of detail and complexity of the chapters. Some of the chapters require a sophisticated level of knowledge. The strengths far outweigh the weaknesses. Recommended Audience: This volume is recommended for clinicians and researchers in the field of dementia who wish to tie together current research with clinical presentation. It is an excellent resource for physicians in training. Critical Appraisal: This book provides up-to-date information on clinical and research components of dementia. It is interesting and educational to read cover to cover but also is a valuable resource to keep on hand as a reference tool. Carol A. Manning, PhD, ABPP-CN University of Virginia Charlottesville, Virginia On Being a Doctor 3 Christine Lane, MD, MPH, and Michael A. LaCombe MD, Editors. American College of Physicians, Philadelphia, 2007. ISBN 978-1-930513-88-4, $29.95. Scope: This is the third compilation of short stories and poems submitted to the Editors of Annals of Internal Medicine for their popular ‘‘On Being a Doctor,'' ‘‘On Being a Patient,'' and ‘‘Ad Libitum''sections that appeared from 1999 to 2006. For more than 15 years, these submissions have filled the odd spaces of the official journal of the American College of Physicians (ACP) with thought-provoking, angering, heart-breaking, and inspiring stories from the ‘‘odd spaces'' of our lives as physicians and patients. The book is divided into eight sections that bring the complexities of our ‘‘modernized'' profession back into 369 J Neuro-Ophthalmol, Vol. 28, No. 4, 2008 some manageable perspective. With sections dedicated to ‘‘On Aging'' and ‘‘On Death and Dying'' being given a prominent place, I was drawn to them first and found works of great heart juxtaposed with stories of grim realities that remind us of our own mortality. These touching stories, along with the realities of the sections on ‘‘Hospitals, Health Systems, Contentions'' and ‘‘On Society and the World Around Us,'' provide the volume a balance of values. Other sections emphasize ‘‘On Becoming a Doctor,'' ‘‘Balancing the Personal and Professional,'' and ‘‘Those Who Are Our Patients.'' The sensitive and the insensitive sides of health care are both presented here. The author compares the long wait for the physician to the shorter wait for the veterinarian. Strengths: Unless you are a member of the ACP and have kept all the Annals since 1999, you won't find this heart-filled prose and poetry anywhere but in this well-rounded, night-stand volume. The editors have done an excellent job of picking stories and placing them in an order that reminds us of what we should always strive to be. Weaknesses: There are none. These stories are each worth reading. Recommended Audience: This book is for everyone- even nonphysicians. It is the perfect bed-stand digest, especially for those in training, Five minutes with this book every night will keep the heart in the right place. Critical Appraisal: The editors of Annals of Internal Medicine have given us an excellent collection of prose and poetry that keeps us grounded. It helps to show the world that heartfelt values are still present in medical practice. August L. Reader III, MD, FACS California Pacific Medical Center San Francisco, California 370 q 2008 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins |
