Anatomic Basis of Neurologic Diagnosis, 2010 Thieme Medical Science Books Medical Book REview

Home Book Browser Search Publishers Register for Updates Contact Us

Anatomic Basis of Neurologic Diagnosis
Authors: Cary D. Alberstone, Edward C. Benzel, Imad M. Najm, and Michael P. Steinmetz
Pages: 600, 511 illustrations Hard Cover
ISBN: 9780865779761
Thieme 2009
List Price: $119.95

Medical Science Books .com Medical book review:

Neurology is by nature one of the most anatomically oriented specialties in medicine. The neurological exam is heavily based in the recognition and correlation of functional abnormalities that can be observed with pathologies found in such structures as the cranial and peripheral nerves. Given the complexity of neuroanatomy, this can often lead to the confusion and frustration of the beginning student, resident or non-specialist practitioner. With this readership in mind, the authors of Anatomic Basis of Neurologic Diagnosis developed a text which, compared to an instruction manual that might come with a new electronic device, serves as a comprehensive users guide to the neurological exam.

Full color illustrations focus attention to the most important aspects of reflex arcs, motor and sensory innervations to different body regions, and specialization of brain topography. Once the fundamentals of normal anatomy are covered, each chapter continues to discuss the pathology and associated clinical findings in a patient suffering from damage to a particular structure. For example, there is an excellent chapter on the vasculature of the brain, followed by a detailed discussion of expected clinical findings in patients displaying occlusions of the various branched.

A possible criticism of this text is its lack of diagnostic images or anatomical photos of structures as would be seen in the anatomy lab that might serve to strengthen the link between neurological exam findings and pathology. In spite of this criticism, little can be taken away from the usefulness of this book as it brings together so much information in a clear and concise format. Several resources would typically be needed with lots of page turning to get the same juxtaposition of information and diagrams on any particular topic covered in this one volume. Anatomic Basis of Neurologic Diagnosis would thus be an excellent selection for studying the Neurology boards or the USMLE Step I neuroscience.

With the publication of this title and the more recent Cranial Nerves: Anatomy, Pathology, Imaging, Thieme has set the standard for publishing clinical neurology texts with wide appeal to both practitioners and students.

From the Publisher:

Anatomic Basis of Neurologic Diagnosis is a lavishly illustrated book that places special emphasis on the paramount importance of signs and symptoms for the accurate diagnosis of neurologic disorders. It opens with a comprehensive review of neuroembryology, enabling readers to gain knowledge of normal nervous system development and related developmental disorders. The second section of the book comprises an easily accessible presentation of the anatomy of regional parts and to-the-point information on the cardinal manifestations of disease. Separate chapters in the third section of the book present the anatomy of different functional systems and provide practical approaches to diagnosing patients with system disorders. A final chapter covers the anatomy of the vascular system and cerebrospinal fluid.

Highlights:

Practical organization of chapters, according to regions and functional systems, reflects the clinician's approach to patient care

Full-color illustrations provide an indispensable visual aid to learning and reviewing clinically relevant neurologic anatomy and pathways

Numerous tables summarize key points

Ideal for reading cover-to-cover, this book is essential for residents and students seeking to fully understand the complexity of clinical neuroanatomy. Seasoned clinicians will find the book a valuable refresher.

Table of Contents:

Foreword

Preface

Section I. Development and Developmental Disorders
1. Neuroembryology

Section II. Regional Anatomy and Related Syndromes
2. Peripheral Nerves
3. Plexuses
4. Nerve Roots and Spinal Nerves
5. Spinal Cord
6. Brainstem
7. Cranial Nerves
8. Cerebellum
9. Thalamus
10. Hypothalamus
11. Basal Ganglia
12. Limbic System
13. Cerebral Cortex

Section III. System-Based Anatomy and Differential Diagnosis
14. Somatosensory System
15. Visual System
16. Auditory System
17. Vestibular System
18. Ocular Motor System
19. Motor System
20. Autonomic Nervous System
21. Consciousness

Section IV. Fluid-System Anatomy and Function
22. Vascular System
23. Cerebrospinal Fluid

Index