Neurologia

It is now well known that the functional organisation of the cerebral cortex is plastic and that changes in organisation occur throughout life in response to normal and abnormal experience. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive and painless technique that has opened up completely new and fascinating avenues to study neural plasticity. First, TMS can be used to detect changes in excitability or connectivity of the stimulated cortex which may have occurred through processes such as learning or recovery from a lesion. Second, repeated TMS by itself can induce changes in excitability and connectivity of the stimulated cortex which may be used therapeutically in neurological and psychiatric disease. Third, TMS can induce short-lasting 'virtual lesions', which may directly test the functional relevance of brain plasticity. Current knowledge of all these exciting possibilities is brought together in this book, written by the world's leading experts in the field. The book is an essential compendium on plasticity of the human brain for clinical neurophysiologists, neurologists, psychiatrists and neuroscientists.

Vascular dementia, caused by multiple small strokes, is the second commonest cause of dementia behind Alzheimer's disease. In recent years there has been a radical reappraisal of the concept of vascular dementia and a move away from an Alzheimer-based diagnostic paradigm towards one more appropriately tailored for vascular disease. Vascular Cognitive Impairment presents a new definition for this class of cerebrovascular process with an emphasis on early detection, prompt treatment and the prevention of disease progression. Vascular Cognitive Impairment: Preventable Dementia presents an overview of the current state of our knowledge in this field. It reviews the historical background, prevalence, risk factors and economic consequences of the condition. In addition, the book summarises our knowledge of the pathological process, describing insight derived from genetic and imaging studies, before examining opportunities for early diagnosis, prevention and the options for management, both now, and as a result of ongoing clinical trials. With contributions from an expert team of international contributors, this book provides a comprehensive summary of the state-of-the-art in this field, providing a framework for a new understanding of a complex, disabling but Preventable condition.

A comprehensive and authoritative textbook, Neurological Therapeutics: Principles and Practice provides a reference that is both authoritative and accessible for daily use. The textbook explores the issues underlying treatment decisions not only for the most readily treated disorders but also for those conditions with few existing, definitive therapeutic options. With 600 figures, 37 in full color, tables, and a companion volume that is portable and easy-to-use, the final product is an important reference.

This is a thorough revision of the most comprehensive guide to neurologic emergencies! This classic work now features evidence-based management and treatment guidelines and management algorithms along with the acclaimed symptom-oriented approach to physical exam review. The "Second Edition" also includes a pocket manual of differential diagnosis tables and management algorithms for quick reference.

In this handbook for sufferers, their clinicians, families and friends, Martha Morrell assembles a team of experts to review the special problems faced by women with epilepsy. In many ways epilepsy is a different disease in women than in men, given the biological and gender differences between the two. Epilepsy treatments affect fertility, and can cause pregnancy complications and birth defects, but most of the available drugs have been tested on men. Moreover, hormone effects on seizures are of particular concern to women at puberty, at menopause, and over the menstrual cycle. Many health-care providers are not informed about the unique issues facing women with epilepsy. This book, published in association with the Epilepsy Foundation of America, fills that gap and provides women with epilepsy with the information they need to be effective self-advocates.

In this handbook, the emergency physician-neurologist editorial team from the acclaimed comprehensive text Emergency Neurology bring its expertise to a readily accessible reference tool for the emergency department. With a symptom-based emphasis, the text, tables, and illustrations guide the emergency physician in the recognition, diagnosis, and management of neurological disorders both common and complex. Integrating fundamental neurological concepts with the practical realities and demands of emergency care, this handbook features management algorithms for dozens of conditions, and a list of 'pearls and pitfalls' at the conclusion of each of the 38 chapters. This survey of best practices in emergency neurology provides succinct and crucial clinical information for all emergency physicians who diagnose and manage neurologic disorders such as headache, seizure, and spinal cord injury. Emphasizing efficient neurological examination techniques, this is an essential handbook for emergency physicians, internists, and residents.

Confusion. Fear. Isolation. This is the human experience of dementing illness, and it is at the heart of this practical, informative volume by a broad range of clinically grounded experts. This book is designed to meet the needs of clinicians dealing with persons with dementing illness and to serve as an introduction to the pathophysiology of dementing illness and a resource for clinical investigators. The giant strides in dementia research since the publication of the first edition in 1991 have generated optimism that we will soon be able to delay onset and even prevent these diseases that devastate both patients and caregivers. This third edition has been revised, updated, and expanded to cover changes in the classification, management and treatment of dementing illnesses and to give a more extensive account of basic and clinical research findings. At the same time, this remarkable volume indicates the interaction of the patient's personality, the caregiver, and the environment with the pathophysiology of dementing illnesses that creates the variety of symptoms accompanying these illnesses and impacting their treatment. Like the second edition, this third edition has three sections, flowing from diagnosis through management/treatment to research. New to this edition are * A world-class presentation on the molecular and genetic basis of Alzheimer's disease* A beautifully illustrated chapter on contemporary neuroimaging* Discussions of mild cognitive impairment, the frontotemporal dementias, and the dementias associated with Lewy bodies This third edition is exceptionally valuable for addressing the day-to-day challenges of dealing effectively and humanely with persons with dementing illness. Case examples are used in the chapters on psychological/behavioral and drug management to indicate practical approaches to maintaining patients at their optimal level of function. Unlike similar texts, this volume also reviews legal and ethical issues in the care of persons with dementing illness and shows how clinicians and caregivers how to mobilize community resources. Extensive reference lists round out each chapter. The book concludes with 11 assessment guides and rating scales and an index. Now more than ever, there is hope that advances in understanding dementing illnesses such as Alzheimer's disease will lead to their effective treatment, and ultimately to their prevention. Until then, clinicians, families, and society will continue to be faced with the challenges posed by these illnesses -- making this book a "must read" for physicians and other health care professionals, whether in training, in practice, or engaged in clinical research.