Neurologia

The model for this work was the description of the physical world by mathemati- cal laws. It were always the simplest phenomena which were treated by this scientific method. Physicists studied simple motions inorder to find the mathematical laws. Astronomists observed the orbits of planets in order to find the laws of gravity. One of the simplest measurable phenomenon in the brain is the stimulus- response task. Suchtasks have beenknown since the lastcentury bypsychiatrists and psycholo- gists (v. Helmholtz). There existsa vast literature about the measurement and theory of simple reaction tasks and various choice reaction tasks, visualor auditory. They have beenmeasured and havebeendescribedmathematically.One of the firstmodels for the reaction times used a logarithmic function. But many intriguing questions remained open aboutreaction tasks especiallythe neural explanation ofthe findings. The new tool to investigate the neural structure of stimulus-response sequences was the computer. Now it was possible to measure the reaction times by using spe- cial programs, to compute the elementary times and the pathway structures from these reaction times, to evaluate the results statistically, to simulate the results, and to write this text. It was this instrument which permitted to save large amounts of data and evaluate them by special software written for this purpose. Thus it was possible to compute the time quanta and the pathways and to understand each re- action time as an integer multiple of this time quantum (plus a constant value).

This is a practical reference and guide for physicians, surgeons, therapists, orthotists, bioengineers and other health professionals involved in the management of a disabled individual with upper motor neurone syndrome and spasticity. It is a thorough review, covering all aspects of management from physiotherapy, seating, and orthoses to the use of drugs. It examines the neurophysiology of spasticity, measurement of outcome, and the newer treatment techniques, such as phenol and alcohol nerve blocks and botulinum toxin injections. More invasive procedures, including intrathecal baclofen and surgical intervention for more complex and severe spasticity, are covered in detail, and the final chapter looks closely at the management of spasticity in children.

This CD-ROM follows on from the highly successful CD-ROM produced by the Open University, "The Human Brain". The human nervous system is introduced in an easy-to-follow format. No previous knowledge of neurobiology is required, thus this CD-ROM can be used by both students and general audiences interested in the structure and functioning of the nervous system in both health and disease. The software contains interactive features which are instructive and entertaining, and each section ends with a series of self-test questions and answers. Designed by specialists in distance learning, The Human Nervous System is an enjoyable introduction to this subject.

This book/CD ROM package aims to present a systematic and comprehensive overview of the clinical semiology of epileptic seizures. It is ideal for the practicing neurologist, who must recognize, diagnose, and treat the patient with epileptic seizures. The CD ROM demonstrates typical symptoms of different seizure types.