Laboratory Reference for Clinical Neurophysiology.

Liveson JA, Ma DM. Philadelphia, PA 19103-1493, FA Davis Co, 1992, 513 pp, illus, $65.

Virtually every neurophysiological test, whether practical or eclectic, that is used by experienced clinical neurophysiologists is described in this book. "Conduction Studies," "Evoked Responses," and "Other Studies" comprise the three major sections of the reference. Part 1, "Conduction Studies," is an excellent resource for the electromyographer. Studies covering areas from cranial to sacral are presented. A brief description of the course of the nerve is given and is followed by the testing procedure. The authors then provide technical comments to ensure accurate recording. Also provided are research studies conducted on the nerve. Each study describes the number and age of subjects tested, the values obtained, and the location of stimulating and recording electrodes. This information is extremely valuable for comparison studies and norms. Excellent pen and ink illustrations that identify stimulating and recording sites are found throughout part 1. This section updates tests and esoteric techniques that were published in the out-of-print text by Ma and Liveson entitled Nerve Conduction Handbook.

Part 2 is a compilation of tests used for somatosensory, auditory, and visual evoked responses. The same format used in part 1, that is, a description of the testing procedure, technical comments, and published studies by various authors, is also used in part 2. Part 3 presents an overview of other testing procedures, including electroretinography, electronystagmography, repetitive nerve stimulation studies, motor unit potential studies, myotome studies, and single-fiber potential studies. Additional resources would be necessary for the clinician to master these techniques. Electromyography is not covered, because the text describes tests associated with stimulation of the nervous system.

The reference list of studies in this area is exhaustive. Because this text is designed for the experienced clinical neurophysiologist, it would have limited value for the general physical therapy population.