Peripheral Neurology: Case Studies in Electrodiagnosis, 2d ed.

Peripheral Neurology: Case Studies in Electrodiagnosis, ed 2 Liveson JA. Philadelphia, PA 19103-1493, FA Davis Co, 1991, hardback, 476 pp, illus, $60.

The first edition of Peripheral Neurology: Case Studies in Electrodiagnosis by Liveson and Spielholz was published in 1979. The publication of this first edition marked a significant step in providing a concise, well-referenced review of fundamental electrophysiologic testing concepts. it also established a standardized case-study format for the analysis of clinical material, the planning of appropriate tests, and the subsequent interpretation of the findings. The second edition by Liveson, with contributions in part 1 by Spielholz, builds on the concepts developed in the first edition. This edition provides updated references, new case studies, extensive cross-referencing of text and case studies, and guidelines for developing instructional material for training electromyographers.

The second edition, like the first, is divided into two parts. Part I presents three chapters of fundamental concepts dealing with both the interpretation of electrophysiologic data and the evaluation of neuromuscular disease processes. Each chapter is generously referenced and illustrated. Part 2 consists of 95 case studies illustrating the spectrum of the lesions discussed in part 1. Commonly encountered lesions are covered, but later case studies extend to more esoteric entities. Some cases from the first edition are repeated, but the majority of cases in the second edition are new. Each case includes a patient history, questions and answers for planning the test, test findings, questions and answers for developing an electrophysiologic test impression, significance of the findings, follow-up, and cross-references from the text and other case studies. The figures at the end of each case study show the site(s) of the lesion(s) and muscles involved. The illustrations by Hugh Thomas are clear and accurate in depicting the case study information. All studies are performed using routine nerve conduction and needle electromyography techniques. Sophisticated tests such as evoked responses and single-fiber electromyography are considered "less important" when compared with "older" procedures, such as nerve conduction and needle electromyography.

The text and case studies are supported with nearly 2,000 references. The fundamental concepts and case studies sections are cross-referenced by diagnosis. A syllabus and bibliography are provided for teaching interpretation of electrophysiologic data, evaluating neuromuscular disease processes, determining common clinical differential diagnosis, and developing methodology for nerve conduction and electromyographic testing.

Physical therapy educators teaching clinical electrophysiologic testing will find this book useful in developing instructional material. Students will benefit from the fundamental concepts presented in part 1, the standardized format used in the case studies section, and the extensive cross-references provided throughout the book.

Physical therapists performing clinical electrophysiology will gain valuable insights into planning tests and developing sound impressions from the test results. The book is concisely written, logically organized, richly illustrated, and extensively referenced. It would make a worthwile addition to the libraries of physical therapy educators and electromyographers.

David E Nestor, PT

Federal Medical Center

Rochester, Minn