Principles of Neurology: Companion Handbook, ed 6.

Principles of Neurology: Companion Handbook, ed 6 Adams RD, Victor M, Ropper AH. New York, NY 10011, McGraw-Hill Inc, 1998, paperback, 551 pp, illus, $32.

This text is a companion handbook to Principles of Neurology, 6th edition, by the same authors. It is designed as a quick reference for clinical use, and each chapter contains references for additional reading. Clinicians will find it a valuable addition to their library because it provides a wealth of easily retrievable information on the spectrum of neurologic diseases.

The book is organized into 6 parts. Part I is an introduction that presents a general philosophy and process of clinical analysis. Clinical analysis is initiated with a detailed history and neurologic examination. The most informative and relatively simple tests of the neurologic examination are described. Special tests that supplement clinical analysis--such as the computed tomography scan, magnetic resonance image, angiography, positron-emission tomography, myelography, electroencephalography, and lumbar puncture--are succinctly described, giving indications, mechanisms, and results.

Part II has devoted 6 chapters to disorders of motility; pain; special senses; epilepsy and consciousness; cognition and language; and energy, mood, drive, and anxiety. Signs and symptoms are associated with the anatomy and physiology of each topic. Therapists will find this information valuable for understanding the nature of the symptoms and for directing the evaluation process through the focused selection of clinical tests.

The growth and development of the nervous system and aging are briefly addressed in part III. The developmental milestones and associated pathologic signs from birth through 5 years of age are organized in a chart format that includes both physical and language development. Aging is touched upon by a list of the 12 most consistent signs of aging and a table of the physiologic and anatomic deterioration that is characteristic of aging.

The remainder of this handbook is devoted to the major categories of neurologic disease. Chapters on the central nervous system, the peripheral nervous system, and psychiatric disorders include the more frequent and treatable types of neurologic disease. Descriptions of the cardinal manifestations for the disorders are brief, yet complete. The chapter on stroke is comprehensive, providing the reader with knowledge on the types of cerebrovascular disease, the causes and mechanisms of stroke, and medical management. The clinical syndromes associated with circulatory disturbance in specific arteries are presented excellently in chart format.

The authors have achieved their goal of providing the clinician with a book that gives a quick orientation to clinical problems. Furthermore, they have effectively carried out their philosophy of associating clinical signs and symptoms with anatomy and physiology throughout the text.

Judith A Verbanets, PT

San Diego, Calif

Ms Verbanets specializes in neurologic rehabilitation in the outpatient and home health environments. She is a guest lecturer at the University of Indianapolis where she teaches a course on the management of adult hemiplegia.