Clinical Neurophysiology (Contemporary Neurology Series)

Mayo Clinic neurologists contribute 45 chapters to this textbook covering a range of neurophysiological approaches and detailing clinical conditions in which each approach can assist in the diagnosis and management of neurologic disease. Daube (neurology, Mayo Medical School) edits chapters including electric safety in the laboratory and hospital; alteration of waveforms and artifacts; prolonged video electroencephalography; compound muscle action potentials; cranial reflexes; thermoregulatory sweat test; and spinal cord monitoring. The text contains a glossary of neurological terms. Annotation (c)2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Arlene N. Barr

Part of the distinguished Contemporary Neurology Series, this volume reviews the techniques of neurophysiological evaluation of the nervous system. It is divided into three general sections: basic concepts underlying neurophysiological techniques, methods of neurophysiological assessment, and clinical interpretation of these techniques. This book was developed in response to requests for the widespread dissemination of course material that was developed by the distinguished faculty of the Mayo Clinic. Aimed at the physician who wants to understand and use the techniques for clinical purposes, this book is a handy, clearly written, authoritative book. The ample illustrations are clear and well chosen. Reference sources are pertinent and current in a volume that is attractive and complete but compact. Contents include general and special techniques in EEG, sleep studies, evoked potentials, common as well as special techniques of nerve conduction studies, needle EMG, evaluation of the autonomic nerve conduction studies, and intraoperative monitoring. The final section on clinical interpretation provides an overview of the integration of neurophysiological data into the clinical picture. This is a well-written book that covers the entire field of clinical neurophysiology in a succinct manner. Some chapters, e.g., those on intraoperative monitoring, are only long enough to whet our appetite for more. This subject deserves its own volume. Dr. Daube's chapter on the clinical application of neurophysiological studies is a virtuoso opus. We are privileged to follow along with the thought processes of the master as he reviews laboratory data in the clinical context. This chapter is amodel of clarity; it will become a classic.