Ions, their transport across membranes, and their flow through specialized ion channels are central to the understanding of brain function, normal and pathological. The first part of this book deals with the regulation of ions in brain extra- and intracellular fluids. Regulation is effected by the blood-brain barrier, and by membrane ion pumps and other transport mechanisms of neurons and glial cells. Normally adjusted for optimal neural function, ion levels can change and alter the excitability of neurons and influence synaptic transmission in healthy and diseased brains. After an introduction to the electrophysiology of epilepsy, and a description of experimental seizure "models," the second part discusses the roles of the faulty regulation of ions and of the diseases of ion channels in generating epileptic seizures. The mechanisms of action of various anticonvulsant drugs are also considered. The third part is devoted to the phenomenon of spreading depression and its likely role in human diseases. The final chapters of the book deal with the role of ions in the devastation caused by lack of oxygen and by insufficient blood flow to brain tissue, and the reasons for the exceptional vulnerability of certain classes of central neurons in hypoxia and stroke. The book will be of interest to neuroscientists, neurobiologists, neurophysiologists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, and to their students and trainees.

A neurologist whose father suffers from Parkinson's provides a layreader-friendly explanation of the disease, its history, development, treatment and modern advances that may ultimately lead to a cure. Rosenbaum's professional view is as a clinical neurologist who regularly cares for patients with the progressive neurological deterioration caused by Parkinson's Disease. His personal experience with his father, a retired surgeon, further powers his quest to give patients, family members and caregivers what they need to know. Topics covered include challenges of correct diagnosis, variations in prognosis, investigations of causes including exciting progress in possible toxins and genetic factors that play a role, and different treatment options including natural remedies as well as new drugs for symptom treatment. Rosenbaum also explains research efforts to find a preventative drug, modern surgical options, and hopes for stem cell or gene therapy. In this work, Rosenbaum blends historical and medical research with illustrations from the patients in his professional life, and from his dad on the homefront, to give us a clear and comprehensive understanding of Parkinson's. He also includes writing from and attention to well-known individuals affected by this disorder--among them actor Michael J. Fox.

Several excellent monographs exist which deal with axons. These, however, focus either on the cellular and molecular biology of axons proper or on network organization of connections, the latter with only an incidental or abstract reference to axons per se. Still relatively neglected, however, is the middle ground of terminations and trajectories of single axons in the mammalian central nervous system. This middle level of connectivity, between networks on the one hand and local, in vitro investigations on the other, is to some extent represented by retrograde tracer studies and labeled neurons, but there have so far been many fewer of the complementary anterograde studies, with total visualization of the axonal arborization. The present volume brings together in one source an interrelated treatment of single axons from the perspective of microcircuitry and as substrates of larger scale organization (tractography). Especially for the former area - axons in microcircuitry - an abundance of published data exists, but these are typically in specialty journals that are not often accessed by the broader community. By highlighting and unifying the span from microcircuitry to tractography, the proposed volume serves as a convenient reference source and in addition inspires further interactions between what currently tend to be separate communities. The volume also redresses the imbalance between in vitro/local connectivity and long-distance connections. Focusing on mammalian systems, Part 1 of this book is devoted to anatomical investigations of connections at the single axon level, drawing on modern techniques and classical methods from the 1990s. A particular emphasis is on broad coverage of cortical and subcortical connections from different species, so that common patterns of divergence, convergence, and collateralization can be easily appreciated. Part 2 addresses mechanisms of axon guidance, as these seem particularly relevant to pathways and branching patterns. Part 3 covers axon dynamics and functional aspects; and Part 4 focuses on tractography, notably including comparisons between histological substrates and imaging.

"Wrestling With Ghosts" summarizes and updates a growing literature that includes traditional cultural accounts, scientific research, and subjective reports about the uncanny sleep disorder referred to as sleep paralysis (SP). The book serves as an important tool to normalize the sleep paralysis experience by attempting to remove its often-publicized mystical and supernatural aura. Specifically, the book is a serious contribution to the psychological and social scientific literature as an example of behavioral/social methodology in clarifying psychological phenomena that can be misinterpreted individually or by culture as "paranormal." However, the book does not refute the very real phenomenology of the experience and is intended as a practical guide for recognizing and managing the disorder in creative and self-enhancing ways. Moreover, this work reiterates the aesthetic and creative power of uncanny dreaming regardless of its origin. This aesthetic dimension of sleep paralysis and lucid dreaming is part of mythical, shamanic, creative, personal and scientific multidisciplinary approach to studying and describing dream phenomenology. Additionally, this work provides a retrospective look at the history of this uncanny disorder in human evolution, its recent western medical history and its most recent empirical descriptions as so-called alien abduction cases, including a presentation of Jungian and Freudian mythical perspectives. The empirical data is presented in balance with traditional cross-cultural and folklore accounts of the disorder as well as in the context of numerous recent cases researched in conjunction with the long-term study. Part of the data presented includes a proposalabout psycho-geographical and psycho-geomagnetic distributions of "ghost" stories, dream attacks, and other SP related phenomena. These geographical zones correlate with geodynamic areas such as the Pacific "Ring of Fire" region where an increased number of cultural name

Occupational Neurology a volume in the Handbook of Clinical Neurology Series, provides a comprehensive overview of the science, clinical diagnosis, and treatment for neurotoxin related neurological and psychiatric disorders. This timely collection provides not only a complete scientific reference on the chemical origin of this class of neurological and psychiatric disorders, but also a practical guide to diagnosis and treatment challenges and best practices. Handbook of Clinical Neurology Series The first volume of the Handbook of Clinical Neurology under the editorship of George Bruyn and Pierre Vinken was published in 1968. In 1982, the series was brought to an interim conclusion with the publication of the cumulative index volume (Volume 44). By that stage, the Handbook had come to represent one of the largest scientific works ever published. It enjoys a high reputation in specialist media circles throughout the world. After the series was concluded in 1982, it was realized that an update of the material was imperative. Accordingly, a revised series was planned and published over the following years, concluding with the publication of another cumulative index to both series (Volume 76-78) in 2002. Since then, George Bruyn has passed away and Pierre Vinken has retired, but the need for a further new series, incorporating advances in the field, again become necessary. Professors Michael J. Aminoff, Francois Boller and Dick F. Swaab have with enthusiasm taken on the responsibility of supervising the preparation of a third series, the first volumes of which were published in 2003. Now, more than 130 volumes after the first published, the Handbook of Clinical Neurology series continues to have an unparalleled reputation for providing the latest foundational research, diagnosis, and treatment protocols essential for both basic neuroscience research and clinical neurology.

The focus of this publication on Neuro-Otology in Neurologic Clinics is on the patient presenting for urgent or emergent care with a chief complaint of new, previously-undiagnosed dizziness or vertigo. Intent is to emphasize throughout the issue five primary components of initial diagnosis and management: (1) Epidemiology, differential diagnosis, and disease definitions; (2) Bedside clinical features that differentiate dangerous from benign causes; (3) Appropriate use of advanced diagnostic tests (including imaging, vestibular tests) and consultations; (4) Application of early treatments (manipulative, pharmacologic, rehabilitative); and (5) Acute disposition strategies, including determining need for admission and urgency of follow-up. Articles have a consistent architecture to highlight key points: 1) Case Scenario (with a representative case example; videos are presented with many of these); 2) Prevalence & Pathomechanisms; 3) Definitions & Diagnostic Criteria; 4) Bedside & Laboratory Diagnostic Tests; 5) Acute Treatment Options (including manipulative, pharmacologic, rehabilitative); and 6) Triage & Disposition (including referrals and follow-up). The articles are presented with four major parts: Overall approach to acute dizziness and vertigo; Episodic vertigo and dizziness; Acute, continuous vertigo and dizziness; and Case unknowns. Among the topics covered are: Bedside evaluation; Transient ischemic attacks; Vestibularl neuritis and labyrinthitis; Stroke; Novel approach to diagnosing the acutely dizzy patient. David Newman-Toker leads this publication with associate editors renown in their fields - Kevin Kerber, William J. Meurer, Rodney Omron, and Jonathan Edlow.

Dr. Brown provides a timely upate on the clinical diagnosis and management of Hepatic Encephalopathy. His issue addresses current hot topics including Role of NH4 in Pathogenesis of Hepatic Encephalopathy; How to diagnose and manage HE in fulminant hepatic failure; New methods of Brain Imaging and testing (eg PET) and Hepatic Encephalopathy; Management New agents for HE (focus on NH4 lowering drugs used in UCD); Legal responsibility of MD when he diagnoses HE; Diets in Encephalopathy; and Neurological manifestations of HE.

Essential Clinically Applied Anatomy of the Peripheral Nervous System in the Limbs is designed to combine the salient points of the anatomy of the PNS with typical pathologies affecting the nerves of the upper and lower limbs. The book is a quick reference guide for those studying and treating neuromuscular disease such as neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists, and clinical neurophysiologists. Readers will find easy-to-access facts about the anatomy of the nerves in the limbs, coupled with clinically applied scenarios relevant to that area being discussed, as well as clinical findings on examination. The book's purpose is to provide the reader with a succinct presentation of the relevant anatomy of the PNS in the limbs and how it is directly applicable to day-to-day clinical scenarios. It presents the reader with an easily accessible format to clinically applied PNS anatomy that is perfect for quick reference. Chapters review the nerves of the upper and lower limbs, and the origins, course, distribution and relevant pathologies affecting each. These pathologies present typical injuries to the nerves of the PNS, as well as clinical findings on examination and treatments.

Cerebrovascular disease results in huge health expenditures, multiple recurring physician visits, and a great number of surgical and non-surgical treatments along with research into causes and prevention. This issue addresses therapies, early therapies, diagnoses, and prevention. Topics include: Endovascular Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke; Acute Treatment of Blood Pressure after Ischemic Stroke and Intracerebral Hemorrhage; Diagnostic Evaluation for Non-traumatic Intracerebral Hemorrhage; Prevention of Recurrent Stroke in Patients with Patent Foramen Ovale; Management of Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis; Stenting or Endarterectomy for Patients with Symptomatic Carotid Stenosis; The Therapeutic Value of Laboratory Testing for Hypercoagulable States in Secondary Stroke Prevention; Diagnosis and Treatment of Carotid and Vertebral Artery Dissection; Recurrent Stroke while on Anti-platelet Therapy; Anti-platelet and Anti-coagulant Therapy after Intracerebral Hemorrhage; Diagnosis and Treatment of Isolated Central Nervous System Angiitis/Vasculitis; Statins for Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage; Expansion of IV-tPA eligibility beyond NINDS and ECASS III criteria; and Treatment of Unruptured Arteriovenous Malformations. William J Powers MD, renowned for his clinical work with Stroke and Research in Cerebral blood flow and metabolism, and stroke treatment and prevention, leads this issue of Neurologic Clinics, with authors renown in the field.

Neurocutaneous Syndromes provides the most updated and comprehensive resource on the disorders that lead to the growth of tumors in various parts of the body, those caused by the abnormal development of cells in an embryo and characterized by the presence of tumors in various parts of the body and eyes, including the nervous system, and by certain differences in the skin. The most common neurocutaneous syndromes include, neurofibromatosis, Sturge-Weber syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, ataxia-telangiectasia, and von Hippel-Lindau disease. Symptoms vary widely and while present early may not express until later in life. As molecular medicine and genetic science is continuing to impact our understanding of neurocutaneous syndromes, this book also includes the latest molecular and genetic science.

These are short stories that I have written going on this long lonely journey of being a caregiver taking care of my husband Chuck. Try to imagine in your mind as you read these stories what I was going through each day. The Lord also blessed me with writing stories of my journey and poetry that has expressed my feeling as you read them throughout this book. I pray as you read these stories they will give you some insight, understanding and hope of what it's like for your loved one to has this disease, "Alzheimer's," and to not know you after being with them for so many years.

Lipids are the most abundant organic compounds found in the brain, accounting for up to 50% of its dry weight. The brain lipidome includes several thousands of distinct biochemical structures whose expression may greatly vary according to age, gender, brain region, cell type, as well as subcellular localization. In synaptic membranes, brain lipids specifically interact with neurotransmitter receptors and control their activity. Moreover, brain lipids play a key role in the generation and neurotoxicity of amyloidogenic proteins involved in the pathophysiology of neurological diseases. The aim of this book is to provide for the first time a comprehensive overview of brain lipid structures, and to explain the roles of these lipids in synaptic function, and in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer s, Creutzfeldt-Jakob s and Parkinson s. To conclude the book, the authors present new ideas that can drive innovative therapeutic strategies based on the knowledge of the role of lipids in brain disorders.
*Written to provide a "hands-on" approach for readers
*Biochemical structures explained with molecular models, and molecular mechanisms explained with simple drawings
*Step-by-step guide to memorize and draw lipid structures
*Each chapter features a content summary, up-to-date references for additional study, and a key experiment with an explanation of the technique"

Twenty years ago, the idea that Alzheimer's disease (AD) involved any sort of inflammatory or immune component seemed implausible. Now, there are hundreds of laboratories world-wide that are pursuing basic research in this area, and multi-site clinical trials are underway. How this dramatic sea-change came about is made clear in this book, both through overviews of the field and through focused papers on specific topics of recent interest. Complement, cytokines and the complex host of other acute phase reactants are covered, as are summaries of many epidemiologic and clinical-pathological findings. Written by established investigators who have led neuroinflammatory research for two decades, this volume particularly emphasizes correlations between inflammatory phenomena in the brains of AD patients with findings of the "classic" approach, such as pathophysiologic effects of amyloid b peptide. The book documents and synthesizes earlier and recent findings in AD to help a broad range of scientists in gaining a broader and more comprehensive knowledge of the complexities AD presents. In addition, many of the concepts and results that have emerged from AD inflammation research may have implications for other neurologic disorders that involve inflammatory components, including multiple sclerosis and stroke.

This issue will cover chiari malformation in both children and adult populations. In the past, it was estimated that the condition occurs in about one in every 1,000 births. However, the increased use of diagnostic imaging has shown that CM may be much more common. Complicating this estimation is the fact that some children who are born with the condition may not show symptoms until adolescence or adulthood, if at all. CMs occur more often in women than in men and Type II malformations are more prevalent in certain groups, including people of Celtic descent.

Neurodevelopmental diseases affect three percent of children and the specific cause is difficult to determine in many cases. Genetic research uncovered many loss or gain of function mutations in genes that are associated with synaptic development and or remodeling. However, more an more data are accumulating regarding the importance in gene regulations in neurodevelopmental diseases. Thjis issue addresses many aspects of the genomics of neurodevelopmental diseases, including articles devoted to genomic variations of brain malformations; neuroimaging of brain development; update on autism evaluation and genetics; prader-willi and angelman syndromes; tuberous sclerosis complex; genetics of pediatric epilepsy; pediatric leukodystrophies; autoimmune encephalopathies; inherited neuropathies and motor neuron diseases; and muscular dystrophies and congenital myopathies.

This book presents an international research-based framework that has empowered parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to become critical decision makers to actively guide their child's learning and self-advocacy. Parents can use this framework to identify their child's vision and dreams, and to work with educators and service providers to establish specific learning goals and to implement effective interventions and programs that enable their child to achieve those goals and realise their vision for the future. The book begins by reviewing available research on evidence-based practice for children with ASD and outlining the Cycle of Learning decision-making framework for parents and professionals. Throughout the remainder of the book, case studies are presented to illustrate the ways in which different parents have successfully utilised this framework to develop effective plans for their child and to advocate for learning and education programs for both their child and other children with ASD in school and community settings. In addition, it highlights concrete examples of how parents have used the framework to empower their children with ASD to develop their self-awareness and self-determination, and to be able to self-advocate as they move through adolescence and into adult life.

This issue of Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice, edited by Dr. Paula Gregory, is devoted to Neurology. Articles in this issue include: Dementia; Guillain Barre Syndrome; Multiple Sclerosis; Migraine and Migraine Variants: Keys to Diagnosis and Management; Medication and Toxin-Induced Neurological Syndrome; Approach to the Patient with Parkinson's Disease; Neurootologic Disease: Presentation, Diagnosis, and Management; Epilepsy: Current Evidence-Based Paradigms for Diagnosis and Treatment; Vertigo and the Dizzy Patient; and Sports-related Traumatic Brain Injury.

The endocannabinoid system consists of cannabinoid receptors, their endogenous lipid ligands (endocannabinoids) and the enzymatic machinery for their synthesis and degradation. In the brain, endocannabinoids regulate ion channel activity and neurotransmitter release and thereby contribute to various aspects of brain function, including memory, reward and emotions. Their ability to modulate synaptic efficacy has a wide range of functional consequences and provides unique therapeutic possibilities. Unprecedented advances have been made in the understanding of the role of endocannabinoids in the regulation of the emotional brain over the past few years. However, a comprehensive book encompassing all these aspects is still lacking. The book will provide an overview of the role played by the endocannabinoid system in the regulation of emotional processes with particular emphasis on the modulation of memory and reward for emotionally arousing events and for the regulation of motivational aspects in cannabis use.

Silently orienting us to the world are traditions embedded in our language. These traditions shape how we understand the necessities and possibilities of life and truth. Dualism, a metaphysical theory, is such a tradition, and, in Keen's view, the separate discourses of science and morality create double meanings in our experience. Psychopharmacology is a critical intersection of these two worlds, where physical compounds are used to change mental life. Increasingly, the language of neurochemistry formulates that treatment. To control ennui with chemicals is to direct our attention away from what is wrong in our lives and to focus instead on what we can control easily, by taking a pill.

Mental life has become marginal in biologically reductionistic discourse. While the demystification of human consciousness is surely a cornerstone of modernity, in excess it indulges a world design where nothing is sacred and everything becomes just another phenomenon to which we owe nothing. Our practice of manipulating consciousness as an object surrenders the complex reflections of moral ambiguity and struggle. Following the example of our doctors, Keen asserts, we the population neglect what is wrong in our lives. Like the rest of nature, our minds become exploitable. And properties of consciousness become commodities sold by prescription in drug stores. A provocative analysis of psychopharmacology this will be of interest to treatment professionals, from psychologists, psychiatrists, and nurses to social workers, as well as the interested public.

This is the first book on the market that explores the importance of curcumin for the treatment of neurological disorders. It has been estimated that 35.6 million people globally had dementia in 2010 and the prevalence of dementia has been predicted to double every 20 years. Thus, 115.4 million people may be living with dementia in 2050. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia and is present in 60%-70% of people with dementia. Unless new discoveries are made in the prevention or treatment of AD, the number of cases in the US alone is estimated to increase threefold, to 13.2 million by the year 2050. Thus, it is important to focus on delaying and treating the onset of AD by curcumin may be an important step for controlling AD. Regular consumption of healthy diet containing curcumin enriched foods, moderate exercise, and regular sleep may produce beneficial effects not only on motor and cognitive functions, but also on memory deficits that occur to some extent during normal aging and to a large extent in AD. Delaying the onset and progression of AD and improving its symptoms by few years with regular consumption of curcumin may relieve some of the burden on health care systems. In service of this goal, this volume gives readers a comprehensive and cutting edge description of the importance of curcumin for the treatment of AD in cell culture and animal models in a manner that is useful not only to students and teachers but also to researchers, dietitians, nutritionists and physicians. It can be used as supplement text for a range of neuroscience and nutrition courses. Clinicians, neuroscientists, neurologists and pharmacologists will find this book useful for understanding molecular aspects of AD treatment by curcumin.