Cerebral preconditioning is a phenomenon wherein a mild insult or stress induces cellular and tissue adaptation or tolerance to a later, severe injury, therefore reflecting the efficacy of endogenous mechanisms of cerebrovascular protection. Initially identified for rapid cardiac protection, preconditioning has expanded to all aspects of CNS protection from ischemia, trauma and potentially neurodegeneration. Many different stimuli or stressors have been identified as preconditioning agents, suggesting a downstream convergence of mechanisms and underscoring the potential for translational application of preconditioning in the clinic. Moreover, the fundamental mechanisms responsible for preconditioning-induced tolerance will help in the design novel pharmacological approaches for neuroprotection. While stroke and many other brain injuries are not predictable, in some populations (e.g., metabolic syndrome, patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy, aneurysm clipping, or with recent TIAs) the risk for stroke is identifiable and significant, and preconditioning may represent a useful strategy for neuroprotection. For unpredictable injuries, post-conditioning the brain - or inducing endogenous protective mechanisms after the initial injury - can also abrogate the extent of injury. Finally, remote pre- and post-conditioning methods have been developed in animals, and are now being tested in clinical trials, wherein a brief, noninjurious stress to a noncerebral tissue (i.e., skeletal muscle) can provide protection to the CNS and thereby allows clinicians the opportunity to circumvent concerns regarding the direct preconditioning of neurological tissues.

CT, contrast CT, MRI, functional MRI, SPECT, CTA, and x-ray as tools to identify pathogens and diagnose intracranial infections are presented. Topics include: Epidemiology of Central Nervous System Infections; Imaging of Cranial Meningitis and Ventriculitis; Encephalitis, Cerebritis and Brain Abscess; Imaging of Central Nervous System Tuberculosis; Imaging of Rickettsial, Spirochetal, and Parasitic Infections; Imaging of Neurocysticercosis; Fungal Infections of the Central Nervous System; Central Nervous System Infections in the Pediatric Population; Imaging of Infectious Diseases of Spine; Neuropathological Findings in Intracranial Infections; Neurosurgical Approach to Infectious Disease of the Brain; Head and Neck Infections.

The cognitive and behavioral implications of sleep deprivation have been noted in the medical literature for many years. In addition, emerging research continues to demonstrate the contribution of sleep deprivation to some of the most common and costly health conditions today.

"Sleep Deprivation and Disease" provides clinically relevant scientific information to help clinicians, public health professionals, and researchers recognize the ramifications of sleep deprivation across a broad spectrum of health topics. This timely reference covers sleep physiology, experimental approaches to sleep deprivation and measurement of its consequences, as well as health and operational consequences of sleep deprivation. Clinical challenges and areas of uncertainty are also presented in order to encourage future advancements in sleep medicine and help patients avoid the outcomes associated with the myriad causes of sleep deprivation.

The Year Book of Neurology and Neurosurgery brings you abstracts of the articles that reported the year's breakthrough developments in neurology and neurosurgery, carefully selected from more than 500 journals worldwide. Expert commentaries evaluate the clinical importance of each article and discuss its application to your practice. There's no faster or easier way to stay informed Readers will find information on a range of topics, including Movement Disorders, Infectious Diseases of the Nervous System, Neoplastic Disease, Pediatric Neurology and Neurosurgery, Cerebrovascular, Neuro-oncology, and Spine.? The Year Book of Neurology and Neurosurgery is published annually in June.

Dr. Temple Grandin discusses the real issues that parents, teachers, and kids face every day. Here is a concise handbook that illustrates what Temple has found to work in the field of education. Topics include: The importance of early intervention Teaching for different types of thinking< Developing talent Motivating students Keeping high expectations And much more! In these helpful pages, Dr. Grandin offers do’s and don’ts, practical strategies, and try-it-now tips, all based on her insider perspective and extensive research. Interestingly, she argues that education for kids on the autism spectrum must focus on their overlooked strengths to foster their unique contributions to the world.

The application of optical methods for investigating neocortical circuit dynamics has greatly expanded in recent years, providing novel insights into the fascinating world of brain function. Optical Imaging of Neocortical Dynamics presents a guide to these indispensible tools, which cover a broad range of spatiotemporal scales and a large variety of signaling aspects, ranging from voltage changes to metabolic states. This detailed volume specifically explores methods that are applied in experiments on living brains (in vivo) and that relate to functional properties on the spatial scale of cortical circuits. Beginning with an introductory section that focuses on physical fundamentals of optical imaging as well as molecular tools used for in vivo optical imaging and optogenetic control, the book continues with the most relevant methods and their applications to investigate changes in neuronal and glial activity states as well as optical imaging methods probing metabolic states. Written for the Neuromethods series, this volume contains the kind of detail and key implementation advice that ensures successful results in the lab. Practical and easy to use, Optical Imaging of Neocortical Dynamics serves as an ideal guide for researchers who aim to apply these highly valuable tools to their own neuroscientific studies.

Offers information on diagnosis, treatment, research, nursing care, physical therapy, and psychiatric problems for families and caregivers.

Epilepsy, Part I, "Basic Principles and Diagnosis," Volume 107, in the"Handbook of Clinical Neurology"series offers a comprehensive review of our knowledge of the field today, including epidemiology, basic mechanisms, animal models, and topics of increasing interest such as the role of inflammation in epilepsy. It provides a comprehensive approach to description of the clinical, electrographic and imaging aspects of the epilepsies, with a clear outline of contemporary classification and the role of modern diagnostic techniques, as well as neuropsychological and psychiatric aspects of epilepsy. Chapters are authored by internationally respected neurologists with varied perspectives insuring depth to the content. "Epilepsy, Part II," "Treatment, " Volume 108, continues coverage of epilepsy with a focus on treatment. The volumes will be a very important resource for basic scientists, clinical investigators, and all health professionals treating patients with epilepsy.
*A volume in the Handbook of Clinical Neurology series, which has an unparalleled reputation as the world's most comprehensive source of information in neurology.
*International list of contributors including the leading workers in the field.
*Describes the advances which have occurred in clinical neurology and the neurosciences, their impact on the understanding of neurological disorders and on patient care."

Epilepsy, Part II, "Treatment, " Volume 108, provides a full description of epilepsy pathology and etiology, antiepileptic drug treatment, the approach to surgical evaluation and alternative procedures to be considered, in both children and adults, as well as brain stimulation and diet treatment. Economic and psychosocial issues such as stigma are fully covered. The special problems of epilepsy treatment in the developing world are described. Chapters are authored by internationally respected neurologists with varied perspectives insuring depth to the content. "Epilepsy, Part I," "Basic Principles and Diagnosis," Volume 107, establishes the scientific and practical diagnosis of epilepsy. The volumes will be a very important resource for basic scientists, clinical investigators, and all health professionals treating patients with epilepsy.
*A volume in the Handbook of Clinical Neurology series, which has an unparalleled reputation as the world's most comprehensive source of information in neurology.
*International list of contributors including the leading workers in the field.
*Describes the advances which have occurred in clinical neurology and the neurosciences, their impact on the understanding of neurological disorders and on patient care.

Gap junctions between glial cells or neurons are ubiquitously expressed in the mammalian brain and play a role in brain development including cell differentiation, cell migration and survival, and tissue homeostasis, as well as in human diseases including hearing loss, neuropathies, epilepsy, brain trauma, and cardiovascular disease. This volume provides neuroscience researchers and students with a single source for information covering the physiological, behavioral and pathophysiological roles of gap junctions in the brain. In addition, the book also discusses human disease conditions associated with mutations in single gap junction connexion genes, making it applicable to clinicians doing translational research. Finally, it includes reviews of pharmacological studies with gap junction blockers and openers, summarizing information obtained from phenotyping gap junctions mouse mutants.

Serves as the most current and comprehensive reference available covering the physiological, behavioral and pathophysiological roles of gap junctions in the brain.

Chapters summarize knowledge of the basic physiology of gap junctions in the brain, as well as of human disease conditions associated with mutations in single gap junction connexin genes.

Includes reviews of pharmacological studies with gap junction blockers and openers, summarizing information obtained from phenotyping gap junctions mouse mutants.

A very hot topic at the 2010 AASLD meeting, hepatic encephalopathy is being brought to the Clinics in Liver Disease for the very first time by top experts, Dr. Mullen and Dr. Prakash. Authors have written articles that fully discuss the clinical aspects of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Articles presented include History, Nomenclature and Classification; Theories involved in the pathogenesis of HE; Clinical Assessment and utility of clinical scales for semi-quantification of Overt HE;? Assessment of Minimal HE
( with emphasis on computerized psychometric tests); Brain Imaging and HE; Management of Overt HE; Management of Minimal HE; Nutritional Interventions for HE; TIPS and HE; Liver Transplantation and Reversibility of HE; Minimal HE and Driving; and HE and Quality of Life.

Dementia is a massive and increasing global problem, with the current prevalence anticipated to double every 20 years as people live longer. Neuroimaging in dementia is recommended by most clinical guidelines and its role has traditionally been to exclude a mass lesion, rather than to support a specific diagnosis. All radiologists will be aware of a steady rise in the number of requests for brain imaging in old people, but what can imaging reliably tell us and what kind of imaging should we use? In affluent societies we now have a range of structural and molecular brain imaging techniques at our disposal, with specific ligands and sophisticated image analysis techniques now available for clinical use. However, we have difficulty justifying which patients to scan, using which modality and when. We know that Alzheimer's disease is the most common neuropathology contributing to a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease but we also know from large post-mortem studies that most brain pathology in those who have died with a diagnosis of dementia is mixed. Thus understanding different diseases that can cause dementia, how these co-exist or interact and appreciating that not all dementia is Alzheimer's disease is important.? Equally important is awareness of individual differences in response to a neuropathological burden and what factors provide resilience against dementia that might be maximized to reduce or postpone its impact. This issue draws together contributions from experts in their fields to provide clarity to the topic in a comprehensive collection of articles.

Topics include: Pediatric Stroke; Stroke Mimics; Intracranial Hemorrhage; Transient Ischemic Attack; Intensive Care Management of Acute Ischemic Stroke; Endovascular and Neurosurgical Management of Acute Ischemic Stroke; Intravenous Thrombolysis in Acute Ischemic Stroke; Vertigo, Vertebrobasilar Disease and Posterior Circulation Ischemic Stroke; and Neuroimaging in Acute Stroke.

An especially important issue during these uncertain times, this collection of articles examines Neuroimaging from an economic perspective, with articles that discuss leadership, "turf battles?, strategic planning in the face of declining reimbursement, and the impact of teleradiology and telemedicine in cutting costs and improving access.? Medicolegal issues are addressed, as is evidence-based medicine and effective utilization.? Performance measures and conflict of interest are reviewed, among many other topics.

This volume covers what is known regarding the natural history, basic biology, and clinical aspects, including imaging and treatment, of CNS metastasis. Three chapters cover the biology of the brain and brain metastases: molecular biology, includes what is known about specific genes/proteins involved in the process of metastasis and model systems to study brain metastasis; brain microenvironment, focuses on the resident cells of the microenvironment and their role in CNS metastasis; and the blood- brain barrier, includes a discussion of permeability with respect to brain metastases. A discussion of experimental imaging covers both the biology of brain metastasis from an imaging perspective and the use of imaging techniques to study brain metastases. The three clinical chapters discuss treatment options of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. The potential for novel targeted therapies is also addressed. Because of the uniqueness of the disease, leptomeningeal metastasis is discussed separately. The last chapter is devoted to quality of life issues associated with CNS metastasis.

Neurologic illness in pregnant women requires special consideration on the part of the neurologist. These disorders can impact pregnancy in distinct ways, and their therapies must often be modified to protect the health of the mother and fetus. This issue of Neurologic Clinics features 11 articles on the interaction of the main neurologic disorders and pregnancy.

This compendium provides a wide view covering everything from molecular mechanisms and risk factors for neurological disorders to the effects of bariatric surgery on brain function and functional neuroimaging applied to obesity research. The impact of obesity on brain function and the development of neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory disorders has been understudied, despite the recent proliferation of obesity research. Among the topics covered are adipose biology, the adipose tissue - gut - brain axis, brain energy metabolism, dementia, cerebrovascular disease, and multiple sclerosis.

This text presents difficult management issues surrounding women with epilepsy in a unique format. The Editors provide several controversial cases in adolescence, pre-conception, pregnancy and menopause with invited experts offering their differing opinions. The Editors compare the clinical approaches and build a consensus based on the best available evidence. Professionals charged with managing this challenging patient group will be given insights on providing the best possible care based on current available data and expert opinion.

Data compiled by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention indicates an alarming and continuing increase in the prevalence of autism. Despite intensive research during the last few decades, autism remains a behavioral defined syndrome wherein diagnostic criteria lack in construct validity. And, contrary to other conditions like diabetes and hypertension, there are no biomarkers for autism. However, new imaging methods are changing the way we think about autism, bringing us closer to a falsifiable definition for the condition, identifying affected individuals earlier in life, and recognizing different subtypes of autism. The imaging modalities discussed in this book emphasize the power of new technology to uncover important clues about the condition with the hope of developing effective interventions. Imaging the Brain in Autism was created to examine autism from a unique perspective that would emphasize results from different imaging technologies. These techniques show brain abnormalities in a significant percentage of patients, abnormalities that translate into aberrant functioning and significant clinical symptomatology. It is our hope that this newfound understanding will make the field work collaborative and provide a path that minimizes technical impediments.

Topics include: Neoplastic Meningitis and Epidural Metastases: Evaluation and Management; Management of Brain Metastases: Surgery, Radiation, or Both?; Meningiomas/Nerve Sheath Tumors/Pituitary Tumors: Diagnosis and Treatment; Medulloblastoma/Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor and Germ Cell Tumors: The Uncommon but Potentially Curable Primary Brain Tumors; Primary CNS Lymphoma: Overview of Current Treatment Strategies; Anaplastic Gliomas: Radiation, Chemotherapy, or Both?; Low Grade Gliomas: When and How to Treat?; Glioblastoma Multiforme: Overview of Current Treatment and Future Perspectives.

Whether caused by illness, accident, or incident, brain injury requires multi-tiered resources for the patient and considerable external care and support. When recovery is sidelined by depression, anger, grief, or turmoil, family members and the support network have critical roles to play and need their own guidance and compassionate therapeutic interventions. Psychotherapy for Families after Brain Injury offers theoretical frameworks and eclectic techniques for working effectively with adult patients and their families at the initial, active and post-treatment phases of rehabilitation. This practical reference clarifies roles and relationships of the support network in interfacing with the loved one and addresses the understandably devastating and sometimes derailing emotions and psychosocial adversities. The content promotes psychoeducation and guided exercises, delineates "helpful hints" and coping tools and proffers multimedia resources to overcome hurdles. Constructs of awareness, acceptance and realism for all parties are woven throughout, along with ideas to enhance the support network's commitment, adjustment, positivity, hope and longevity. Case excerpts, instructive quotes from caregivers and nuggets of clinical advice assist in analyzing these and other topics in salient detail: The impact of brain injury on different family members. Treatment themes in early family sessions. Family therapy for moderate to severe brain injury, concussion and postconcussion syndrome. Family therapy after organic brain injury: stroke, anoxia, tumor, seizure disorders. Family group treatment during active rehabilitation. End-of-life and existential considerations and positive aspects of care giving. Aftercare group therapy for long-term needs. The hands-on approach demonstrated in Psychotherapy for Families after Brain Injury will enhance the demanding work of a range of professionals, including neuropsychologists, clinical psychologists, rehabilitation psychologists, family therapists, marriage and family counselors, psychiatrists, behavioral/mental health counselors, clinical social workers, rehabilitation specialists such as speech-language pathologists, physical and occupational therapists, and graduate students in the helping professions.

Rapidly growing knowledge in systems neuroscience may contribute to expand the range of activities in persons with disabilities, but in its practical application, cooperation between experts in different research fields is necessary. In this conference, the guest speakers and audiences will be from wide range of research fields; e.g., systems-neuroscience, neurology, engineering, psychology, and the attendees will discuss the possibilities.