No other neurological condition allows the same opportunities for an intracranial electrophysiological study of the human brain as epilepsy does. Epileptic surgery is designed to remove the epileptic focus from the human brain, thereby effecting either cure or substantial reduction of seizures in an individual with an otherwise intractable condition. Its use as a treatment modality dates from the late 19th century, and it has become a widely used treatment option throughout the world in the last 20-30 years. The complexity of epilepsy cases in surgical centres, and the need for invasive electrode studies for pre-surgical evaluation, are both greatly increasing. Invasive Studies of the Human Epileptic Brain is the definitive reference text on the use of invasive electroencephalographic (EEG) diagnostic studies in human epilepsy. Written by some of the most renowned epilepsy experts of the 20th and 21st centuries, the authors provide their expertise and insights into the identification and mapping of intracranial epileptiform and non-epileptiform activity, mapping of the human brain function, and approaches in the use of invasive electroencephalography in a variety of clinical situations. The book is organized into an easily readable series of chapters and is brilliantly illustrated with case studies; each providing an intuitively comprehensive approach to invasive brain studies.

THE SUNDAY TIMES NUMBER ONE BESTSELLER 'A vital book about dying. Awe-inspiring and exquisite. Obligatory reading for the living' Nigella Lawson At the age of thirty-six, on the verge of completing a decade's training as a neurosurgeon, Paul Kalanithi was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer. One day he was a doctor treating the dying, the next he was a patient struggling to live. When Breath Becomes Air chronicles Kalanithi's transformation from a medical student asking what makes a virtuous and meaningful life into a neurosurgeon working in the core of human identity - the brain - and finally into a patient and a new father. What makes life worth living in the face of death? What do you do when when life is catastrophically interrupted? What does it mean to have a child as your own life fades away? Paul Kalanithi died while working on this profoundly moving book, yet his words live on as a guide to us all. When Breath Becomes Air is a life-affirming reflection on facing our mortality and on the relationship between doctor and patient, from a gifted writer who became both. SHORTLISTED FOR THE WELLCOME BOOK PRIZE 2017

This book addresses wound care in vascular surgery, neurosurgery and lower extremity ulcers, while also providing detailed information on the latest concepts in antimicrobial therapy. The book presents essential content on the assessment, care, measurement and repair of wounds, and describes important scientific aspects as well as current clinical techniques. Due to the various topics covered, the book offers a valuable resource not only for plastic surgeons, but also for neurosurgeons, vascular surgeons and all clinicians who are interested in learning about current antimicrobial agents and their use.

Founded by four Swiss surgeons in 1958, AO Spine is a premier knowledge provider in spine surgery and at the forefront of education and research. Endorsed by AO Spine, this book is a comprehensive guide to the management of spinal disorders. Beginning with a general overview of the spine and its physiology and biomechanics, the next section extensively covers the paediatric spine and associated disorders. The following sections discuss conditions found in the different anatomical sections of the spine - cervical, thoracic and lumbosacral - and their history, physical examination, diagnosis and surgical and non-operative management techniques. The final part of the book explores future trends in spine surgery. Authored by leading US-based neuro and orthopaedic surgeons, this textbook is highly illustrated with more than 650 surgical images, diagrams and tables. Key points Comprehensive guide to surgical and non-operative management of spinal disorders Endorsed by AO Spine committee Covers diagnosis and treatment of numerous conditions in each section of the spine Highly experienced and renowned, US-based author team

This book covers the explosion of new information about the relationship between the brain and its blood supply since the first edition was published in 2009. With new knowledge and its impact on clinical care, neurovascular neuropsychology has become a recognized sub-specialty that has been integrated into health care systems in the US and abroad. The second edition brings to this larger audience the latest word on these matters, with new emphasis on women's issues, relevance to the pediatric population, insights from modern imaging, and advances in medical and surgical treatments such as heart transplantation, cardiovascular transarterial therapies, and noninvasive brain stimulation in connection with neurocognitive outcomes.

In reflecting upon my life as a neurosurgeon, perhaps the most salient feature is that period of history involved. Trained by men who studied under Harvey Cushing, considered the father of neurological surgery, we, as early third-generation neurosurgeons, were held to those rigid standards of academic achievement and physical endurance typical of that time. The reader first identifies with the young child who dreams of becoming a doctor, and then sets out on that long path. He then re-lives the experiences of the student of medicine, and later the rigorous demands placed upon the surgeon-in-training. During the later descriptions of the private practice of brain and spinal surgery, the book transitions into an educational experience. It presents to the reader a multitude of neurological disorders requiring surgical treatment, the relevant surgical anatomy and the operative techniques involved. Often interjected are the intangibles of surgical judgment and philosophy when confronting those in pain or critically ill. Of equal importance were the major scientific advancements which occurred during that period of medical history. No longer did we have to bore a hole in the skull, or inject noxious materials into the head or spinal canal to verify a diagnosis. Rather, we had been privileged to enjoy the development of such remarkable machines as the ultrasound, CAT, and MRI. Descriptions of these devices, among others, and their impact on medical practice should prove interesting to the inquisitive reader. After 21 years in practice, and probably at the height of my career as a surgeon, I contracted hepatitis B subsequent to an accidental needle puncture in the operating room. Forced to lay down the scalpel, I turned to my second childhood dream, cattle ranching, as an alternative vocation. This then becomes a secondary focus of the book. A medical colleague, after learning of my book, expressed an interest in learning the common denominator driving a man to both neurosurgery and ranching. One can summarize with the word, "counterpoise." I had always strived to achieve a balance between the in-hospital, academic, precision-oriented work of the neurosurgeon and the outdoor, physically-demanding life of a rancher consummating the total American dream. Analogous to surgery I have always enjoyed using my hands in the shop. Throughout the book sections have been devoted to various aspects of woodworking, and an effort not only to share my enthusiasm but also to expose underlying problems and pitfalls; challenges I have encountered in striving to become an artisan of fine furniture. The practice of medicine has undergone significant change during my lifetime. Not only have I witnessed a burgeoning, unsustainable increase in the cost of healthcare, but also major changes in the way in which medicine is being practiced in the new millennium. Having been a proud product of the "Lucky Few" generation, born between the years 1929 and 1945, I am rightfully able to compare today's practice of medicine with those of the latter half of the 20th century.

This book describes and illustrates an approach to surgery for spinal cord tumors that is based on a refined concept of anatomic compartmentalization. The aim of this approach is to enable maximum preservation of spinal cord function through confinement of the surgical work to the involved compartment or compartments. Importantly, this involvement differs according to tumor type, and the classification favored by the author takes this fully into account. After introductory chapters on epidemiology and pathology, the anatomy of the spinal cord relevant to surgery for spinal cord tumors is discussed in detail and the proposed classification is clearly explained. The surgical approach to each of the identified anatomic compartments is then described, with attention to the roles of intraoperative mapping techniques, diffusion tensor imaging, and electrophysiologic studies in ensuring that spinal cord functions are spared. Examples of the author's experience when applying the proposed approach are presented. The book is meant for neurosurgeons at all levels of experience.

Developed over the past 25 years, Cortical Brain Stimulation has emerged as a brand new, cutting-edge option for the treatment of intractable neurological and psychiatric disorders. Devoid of the mortality and disabling morbidity that may accompany deep brain stimulation, stimulating the cortex with a minimally invasive surgical approach had initially proved its worth for the treatment of Central and other Neuropathic Pain Syndromes and later for Parkinson Disease, Dystonia, Stroke and Coma rehabilitation, Epilepsy, Depression and Tinnitus. Written by many of the pioneers in the field, this authoritative treatise is a comprehensive presentation - from surgical details, to clinical results and mechanisms of action. It also provides the busy clinician with comparisons with non-invasive cortical stimulation techniques, such as TMS and tDCS. No other book deals with this form of brain stimulation. The clinician will harness the power of this formidable new therapeutic option, which is being further refined with the advent of closed-loop stimulation. Dr Canavero deciphered the genesis of the central pain syndromes, introduced extradural cortical stimulation for Parkinson Disease and the vegetative state and co-introduced extradural cortical stimulation for stroke rehabilitation. He made worldwide news in 2008 for partially restoring consciousness in two vegetative patients, in 2013 for proposing the HEAVEN/GEMINI protocol for human head transplantation and in 2014 for pushing brain stimulation in the setting of criminal psychopathy. His books include: Central Pain Syndrome, Cambridge Univ. Press, 2011 (2nd ed.), Textbook of therapeutic cortical stimulation, Nova Sci, 2009 and two books in Italian on human sexual behavior.

The study of visual development has proceeded at a rapid pace in recent years, and there have been theoretical and methodological innovations across a wide range of disciplines. This book brings together some of the most recent innovations from a neurobiological perspective. Chapters cover the pre- to postnatal development of vision, new insights into the concept of critical periods, object and face recognition, as well as dynamic perception and visual recognition memory in infants. The volume finishes with a detailed overview of the development of visual functions from the perspective of neural network modeling.

This book will appeal to psychologists, visual scientists and infancy researchers with an interest in development of the visaul system from a multidisciplinary perspective. An integrative introduction is followed by chapters that challenge thinking about development in terms of a nativist-empiricist dichotomy. Emphasis is on cross-disciplinary research links and between chapters readers will find cross-references.

Problem Based Neurosurgery is a remarkable fusion of recent advances in neuro-imaging and neurosurgery with modern teaching of integrated system based curricula. It approaches each problem systematically from history, and physical examination to differential diagnosis, investigations and management options. The book captures four decades of advances and experiences in diagnosis and management of patients. The problems upon which the book is based are real patients and cover all aspects of neurosurgical practice with up to date modern images. The blend of new scientific discoveries, modern imaging and the art of smart history and physical examinations underpins the book to improve diagnosis, investigation and the care of neurosurgical patients.The main thrust of this book is that it is based on clinical problems faced by fellows, residents and students, rather than traditional topic based. Problem based learning and management is the modern method of teaching in the new curriculum of teaching neurosurgery. It is a practical handbook that will help students, residents and community doctors alike. There is no similar book on the market that fulfills the objectives of this handbook.

This book fills the gap between the increasing demand for epilepsy surgical experience and limited training facilities in this area. It comprehensively describes surgical techniques, including tricks and pitfalls, based on the author's 30 years of experience, providing optimal and effective training for young neurosurgeons by avoiding learning by trial and error. Moreover, it also includes useful information for epileptologists and other professionals involved in the epilepsy surgical program to allow them to gain a better understanding of possibilities and limitations of epilepsy surgery.

Surgical Techniques in Epilepsy Surgery presents the operative procedures used in the treatment of intractable epilepsy in a practical, clinically relevant manner. Founded by pioneering neurosurgeon Wilder Penfield, the Montreal Neurological Institute (MNI) is a leading global centre of epilepsy surgery and this volume reflects the Institute's approach, combining traditional techniques with modern neuronavigation based approaches. There is an emphasis on mastering the important trilogy of topographic, vascular and functional anatomy of the brain. The basic anatomical and physiological mechanisms underlying epilepsy are presented in a practical manner, along with the clinical seizure evaluation that leads to a surgical hypothesis. The consultation skills and investigations necessary for appropriate patient selection are discussed, as well as pitfalls and the avoidance of complications. This is an invaluable resource not only for neurosurgeons, neurosurgical residents and fellows in epilepsy surgery, but also for neurologists, and others who provide medical care for patients with intractable epilepsy.

THE SUNDAY TIMES NUMBER ONE BESTSELLER

‘A vital book about dying. Awe-inspiring and exquisite. Obligatory reading for the living’ Nigella Lawson

At the age of thirty-six, on the verge of completing a decade’s training as a neurosurgeon, Paul Kalanithi was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer. One day he was a doctor treating the dying, the next he was a patient struggling to live.

When Breath Becomes Air chronicles Kalanithi’s transformation from a medical student asking what makes a virtuous and meaningful life into a neurosurgeon working in the core of human identity – the brain – and finally into a patient and a new father.

What makes life worth living in the face of death? What do you do when when life is catastrophically interrupted? What does it mean to have a child as your own life fades away?

Paul Kalanithi died while working on this profoundly moving book, yet his words live on as a guide to us all. When Breath Becomes Air is a life-affirming reflection on facing our mortality and on the relationship between doctor and patient, from a gifted writer who became both.

SHORTLISTED FOR THE WELLCOME BOOK PRIZE 2017

This book provides a comprehensive, rigorous review of the long-term outcome literature in epilepsy surgery in both adults and children. Each chapter examines the long-term outcome literature in a separate domain; covering seizure control, social, vocational/educational and psychiatric outcomes. Behavior and cognition are also discussed. The clinical predictors of good and bad outcomes in each domain are described and the gaps in current knowledge are highlighted. Separate chapters examine the methodological challenges associated with long-term outcome studies and the special considerations associated with informed consent in this population. Long-Term Outcomes of Epilepsy Surgery in Adults and Children is essential reading for all members of multidisciplinary epilepsy surgery teams, including neurosurgeons, neurologists and neuropsychologists; it will enable these teams to counsel patients and parents who are considering epilepsy surgery as a therapeutic option.

Endovascular neurosurgery is a recently introduced but rapidly evolving medical field, which uses minimally invasive interventions to treat major life-threatening vascular lesions of the Central Nervous System. Although its history counts less than 15 years of worldwide acceptance, it has rapidly displaced the traditional open neurosurgical techniques, being nowadays the first treatment choice for brain aneurysms and vascular malformations. Thus, the experience of each neuroendovascular center and performer is invaluable, offering the base for learning and teaching the new generation of interventionalists as well as for the evolvement of the method itself. This book presents the basic principles of endovascular neurosurgery starting from clinical cases. Through this close-to-clinical-reality-process, the reader will be able to more thoroughly understand the pathophysiology of the brain and spine vascular lesions as well as the decision-making strategy, related to the indications, endovascular methods and results, finding suggestions and solutions to his/her clinical questions and problems. Besides chapters devoted to CNS vascular embryology and anatomy, clinical cases organized in groups based on the treated lesions are introduced: ruptured and unruptured cerebral aneurysms of the anterior and posterior circulation, side-wall and bifurcation aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVM), dural arteriovenous fistulae (dAVF), arterial stenosis and angioplasty as well as spinal vascular lesions. A separate chapter is devoted to the organization and necessary equipment of the angio room and the department offering neuroendovascular service. This volume will be of interest to neurosurgeons, interventional neuroradiologists, vascular surgeons, neurologists and ICU physicians as well as health care providers who are involved in the diagnosis and management of the vascular lesions of the brain and spine.

Dating Neurological Injury: A Forensic Guide for Radiologists, Other Expert Medical Witnesses, and Attorneys presents a unique way to approach the dating of neurological injury as imaged by modern computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR) and ultrasound (US). Chapters are presented in a logical progression beginning with the general appearance of normal brain and progressing to the way abnormalities manifest themselves. The emphasis in these discussions is on the appearance of edema and of hemorrhage, as these two findings are the brain's most common response to injury. This volume presents in a systematic fashion the principles involved in the interpretation of images of the central nervous system specifically in a medical-legal setting where concern exists about the occurrence and timing of an injury. Dating Neurological Injury: A Forensic Guide for Radiologists, Other Expert Medical Witnesses, and Attorneys is a welcome addition to institutional, medical, and legal libraries, and to the personal libraries of malpractice defense and plaintiff lawyers and physicians in the neurosciences (neurosurgery, neurology, neuropathology, and neuroradiology) involved in medical-legal issues.

Accurate interpretation of indications for treatment is the cornerstone of success in medicine. This book carefully examines the relation between clinical features, diagnosis, and choice of minimally invasive technique for a range of spine pathologies. It explains how selection of technique is intimately related to clinical and diagnostic aspects and how recognition of this relation forms the foundation for an optimal outcome. In addition to examining the various minimally invasive options, including the latest techniques, careful attention is paid to the role of medical treatment in avoiding recurrence after initial therapy. Nerve blocks, epidural injections, and intradiscal procedures are among the many options available in the armamentarium of the interventionalist, and advice is given on their use in different contexts. This volume will be of great value for neuroradiologists and others responsible for treating patients with spine disorders.