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.

Tourette syndrome (TS) is finally recognized as a common neurodevelopmental disorder, and has gained increasingly high social awareness and scientific interest worldwide. Knowledge of its clinical presentation, mechanisms of disease, and available treatment approaches has increased remarkably over the last decade. Likewise, the way clinicians, teachers, social care workers and families face the problems manifested by patients with TS is rapidly evolving. Tourette Syndrome, edited by Davide Martino and James F. Leckman, offers a unique opportunity to capture this interesting momentum through a comprehensive and up-to-date overview. Tourette Syndrome covers all of the main aspects related to TS, analyzing the complexity of its clinical presentation, the novel viewpoints of causes and mechanisms, the best way to assess TS patients, and the multifaceted and multidisciplinary treatment options. The multidisciplinary and up-to-date content is the main asset of this volume, which represents a useful source of consultation for a wide audience of professionals, all of whom will have access to what is known so far on TS within their particular area of expertise, at the same time being able to expand and update their knowledge in other areas. Medical and PhD students, as well as post-doctoral scientists, will be able to use the volume as a valuable learning source. Also, questions for future research are clearly presented in the volume, providing a summary of the viewpoint of the contributing authors upon where research on TS should be heading. Finally, clinicians and other health professionals will have access at a glance to the main patients' associations and organizations dedicated to TS worldwide, which can facilitate the direct contact with patients.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 field of interventional neuroradiology has expanded greatly in recent years, shifting emphasis onto neuroendovascular methods that, increasingly, have become the standard in modern treatment. This shift has placed a demand on hospitals to provide a standard of care for which many busy clinicians have not been trained. Dr. Pearse Morris has written a timely and comprehensive reference for those who are interested in expanding their knowledge of neuroendovascular procedures, but have not had a specialized neuroradiology fellowship. The emphasis throughout is on patient safety and the outcome of various treatments. Topics covered in this volume include: Platelets and coagulation basic techniques, devices, and arterioty closure aneurysms extracranial angioplasty and stenting endovascular treatment of vasospasm dural arteriovenous malformations carotid cavernous fistulas balloon test occlusion and post-occlusion patient care spine and vertebroplasty tumor embolization thrombolysis and treatment of acute stroke venous thrombotic disease arteriovenous malformations of the brain Neuroradiologists, neurosurgeons, and neurologists will find this reference a much needed and practical asset to both their education and updating their practices.

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.

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

Integrated Neuroscience argues that in order to make an intelligent diagnosis and provide a rational treatment nervous system disorders, it is necessary to answer the basic questions of clinical neurology. Where is the disease process located, and what is the nature of the disease process? For students to answer these questions, the authors first review the makeup of the cells within the central nervous system and the development of the regions within the central nervous system. A detailed anatomical overview of the nervous system, starting at the spinal cord, proceeding to the brain stem, diencephalon and cerebrum follows. This textbook focuses not only on localized diseases caused by infectious diseases, trauma, tumors, and vascular lesions within the central nervous system, but also these diseases within the systems of the brain and spinal cord. Over 250 real cases with associated MRI or CTs and any pathological findings from these patients illustrate numerous disorders and fully explain the nature of the pathology. The authors have also included six problem solving sessions in which the student must identify the ongoing disease process, what caused it, and how best to treat it. Throughout the discussion in this text the authors also correlate the neurological findings to the underlying anatomy of the region.

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.