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 issue of Neurosurgery Clinics, guest edited by Dr. Nathaniel P. Brooks and Dr. Michael Y. Wang, is devoted to New Technologies in Spine Surgery. Articles in this issue include: Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy, Endoscopic Cervical Foraminotomy, Endoscopic Lumbar Interbody Fusion, Endoscopic Lumbar Decompression, Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion, Retropleural Thoracic Approach, Novel Intervertebral Technologies, Surface Technologies for Fusion, Cell derived/Stem Cell Technologies for Fusion, Disk Replacement, Enhanced Recovery in Spine Surgery/Perioperative pain management, Imaging Technologies, Robotic Instrumentation Placement, Minimally Invasive Deformity Advances, Tissue Engineering/Regenerative Treatments, Minimally Invasive Tumor Ablation, and more.

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.

This issue of Neurosurgery Clinics, guest edited by Drs. Wendell B. Lake, Ashwini D. Sharan, and Chengyuan Wu, will focus on Neuromodulation. Topics include, but are not limited to, Deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease, Deep Brain Stimulation for Essential Tremor, Deep Brain Stimulation for Dystonia, Spinal Cord Stimulation, Baclofen Pumps for Spasticity and Secondary Dystonia, Occipital Nerve Stimulation, Vagal Nerve Stimulation for the treatment of Epilepsy, Responsive Neurostimulation for the treatment of Epilepsy, Emerging Indications for Deep Brain Stimulation, Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for Pain, Brain computer interface.

Neurosurgical Neuropsychology: The Practical Application of Neuropsychology in the Neurosurgical Practice comprehensively explains the use of neuropsychology in neurosurgical settings. The book covers various preoperative techniques that may benefit neurosurgeons, such as functional neuroimaging (fMRI, SPECT, MEG) for presurgical cognitive mapping, as well as more traditional methods to predict outcomes after surgery, including neurocognitive testing and the Wada procedure. The book's editors discuss why neuropsychologists add considerable value to the neurosurgical team. A wide range of patient populations are covered, ranging from Deep Brain Stimulation candidates for Parkinson's disease, to adult and pediatric epilepsy candidates and neuro-oncology cases. This book is ideal for neurosurgeons, neuropsychologists, neuro-oncologists, epileptologists, general neurologists, and others who want to know more about the use of neuropsychology as a tool in the presurgical and postoperative phases of neurosurgery.

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.

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.

Functional Neurosurgery and Neuromodulation provides comprehensive coverage of this emerging, minimally invasive area of health care. Recent advances in these areas have proven effective for pain relief, memory loss, addiction, and much more. This practical resource by Drs. Kim J. Burchiel and Ahmed Raslan brings you up to date with what's new in the field and how it can benefit your patients. Offers expert guidance on functional neurosurgery and neuromodulation, lists of requirements, and the instruments needed to perform these procedures. Answers practical questions such as "What do I need when performing a thermal procedure?", "What do I need to bear in mind when assembling a device?", and "What do I need to remember with regards to voltages, electrodes, percutaneous leads, RF generators, imaging, and micro instruments?" Consolidates today's available information and guidance in this timely area into one convenient resource.

This issue of Neurosurgery Clinics, edited by Dr. Michael G. Fehlings and Dr. Junichi Mizuno, focuses on Cervical Myelopathy. Topics include, but are not limited to, Epidemiology and overview of the clinical spectrum of degenerative cervical myelopathy; Pathobiology of degenerative cervical myelopathy; Natural history of degenerative cervical myelopathy; Imaging evaluation of degenerative cervical myelopathy: current state of the art and future directions; Pathophysiology of CPPD and OYL(OLF); Radiological evaluation of OPLL with dural ossification; Relationship of OALL, OPLL and OYL (OLF); Importance of sagittal alignment of the cervical spine in the management of degenerative cervical myelopathy; Anterior cervical options to manage degenerative cervical myelopathy; Laminectomy with or without fusion to manage degenerative cervical myelopathy; History and evolution of laminoplasty; Prediction of outcomes in managing degenerative cervical myelopathy; Neurological complications in managing degenerative cervical myelopathy; Options to manage the patient with mild degenerative cervical myelopathy; Management of the patient with cervical cord compression but no evidence of myelopathy; Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring for CDD; Future Directions and New Technology, and more!

This issue of Neurosurgery Clinics focus on Intraoperative Imaging. Article topics will include historical, current and future intraoperative imaging modality; iMRI suites: history, design, utility and cost-effectiveness; Stereotactic platforms for iMRI; iMRI for tumor: maximizing extent of resection of glioma; IMRI for tumor: combining iMRI with functional MRI; iMRI for tumor: pituitary adenoma; iMRI for tumor: MR thermometry; iMRI for tumor: LITT for spinal tumors; iMRI for functional/epilepsy neurosurgery: DBS placement; iMRI for functional/epilepsy neurosurgery: MR thermometry for mesial temporal epilepsy; iMRI for functional/epilepsy neurosurgery: MR thermometry HIFU; Fluorescence imaging/agents in tumor resection; Intraoperative 3D ultrasound; Intraoperative 3D CT: spine surgery; Intraoperative 3D CT: cranial/functional/trigem; Intraoperative imaging for vascular lesions; Imaging of intraoperative drug delivery; Intraoperative ultrasound for peripheral nerve; and Intraoperative Raman Spectroscopy.

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 issue of Neurosurgery Clinics focuses on Controversies in Spinal and Cranial Surgery. Article topics will include:Sacro-illiac Fusion; Interspinous Spacers;Bone Morphogenetic Protein, Platelet Concentrates and Other Biologics; MIS decompression; Pipeline flow diversion in subarachnoid hemorrhage; Direct versus indirect bypass for moyamoya disease; Management of prenatally diagnosed myelomeningocele; Management of incidental aneurysm; Surgical management of incidental low-grade glioma; and more!

This issue will focus on traumatic brain injury and will include articles on the following: Pathophysiology of TBI; Acute Management of Moderate-Severe TBI; Disorder of Consciousness; Rehabilitation of Moderate-Severe TBI; Acute Diagnosis and Management of Concussion; Rehabilitation of Persistent Symptoms after Concussion Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy; Unique Aspect of TBI in the Military and Veteran; and many more!

This issue will focus on both adult and pediatric spine trauma. Featured articles are as follows: Pharmacologic Treatment of SCI; Classification of Adult Subaxial Cervical Trauma; Classification and Management of Pediatric Craniocervical Injuries; Classification and Management of Pediatric Subaxial Injuries; Classification of Adult Thoracolumbar Injuries; Management of Pediatric Thoracolumber Injuries; Treatment of Odontoid Fractures in the Aging Population; Treatment of Facet Fractures in the Cervical Spine; and many more!

This issue of Neurosurgery Clinics offers a broad review of current topics surrounding trigeminal neuralgia including: Overview and History, Diagnosis/Etiology, Scales of measuring TN pain and response, Medical Therapy, Role of Imaging, Rhizotomy, SRS, Microscopic MVD, Neuromodulation, and many more articles that focus on trigeminal neuralgia.

This issue focuses on meningiomas and includes articles on Incidental Meningiomas: Management Strategies in the Modern Neuroimaging Era, Advanced Neuroimaging for Intracranial Meningiomas, Endoscopic Endonasal and Keyhole Surgery for the Management of Skull Base Meningiomas, Preoperative Embolization for Intracranial Meningiomas, Management of Spinal Meningiomas, Medical Management of Meningiomas: Current Status, Failed Treatments and Promising Horizons, and many more!

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.

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.

Because the base of the skull has proven to be one of the most challenging regions of the body to access, treatment options were once limited for patients with tumors or lesions in this area. However, with recent advancements and breakthroughs in treatment, patients with skull base tumors now have an array of surgical options that can help them return to leading a normal and active life. The Endoscopic Endonasal Approach (EEA) is an innovative surgical technique used to remove brain tumors and lesions-some as large as softballs-all through the nose.

Throughout its history, the field of neurosurgery has been revolutionized by improvements in imaging. From the development of the pneumoencephalogram, to the operating microscope, to cross sectional imaging with CT and later MRI, to stereotaxy and neuronavigation, the ability to visualize the pathology and surrounding neural structures has been the driving factor leading surgical innovation and improved outcomes. The last decade has seen perhaps the greatest impact of imaging in neurosurgery. Several examples include the ubiquitous use of neuronavigation in cranial surgery, the increasing adoption of intra-operative MRI, and the enormous growth of interventional neuroradiology and catheter based interventions. The book will be of interest to neurosurgeons, interventional radiologists, neurologists, psychiatrists, and radiologists, as well as technical experts in imaging, image analysis, computer science, and biomedical engineering.
*A comprehensive reference on image-guided neurosurgery
*Includes coverage of neuronavigation in cranial surgery, adoption of intra-operative MRI and interventional neuroradiology and catheter based interventions
*Covers all image-guided neurosurgery tools including robotic surgical devices

The evidence-based medicine movement is gaining influence in many medical specialties. This issue will cover topics from patient safety in neurosurgery and medical errors, to measuring outcomes for neurosurgical procedures.