Erythropoietin (EPO) is a chemokine hormone that is widely distributed throughout the body. In addition to its traditional role as a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production, in recent years many laboratories have shown that EPO can act as a neuroprotective compound in a variety of injury paradigms in the nervous system. Past experience with relatively safety profile of this FDA-approved drug makes it an ideal candidate to take it into clinical trials for neuroprotection. We are on the verge of major clinical trials using this drug for neuroprotection in diseases ranging from stroke, to transverse myelitis to chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. This is the first book of its kind that brings together researchers from many different disciplines of neuroscience to review the current state-of-the-art in EPO and the nervous system. This book will benefit scientists and clinicians interested in neuroprotection in the broadest sense.

This book was born out of thirty years of didactic and practical experience with the intention of giving the reader concise neurosurgical elements and an appropriate selected iconography. This text wants to represent a practi cal and essential guide for the medical student and a useful reference point for specialists interested in pursuing more detailed literature studies. General practitioners and specialists in related subjects can consult this text to formulate a diagnosis and elaborate a proper therapy. November, 2000 The Authors Contents 1. CRANIAL DYSRAPHIAS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Arnold-Chiari malformation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Dandy-Walker malformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Encephalocele . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Cranial dermic sinus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Corpus callosum agenesis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 2. BRAIN TUMORS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Epidemiology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Symptoms and signs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Intracranial hypertension. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Focal symptoms and signs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Epilepsy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Language disorders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Optic pathways disorders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Apraxias. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Psychic disorders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Cerebellar syndrome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Frontal lobe tumors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Parietal lobe tumors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Temporal lobe tumors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Occipital lobe tumors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Posterior cranial fossa tumors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Cerebellar tumors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Fourth ventricle tumors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Ponto-cerebellar angle tumors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 VIII Contents Brainstem tumors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Clivus tumors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Tumors of the cerebral ventricles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Tumors of the lateral ventricles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Third ventricle tumors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Fourth ventricle tumors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Pineal region tumors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Sellar and parasellar region tumors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Anatomopathological classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Benign cerebral tumors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Leptomeningeal tumors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Nerve sheath tumors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Vascular tumors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Dysembryogenetic tumors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Mixed cerebral tumors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Malignant cerebral tumors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Therapy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Pseudo tumor cerebri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Phacomatosis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 3. INTRACRANIAL ANEURySMS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S9 Epidemiology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

This book presents the development and experimental validation of the structural test strategy called Oscillation-Based Test - OBT in short. The results presented here assert, not only from a theoretical point of view, but also based on a wide experimental support, that OBT is an efficient defect-oriented test solution, complementing the existing functional test techniques for mixed-signal circuits.

The management of vascular and tumorous lesions of the parasellar region still remains one of the most demanding tasks in neurosurgery. It is only a short time ago that the major concepts of the anatomy of the so-called cavernous sinus were described in detail. Surgical interventions in this region are very complex, they are time-consuming and require an extensive back ground of experience in surgery of the cranial base. Pioneer anatomical studies of the parasellar region done by Taptas, and the daring direct operative approach introduced by Parkinson pro moted the development of modern neuroradiological intervention proce dures, which were initiated by Serbinenko and further refined by Debrun, Vifiuela and others. The technique of the detachable balloon catheter stimulated surgeons to proceed with the direct operative approach to lesions of the parasellar region. Today, it is hard to imagine a successful man agement of vascular pathologies of this region without a complementary use of the two techniques."

During recent years, major advances in surgical techniques, diagnostic methods, anesthesia and adjunctive treatment in the care of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage have been achieved. Nevertheless, the overall outcome of patients with SAH cannot be regarded as satisfactory. The first part of the book concentrates on the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying vasospasm and edema, the principal causes of poor outcome. Recent progress in the field of membrane lipid metabolism has allowed the problem to be approached from an entirely new perspective. The possible participation of free radicals, membrane lipids and eicosanoids is thoroughly discussed. The second part features the problems of practical management of SAH patients. Timing and indication of surgery of aneurysms and the surgical techniques are described in detail.

These proceedings from the Xth Congress of the European Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery in Stockholm reflect the growing interest in these fields of neurosurgery. It is the most extensive volume in this series of publications and it contains a large number of original articles pertaining to the most recent advances in stereotactic and functional neurosurgery. Not long ago stereotactic neurosurgery was considered an esoteric sub speciality practised only by those involved in treating movement disorders and pain. In the last decade we have witnessed the incorporation of stereotactic methodology in the management of common neurosurgical diseases, and the stereotactic technique is now practised in all major neurosurgical centers. As with other surgical techniques and tools, however, the utilization of stereotactic methods requires special knowledge and training. This book comprises articles which give insight into new stereotactic applications and technology. For example, the usage of stereotaxis without a frame and the so-called navigator systems in open tumor surgery is dealt with in two papers. The introduction and development of radiosurgery is closely linked to the advancement of stereotactic technique. Radiosurgical treatment of tumors and cerebrovascular diseases has been one of major achievements in modern neurosurgery. This publication contains several original reports illustrating the efficacy of radiosurgery in problematic neurosurgical diseases.

Percutaneous nuclectomy according to the Onik method is an avantgarde method used to remove the intervertebral disc by percutaneous access and with closed surgery. The instrumentation and the procedure are simple. The main feature is the smaller diameter of the probe (2mm) which fragments and aspires the small chips of pulpy nucleus. It reduces the risk of discitic infections (occurring in various percentages with all methods of percutaneous discectomy) because the hole in the anulus, being small, closes spontaneously after the probe is removed. Moreover postoperative acute lumbar pain has been reported to occur less frequently. This method is carried out under local anesthesia, with radioscopic and intraoperative discographic monitoring. By consulting this atlas orthopaedists, neurosurgeons and neuroradiologists may learn this method easily, because every detail is clearly presented and illustrated with a great number of coloured pictures.

Neurological applications of PET include using itto identify Alzheimer's Disease, including differentiating between other forms of Dementia, to show causes of seizures that were otherwise unclear, and to diagnose psychiatric disorders like Schizophrenia. Although other books on PET may have a chapter or section on neurological applications, this is the only comprehensive and up-to-date book on neurological PET. It reviews PET in neuroscience with particular emphasis on findings that indicate its potential for improving diagnosis and treatment in neurology and psychiatry. Improving the transfer of the huge scientific developments in brain PET into clinical carewill produce tangible human benefit. To this end, "NeuroPET" focuses on practical and potentially clinically relevant issues and identify solid ground as well as open questions. In addition, the book includes major chapters on the methodological background, including tracer physiology and kinetic modeling, and a comprehensive literature review."

Functional Electromyography: Provocative Maneuvers in Electrodiagnosis integrates electrophysiology further into the physical examination than ever before. It introduces the use of electrodiagnostic studies to quantify the neurological changes brought about by three provocative maneuvers commonly used in contemporary medicine. This widens the scope of electromyography while sharpening physicians' diagnostic acuity. The book presents nerve conduction velocity (NCV) and H-reflex techniques to identify common conditions that are difficult to diagnose by any other means, often using the needle exam (EMG), MRI or musculoskeletal ultrasound to verify their clinical utility. Functional electromyography successfully diagnoses some cases of thoracic outlet syndrome, nearly all cases of piriformis syndrome, and offers a method for determining whether spinal stenosis or radiculopathy is the main pain generator when both are present in a single patient, even at the same level. This is particularly valuable because the standard conservative and surgical treatments for these two conditions are opposite, in spite of the identical symptom-set they produce. The book carefully describes each technique and persuasively documents their validity in statistical series and individual case presentations. It further guides the attentive electromyographer to adapt these methods to cases beyond those presented in its pages, suggesting a safe and scientific approach to other functional maneuvers of value to the electromyographer, and methods for validating one-time measures that may aid the electromyographer in clinical situations that are neither common nor easily analyzed. Hand drawn illustrations are included alongside text developed by experts in the field. An invaluable resource for physiatrists, neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, specialists in pain management and other providers, Functional Electromyography: Provocative Maneuvers in Electrodiagnosis represents a major contribution to the field of electrodiagnosis.

Since Bailey and Cushing (1926), all brain tumor classifications have been called histogenetic. The nosographic position that the tumor types progressively acquired in the classification systems derived from the resemblance of tumor cells to those of the cytogenesis, modified whenever new information became available from different biological research fields and especially from molecular genetics. Classically, on the basis of the rough correspondence between the mature/immature aspect of tumor cells and the benign/malignant biological behavior of the tumors, the histological labels contained a prognostic significance. The supposed origin of the tumors was thus a factor for prognosis. Later on, with the concept of anaplasia (Cox, 1933; Kernohan et al., 1949) new criteria were introduced for establishing the malignancy grades of tumors. Immunohistochemistry and later molecular genetics further refined the prognostic diagnoses, substantially increasing the opportunities to recognize the cell origin of tumors, beside revealing the pathogenetic mechanisms. Prognoses became more accurate, as required by the greater and more targeted possibilities of therapy.

Owing to their frequency and possible consequences and considering the fact they frequently affect young people, trauma tic lesions of the thoraco lumbar spine represent a special point of interest within the field of Neurotraumatology. Traffic accidents are the commonest cause, which accounts for the high peak of occurrence between 15 and 24 years of age. It is also worth noting that according to published series nearly 50% ofthe cases affect the thoraco-lumbar junction. From an anatomical point of view, we must note the severity of thoracic spinal cord lesions especially of the thoraco-lumbar junction and of the lumbar region and be able to associate injuries ofthe conus medullaris and of the ca uda equina where there is a possibility of neurological recovery. Clinical evaluation is not always easy, but remains the basis for diagnosis and prognosis. The neurological classification proposed by FRANKEL et al. in 1969 and used at STOKE MANDEVILLE Hospital seems to retain its value. A more sophisticated study of medullary evoked potentials, as described by TsUBOKAWA can allow a more precise localisation and appreciation of the extent ofthe lesion as well as a better evaluation ofthe prognosis and ofthe evaluation of treatment in the acute phase. The neuro-radiological study should include standard views ofthe whole of the spine with antero-posterior and lateral tomograms of the fractured or luxated area. At present, the unquestionable contribution of the CT.

This volume contains the papers presented at the International Symposium on Spine and Spinal Disorders in Growth and Aging held in Niigata on November 22-23, 1992. The symposium commemorates the 75th anniversary of the foundation of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Niigata University School of Medicine. . The purpose of the symposium was to investigate the field of spine and spinal disorders in growth and aging. Topics ranged from osteoporosis, other of the spinal column to degenerative metabolic bone diseases, and deformity spinal disorders and heterotopic ossification with resultant myelopathy. Spinal manifestations of systemic and local diseases were also included. Symptoms of spinal disorders in both the lower and upper extremity were presented and biomechanics and bone mineral measurement of the spine were also discussed. The organizing committee would like to thank the following for their sponsorship and support of this international symposium: Japan Osteoporosis Foundation, Japan-North America Medical Exchange Foundation, Japan Russia Medical Exchange Foundation, Niigata Prefectural Government, and Niigata City Government. We deeply appreciate their support and contributions to the success of the symposium. The chairman of the organizing committee is most grateful for the contributions and support of the International Advisory Committee, Dr. B.D. Burr (USA), Dr. H.M. Frost (USA), and Dr. R.R. Recker (USA); the Local Advisory Committee, Dr. S. Kono (Prof. Emeritus of Niigata University) and Dr. T. Tajima (Prof. Emeritus ofNiigata University); and the members of the organizing committee, Dr. Y. Watanabe (Yamagata University), Dr. K.

In this text atlas of neuroimaging the author provides a review of the pathologies and diseases that affect the head, brain, skull base, face, spine, and cord. The case presentation format of this handbook covers the important clinical and neuropathological aspects of the disease process. The book contains 350 selected pathologies, represented in 750 high resolution MR images. It also covers the aspects of neurological disorders and the fundamental aspects of the physics of magnetic resonance, spectroscopy, as well as a review of MR techniques. Given its scope, this book is of interest to radiologists involved in MR interpretation, neuroradiologists seeking an up-to-date review, and all workers in the field of diagnostic and therapeutic neurology.

Epilepsy surgery is defined as any neurosurgical intervention whose pri- mary objective is to relieve medically intractable epilepsy (European Fed- eration of Neurological Societies Task Force 2000). The aim of epilepsy surgery is to reduce the number and intensity of seizures, minimise neuro- logical morbidity and antiepileptic drug (AED) toxicity, and improve quality of life. By definition, epilepsy surgery does not include normal surgical treatment of intracranial lesions where the primary goal is to di- agnose and possibly remove the pathological target, often an advancing tumour. In these patients, epileptic seizures are only one symptom of the lesion and will be treated concomitantly as part of the procedure. Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is recognised as the most common type of refractory, focal epilepsy. In one third of all cases the neuronal systems responsible for the seizures that characterise this form of epilepsy fail to respond to currently available AEDs (Andermann F 2002). New imaging methods, especially magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), identify localising abnormalities in an increasing proportion of patients with intractable focal epilepsy. Consequently, the accuracy of the preoperative diagnostic pro- cedures has been significantly improved during the last decade; and suit- able candidates for surgery can be selected more reliably. Currently the main resources in most epilepsy surgery centres have been used to evaluate candidates for TLE surgery.

This text examines the dominant ways of looking at patient/clinician relationships in healthcare. By challenging these dominant views the author can explore presuppositions that are defective. She further explains how they come to be so readily and uncritically held and reinforced; and, why their implications can have such a profound affect on how we think and act. Using the methodology of philosopher, John Dewey, the author proposes an alternative bio/psycho/social approach to understanding the patient/clinician relationship and for resolving increasingly common bioethical issues that arise in healthcare settings.

This volume contains 121 representative works on hydrocephalus which are collected from 24 listed journals and books in the field of neuroscience published in 1988. We express OUf sincere thanks to all authors, listed publishers and editorial boards for their cooperation and permission on this publication. It isour pleasure ifthis book willprovide you with an up-to-date review of the works on hydrocephalus. The editors ACKNOWLEDGMENT Greatful acknowledgments for permission to reproduce copyright material are made to the editors and the publishers listed below: Acta Neurochirurgica: Springer-Verlag, Wien American Journal of Neuroradiology (AJNR): American Roentgen Ray Society American Journal of Psychiatry: The American Psychiatrie Association Archives of Neurology: American Medical Association Brain and Development: (Official Journal) The Japanese Society of Child Neurology Brain Research: Elsevier Science Publishiers B. V. Child's Nervous System: Springer-Verlag, Berlin CT Kenkyu/Progress in Computerized Tomography: Neuron Publishing Co. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry: British Medical Journal Journal of Neurosurgery: The American Association of Neurological Surgeons Journal of Pediatric Neurosciences: Springer-Verlag, Heidelberg Journal of Pediatric Surgery: Grune & Stratton, Inc. Nervenarzt: Springer-Verlag, Berlin Neurologia Medico Chirurgica (Tokyo): (OfficialJournal) The Japan Neurosurgical Society Neurology: Modern Medicine Publications, Inc.

It is estimated that the functionally significant body of knowledge for a given medical specialty changes radically every 8 years. New specialties and "sub-specialization" are occurring at approximately an equal rate. Historically, established journals have not been able either to absorb this increase in publishable material or to extend their readership to the new specialists. International and national meetings, symposia and seminars, workshops, and newsletters suc cessfully bring to the attention of physicians within developing spe cialties what is occurring, but generally only in demonstration form without providing historical perspective, pathoanatomical corre lates, or extensive discussion. Page and time limitations oblige the authors to present only the essence of their material. Pediatric neurosurgery is an example of a specialty that has de veloped during the past 15 years. Over this period neurosurgeons have obtained special training in pediatric neurosurgery and then dedicated themselves primarily to its practice. Centers, Chairs, and educational programs have been established as groups of neuro surgeons in different countries throughout the world organized themselves respectively into national and international societies for pediatric neurosurgery. These events were both preceded and fol lowed by specialized courses, national and international journals, and ever-increasing clinical and investigative studies into all aspects of surgically treatable diseases of the child's nervous system.

The scientific contribution of Mike Bradbury to the study of the blood-brain barrier is considerable and wide-ranging, starting with his M.D. thesis in 1962 and still continuing today. The varied spectrum of topics relating to the blood-brain barrier presented in this volume and the many geographical locations from which both speakers and participants gathered to attend the symposium are a fitting testament both to Mike's wide-spread influence in the field and to the esteem in which he is held. When we first had the idea of afestschrift to mark Mike's retirement as Professor of Physiology at King's College London and the beginning of a new vie libre as scientist and yachtsman the plan was initially for a gathering of all of the many colleagues, collaborators and students who had worked with him over the years. However what we had not taken into account was the closeness of the international community of workers in the field, the widespread influence that Mike had wielded and the speed with which word would spread. We should have anticipated all three. The final outcome was an excellent symposium with the majority of the world's key workers either contributing or attending. We hope that this volume presents an adequate record of the meeting.

Research in the morphology-angioarchitecture and ultrastructure-of cerebral veins has been widely neglected in past decades; investigation was mainly focussed on the arterial side of brain circulation. This circumstance has certainly had a negative impact on the development of knowledge in clinical medicine about cerebral venous disease. Cerebra} venous pathology and its consequence is, however, a frequent problern in clinical neurosur gery, both with regard to operative techniques and conservative manage ment. Therefore, it is not surprising that the initiative to collect, for the first time, data on our present knowledge in basic research of cerebral veins, their structure and function under normal and pathological circumstances, came from clinicians. Regarding the cerebral veins the clinician has primarily in view the dysfunctions originating from embryogenetic malformations, phlebitic obstruction, tumourous shunts, or traumatic lesions. But in addition to that, particular attention should be paid to the microstructure ofthe venous vessel walls, their barrier function, and the venous vasomotor system. Studying these interrelationships has for a long time been both fascinating and of immediate interest to me."

How does the brain code and process incoming information, how does it recog nize a certain object, how does a certain Gestalt come into our awareness? One of the key issues to conscious realization of an object, of a Gestalt is the attention de voted to the corresponding sensory input which evokes the neural pattern underly ing the Gestalt. This requires that the attention be devoted to one set of objects at a time. However, the attention may be switched quickly between different objects or ongoing input processes. It is to be expected that such mechanisms are reflected in the neural dynamics: Neurons or neuronal assemblies which pertain to one object may fire, possibly in rapid bursts at a time. Such firing bursts may enhance the synaptic strength in the corresponding cell assembly and thereby form the substrate of short-term memory. However, we may well become aware of two different objects at a time. How can we avoid that the firing patterns which may relate to say a certain type of move ment (columns in V5) or to a color (V 4) of one object do not become mixed with those of another object? Such a blend may only happen if the presentation times be come very short (below 20-30 ms). One possibility is that neurons pertaining to one cell assembly fire syn chronously. Then different cell assemblies firing at different rates may code different information."

When I first proposed this book, one of the hopes was that it would be the stage upon which would be conducted a quiet, well reasoned discussion of the various techniques of stereotactic radio surgery. At that time, there was quite a bit of rancorous debate that tended to obscure the scientific and medical merits of each of the separate methods. At the present time, I am happy to report that the field of stereotactic radiosurgery is much less riven by such inappropriate posturing. The field has taken many steps towards maturity, both technically and medically. In the course of this mat uration process, there have been many grandiose plans and speeches made on behalf of stereotactic radiosurgery. Inevitably, the reality will not live up to the hype, but such is the natural course of devel opment in these sorts of matters. However, even though events may not match our hopes, we should keep in mind the words of Herbert Parker. Recognizing that new modalities for the treatment of cancer do not stand much chance of revolutionary success, nevertheless, he quite correctly pointed out that " . . . with any type of radiatiQn, the margin between success and failure is small. If the chance of success is a little greater . . . thi~ might well be classed as a great advance. " Mark H.

Cerebral stroke is a common and widespread phenomenon affecting a large number of the human population worldwide. Various surgical methods have been developed for its treatment and the therapeutic results have steadily improved. This is a reassuring trend that promises further progress will be made in the future. This volume contains important contributions by leading clinicians and researchers in the field to the "International Symposium on Surgery for Cerebral Stroke" held in Sendai, Japan, May 24 - 27, 1987.

In this volume, world authorities on spinal surgery from the fields of Neurosurgery, Orthopaedic Surgery, and Neuroscience present current data on the basic science and clinical management of the unstable spine. Unique to this book: a frank presentation of controversies in the field.

Intraoperative imaging technologies have taken an ever-increasing role in the daily practice of neurosurgeons and the increasing attention and interest necessitated international interaction and collaboration. The Intraoperative Imaging Society was formed in 2007. This book brings together highlights from the second meeting of the Intraoperative Imaging Society, which took place in Istanbul-Turkey from June 14 to 17, 2009. Included within the contents of the book is an overview of the emergence and development of the intraoperative imaging technology as well as a glimpse on where the technology is heading. This is followed by in detail coverage of intraoperative MRI technology and sections on intraoperative CT and ultrasonography. There are also sections on multimodality integration, intraoperative robotics and other intraoperative technologies. We believe that this book will provide an up-to date and comprehensive general overview of the current intraoperative imaging technology as well as detailed discussions on individual techniques and clinical results.

Biomechanics of the Brain will present an introduction to brain anatomy for engineers and scientists. Experimental techniques such as brain imaging and brain tissue mechanical property measurement will be discussed, as well as computational methods for neuroimage analysis and modeling of brain deformations due to impacts and neurosurgical interventions. Brain trauma between the different sexes will be analyzed. Applications will include prevention and diagnosis of traumatic injuries, such as shaken baby syndrome, neurosurgical simulation and neurosurgical guidance, as well as brain structural disease modeling for diagnosis and prognosis. This book will be the first book on brain biomechanics. It will provide a comprehensive source of information on this important field for students, researchers, and medical professionals in the fields of computer-aided neurosurgery, head injury, and basic biomechanics.