Hughlings Jackson, the noted English neurologist, fathered many ideas that today still underlie our understanding of common clinical phenomena. This is a reappraisal of Jackson's work, both within its historical framework and in light of modern concepts of neurology. The approach is new, combining historical, clinical and basic scientific information in one synthesis on the organization and function of the nervous system. The concept of levels of function is addressed, specifically with regard to areas of brain function; and the hierarchical strategy is considered as part of the current concept of a distributed system of neurons. Clinicians and scientists alike will find much food for thought in this modern treatise of Jacksonian concepts.

This volume provides a comprehensive look into the innovative methods used to explore the visual system. From the way the brain processes vision, an imperative part of the human experience, to the role eye movement plays in a range of questions concerning visual perception, memory, attention, free will, and even topological diagnoses, this in-depth handbook gives neurologists, ophthalmologists, and neuro-ophthalmologists an invaluable tool to help them better understand the visual system.

Disorders of the retinal and cerebral cortex, and those that affect control of eye and lid movements are thoroughly discussed, along with groundbreaking visual rehabilitative methods, and chapters on individual parts of the visual system. Practitioners will find a useful resource that lays out fundamental concepts, while seamlessly summarizing clinical and laboratory methods for neuro-ophthalmological evaluation.

The material is perfect for early-stage physicians or long practicing specialists who wish to learn the latest developments in the field.
* A comprehensive resource that explores the innovative methods used to understand the visual system
* An in-depth study of how the brain processes vision, and the role certain functions such as eye movement play in visual diagnosis and memory
* Clinical and laboratory methods of evaluation that are perfect for physicians and specialists in any stage of practice

This volume of Progress in Brain Research is based on the proceedings of a conference, "Using Eye Movements as an Experimental Probe of Brain Function," held at the Charing Cross Hospital Campus of Imperial College London, UK on 5th -6th December, 2007 to honor Professor Jean Buttner-Ennever. With 87 contributions from international experts - both basic scientists and clinicians - the volume provides many examples of how eye movements can be used to address a broad range of research questions. Section 1 focuses on extraocular muscle, highlighting new concepts of proprioceptive control that involve even the cerebral cortex. Section 2 comprises structural, physiological, pharmacological, and computational aspects of brainstem mechanisms, and illustrates implications for disorders as diverse as opsoclonus, and congenital scoliosis with gaze palsy. Section 3 addresses how the cerebellum transforms neural signals into motor commands, and how disease of such mechanisms may lead to ataxia and disorders such as oculopalatal tremor. Section 4 deals with sensory-motor processing of visual, vestibular, somatosensory, and auditory inputs, such as are required for navigation, and gait. Section 5 illustrates how eye movements, used in conjunction with single-unit electrophysiology, functional imaging, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and lesion studies have illuminated cognitive processes, including memory, prediction, and even free will. Section 6 includes 18 papers dealing with disorders ranging from congenital to acquired forms of nystagmus, genetic and degenerative neurological disorders, and treatments for nystagmus and motion sickness.
* Clinicians will find important new information onthe substrate for spinocerebellar ataxia, lat-onset Tay-Sachs disease, Huntington disease, and pulvinar lesions
* Several series of papers address similar issues, providing a coherent discussion of such topics as proprioception, short and longer-term memory, and hereditary cerebellar ataxias
* Some articles concerning anatomic tracers, functional imaging, and computational neuroscience are illustrated in color