Demos Medical Publishing, Inc.

Botulinum toxin injection guide.

Although it is useful in the treatment of a number of neurological conditions, physicians must be meticulous in injecting patients with botulism toxin type A and type B. Odderson (medicine, U. of Washington Medical Center) provides residents, clinicians and others new to the administration of these injected treatments detailed descriptions and anatomical illustrations. His coverage includes treatments for migraine, facial spasms, drooling, lingual and cervical dystonia, spasticity or dystonia in the upper extremities, including adducted thumbs and writer's cramp, spasticity or dystonia in the lower extremities, including the valgus foot and extended knee, pain syndromes ranging from myofascial pain and thoracic outlet syndrome to neuropathic cutaneous pain and lateral epicondylitis, and hyperhidrosis of the forehead and scalp, axillae, palms, residual limbs and feet. He includes helpful materials on billing and reimbursement, billing codes for specific conditions, rating scales for conditions and a set of clinical data forms. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Epilepsy; 199 answers; a doctor responds to his patients' questions, 3d ed.

In this almost-pocket-size resource (5.25x8 inches), Wilner, an MD who specializes in epilepsy, uses plain language to answer common questions patients and family members have about epilepsy. Questions concerning tests, medications, side effects, and surgery are covered, as well as quality-of-life issues such as driving, getting the most out of doctor visits, alternative therapy, and pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting. This third edition provides information on new drugs and technology, and on new devices, including the deep brain stimulator and the responsive neurostimulator. A 70-page resource section offers forms for keeping a health record, lists of medications and devices, contacts for epilepsy centers and camps, international resources, Web links, a home safety checklist, a workplace plan of action, and first aid tips for seizures. A glossary of terms and acronyms is also included. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Multiple sclerosis; your legal rights, 3d ed.

This volume outlines basic information about the legal issues that face individuals with multiple sclerosis, including working with doctors and lawyers, making choices about employment and income, discrimination, and disability benefits, including the specific listings for the condition under the Social Security Act. Further chapters address insurance issues, Medicare and Medicaid, taxes, powers of attorney, related issues in family law, handling debt, getting around, and housing. Each chapter contains clear steps to take. This edition has been updated to reflect changes such as the new Part D Medicare prescription benefit and interpretations of the Americans with Disabilities Act by the US Supreme Court, and changes to areas of law such as bankruptcy and taxes. There is no bibliography but many resources are provided, including those online. Mainly aimed at lay readers, the book can be useful to social workers, health care professionals, and lawyers who do not specialize in the area. Lanny Perkins is an attorney whose practice includes working with people who have multiple sclerosis; Sara Perkins, who has multiple sclerosis, is a retired attorney. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

A practical approach to neurophysiologic intraoperative monitoring.

Neurologic lesions significantly complicate outcomes of a variety of orthopedic, neurosurgical and otologic procedures, and too often their effects are irreversible. In response, neurologists, neurophysiologists, surgeons, anesthesiologists and technologists have developed the still-emerging field of neurophysiologic intraoperative monitoring (NIOM), creating protocols, applications, laboratories, and remote monitoring techniques. This collection of 17 articles focuses on the practical, covering operating room procedures, basic NIOM techniques, remote monitoring and anesthetic considerations, billing procedures, legal and ethical issues, and available equipment. Contributors also describe NIOM in surgery of the vertebral column, spinal cord, tethered cord, peripheral nerves, cerebellopotine angle (microvascular decompression and tumor), thoracic aorta, carotid artery, and in cases of epilepsy-related surgery, selective dorsal rhizotomy and lumbosacral surgery. Articles are well-illustrated and include step-by-step instructions for assembling an NIOM facility, managing its operations and conducting monitoring. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Snoring and sleep apnea; sleep well, feel better, 4th ed.

Pascualy (Sleep Medicine Associates, Northwest Hospital, Seattle) addresses snorers, their bed partners and other loved ones, and their medical providers in this reference explaining a major cause of snoring — sleep apnea. Text based in medicine but accessibly written advises readers how to determine if the cause of snoring is sleep apnea; where to find a sleep center; what the physical, pharmaceutical, and psychological causes of the disease are; and what the surgical and non-surgical (e.g. continuous positive airway pressure machines) treatment options may be. Chapters also address specific cases such as obese patients, women, and children. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Spinal cord injury.

Selzer (neurology, U. of Pennsylvania School of Medicine) and Dobkin (neurology, U. of California) present a concise, easy-to-understand guide to help spinal cord injury (SCI) patients, their families, loved ones and caregivers better understand the scientific basis for the disabilities that result from SCI, the current medical treatments and rehabilitation management of SCI, and the research directions that point to hope for better functional recovery in the future. The text also includes a glossary of terms generally used in literature about SCI as well as a list of internet sites where additional useful information can be found. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)