Brain Disorders Sourcebook

Omnigraphics' Health Reference Series is designed for the general reader seeking guidance on how to avoid serious illness by following preventive lifestyles and recognizing early warning signs. It also supports the layperson who has received a diagnosis of a serious disease or disorder as well as the family member or nonprofessional caregiver who must learn to care and to cope with the illness. Each volume in the series deals comprehensively with a particular area of medical concern and contains material found in publications issued by the National Institutes of Health and other agencies and associations. Nowhere else can general readers find this information conveniently collected, coordinated, and indexed in book form.

Millions of Americans and their families experience the daily challenges of living with physical, mental, or emotional difficulties that result from brain disorders caused by heredity, infection, injury, tumors, or degeneration. For example, an estimated four million people are currently living with the effects of stroke, which is the leading cause of serious, long-term disability in adults. Another 2.4 to 4.5 million individuals live with Alzheimer disease, and each year 1.4 million Americans suffer a traumatic brain injury. Although damage to the brain may result in permanent disability, with appropriate treatment and follow-up care, many affected individuals are able to participate fully in life's activities.

Brain Disorders Sourcebook, Mira Edition provides readers with updated information about brain function, neurological emergencies such as a brain attack (stroke) or seizure, and symptoms of brain disorders. It describes the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation therapies for genetic and congenital brain disorders, brain infections, brain tumors, seizures, traumatic brain injuries, and degenerative neurological disorders such as Alzheimer disease and other dementias, Parkinson disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). A glossary of related terms is also included along with a directory of additional resources about brain disorders.

This offering in the long-running and ever-expanding Health Reference Series is the third edition of a title covering brain injuries, brain tumors, genetic and congenital brain disorders, neurological disorders, and more. Content consists of 58 documents and excerpts published by various U.S. government agencies as well as organizations and individuals. The final section of the book is a directory of organizations that are resources for additional information. --Mary Ellen Quinn