Neuro - Life on the Frontlines of Brain Surgery and Neurological Medicine (First Printing)

Probes the world of neurological medicine with an in-depth view of doctors exploring the brain and the human nervous system, brain surgeons, neurologists, and patients--all confronting the complexity of the body's most intriguing organ

In this instructive report on advances made in understanding the nervous system and the brain that controls it, medical journalist Noonan focuses on neurologists and neurosurgeons who treat the ubiquitous and enormously complex network responsible for our simplest physical and most vital functions and inspiring intellectual and spiritual accomplishments. He describes in authoritative detail today's diagnostic and operating techniques of CAT scans, angiograms, etc., and microsurgery which he observed, personalizing his accounts with portraits of individual doctors and patients. With non-invasive procedures of medication, radiology, rehabilitative therapy, etc., neurologists treat stroke, motion and language disorders, cancer of the nervous system, and seek to alleviate incurable diseases such as Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis. Charging that technology and specialization tend to erect a barrier between doctor and patient, Noonan notes that no listing for soul or spirit exists in neurological textbooks.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Describing the "practice of neurological medicine . . . and the nervous system itself" is the ambitious goal of freelance journalist Noonan. His survey encompasses a history of neurology and psychosurgery; a summary of current surgical techniques; a portrait of a patient suffering from an arteriovenous malformation (AVM); Lou Gehrig's battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS); the causes and treatment of aphasia; and more. Herein lies both the strength and weakness of the book. There is an impressive array of topics and much engrossing detail, but the book, lacking a strong focus, simply tries to do too much. Steve Fishman's A Bomb in the Brain ( LJ 11/1/88; see also "Best Books of 1988," LJ 1/89, p. 40) is a more tightly constructed, original, and, therefore, effective view of the subject.
- Laurie Bartolini, Lincoln Lib., Springfield, Ill.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.