Neurology and Trauma, 2nd Edition

Randolph W. Evans, MD. Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK, 2006. ISBN-13 978-0-19-517032-0, $98.50.

Scope: This is a comprehensive multi-authored textbook dealing with the neurologic consequences of traumatic injury to the central and peripheral nervous systems. It is the second edition of a book originally published in 1996. An additional 20 chapters have been added with new sections on neurologic sports trauma and iatrogenic trauma.

The book is divided into 7 sections. The first 3 are the long-established topics in neuro-trauma: head trauma, spinal trauma, and peripheral nerve injuries. In addition to the epidemiology, history, radiographic evaluation, and management of traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and peripheral nerve injuries, Dr. Evans addresses topics such as posttraumatic epilepsy, complications of spinal cord injury, and evaluation of the brachial plexus. The final three chapters in the head trauma section offer unique perspectives with regard to the neurobehavioral and neuropsychologic implications of traumatic brain injury and place them in the framework of capacity for rehabilitation.

The final 4 sections address neuro-trauma in the context of specific scenarios: posttraumatic pain syndromes, sports and neurologic trauma, environmental trauma, posttraumatic conditions, medicolegal aspects, and iatrogenic trauma.

Strengths: This book reaches far beyond the traditional topics and delves into subjects rarely addressed in neuro-trauma textbooks. Posttraumatic pain syndromes, sports and neurologic trauma, and posttraumatic conditions are wonderfully reviewed to provide valuable information for the clinician who examines victims of trauma in the acute setting and long after injury.

Weaknesses: The only deficiency is the limited review of spinal cord injury. The basic science and recent clinical research on this topic are sparse. By comparison, these subjects are exhaustively reviewed for traumatic brain injury. Although such detail may be beyond the scope of the author's intent, further discussion regarding the successes and failures of recent clinical trials, as well as the science behind them, would complement the equivalent data presented on traumatic brain injury and give perspective on the topic of future research on spinal cord injury.

Recommended Audience: This book will be a valuable resource for neurosurgeons, neurologists, trauma surgeons, emergency department physicians, physiatrists and all physicians who treat victims of trauma in the acute or chronic setting.

Critical Appraisal: The author has masterfully edited a comprehensive text on the neurologic implications of trauma. This multiauthored textbook remains remarkably cohesive throughout. From the basic science and recent clinical research to the acute clinical scenarios and chronic outpatient issues, this text will be of value to those physicians who interact with patients who have endured trauma to the central or peripheral nervous system.

Luis M. Tumialán, MD

Department of Neurosurgery Emory University School of Medicine Atlanta, Georgia