Stroke

Robert J. Wityk, MD, and Rafael H. Llinas, MD. American College of Physicians, Philadelphia, 2007. ISBN: 1-930513-70-4, $ 49.95.

Scope: This is a primer aimed at internists and non-neurologists with the hope of familiarizing them with the rudimentary aspects of stroke-its causes, presentations, evaluation, and treatment. With few exceptions, the chapters are written by faculty members of The Johns Hopkins University Medical School and the book is edited by two of the leaders in stroke neurology at that institution.

Strengths: The book is very well organized and covers the practical issues in the care of stroke patients. In general, the chapters present material in a straightforward, easily understood style. Case examples, key points, useful tables, general principles, and guides to treatment are sprinkled generously throughout. Illustrations are relatively sparse but well chosen. The book is very user-friendly to those inexperienced in the topic. The authors of the chapters are clearly knowledgeable about their respective fields and effectively convey the necessary information. I could not find any didactic points to quarrel with, and all the chapters are of very good quality.

Weaknesses: The information is relatively basic for neurologists, especially those specialized in stroke. There is little about neuro-ophthalmology.

Critical Appraisal: This is a very good book for internists and neurologists who do not specialize in stroke. Useful practical information and guides are packed into a relatively small, handy book. The book is very user friendly and up-to-date.

Louis R. Caplan, MD

Department of Neurology

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Harvard Medical School

Boston, Massachusetts