Book Reviews

PATHOPHYSIOLOGIC, DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC ASPECTS OF HEADACHE Editors: .',I.E. GRANGER. G. POCK Research and Clinical Studies in Headache. Vol. 4 VII, 128 pp., 20 figs.. 12 tables. US $ 24.00. S. Karger AG. Basel, 1976.

This fourth volume of the series Research and Clinical Studies in Headache (Vol. I : 1967, vol. 2 : 1969, vol. 3 : 1972) opens with a clear synopsis (S.E. Cleveland) of current ideas and of the author's research on the place of the head in the body image concept. From clinical observations and empirical studies. over-estimation of head size, at least head width, seems to be a general finding. Clinical neurologists will further enjoy the thorough review on headaches and head pains associated with diseases of the eye (M.M. Behrens). The chapter on the relationship of allergies to headache (J.L. Pinnas and N.A. Vanselow) leads to the conclusion that there is no evidence of an allergic etiology of migraine and of cluster headache, though there is good evidence that lgE-mediated reactions associated with allergic rhinitis can produce head and lace pains. A study on thermography in cluster headache (the late E.H. Wood and A.P. Friedman) revealed that in 64q~ of patients with cluster headache (n= 112), multiple, spotted areas of dense coolness were noted in one supraorbital region, always ipsilateral to the patient's headache. Small but instructive chapters on diagnostic procedures cover radiological techniques in the examination of patients with headaches (E.H. Wood), paroxysmal and other features of the electroencephalogram in migraine (E.S. Goldensohn), and the rheoencephalogram in migraine (H.A. Zavala, G.F. Poch, A.J. Martin). The most extensive and the central chapter of the volume is a fundamental report on the effects of huraoral agents and antimigraine drugs on the cranial circulation of the monkey (P.J. Spira, E.J. Mylecharane, J.W. Lance). Though not conclusive, the findings of this research project are enlighming. A small contribution on the relationship of vasoactive substances to vascular permeability', and their role in migraine (D.J. Dalessio) reviews current immunological studies and suggests that. at least, the extracranial aspect of migraine is associated with a local increase in vascular permeability. It may be hoped that this series on headache research will continue.

B.P.M. Schulte

PRACTICAL ENZYMOLOGY OF THE SPHINGOLIPIDOSES by R.H. GLEW and s.p. PETERS Laboratory and research methods in biology and medicine, Vol. [. 321 pp., figs., US $ 34,00 (Hfl. 102,00). Alan R. Liss, Inc., 150 Fifth Ave.. New York, N.Y. 10011 or European Book Service. Weesp, The Netherlands, 1978.

This book is of particular interest for the clinical chemist in specialised hospital laboratories involved in diagnosis and genetic counseling on lysosomal storage diseases. Also for basic research this book can be helpful to study more fundamental biochemical aspects of the lysosomal enzymes involved in sphingolipidoses. The description of clinical aspects, data on affected organ systems and the origin and nature of the stored material also makes this book a valuable diagnostic tool for physicians and pathol- ogist.

The different types of sphingolipidoses are discussed by specialists who have been working and publishing regularly' on that particular disease.