Book reviews

Cerebral Ischeh

W. Hacke, M. Hennerici, H.J. Gelmers, G. Kramer (eds.). Springer Verlag, Berlin, Heidelberg 1991. Hardcover: DM 128,- ISBN 3-540-52341-3

This rather compact book presents an up-to-date (1990) survey of cerebra-vascular disease, mainly tar- geting on ischaemic disorders. Like several other works it encompasses clinical, radiological, epidemi- ological, ultra sound, PET, neurophysioIo~, bio- chemical and thera~utical aspects. It is also abun- dantly illustrated.

Many chapters, e.g. the fourth on clinicai syn-

Allan Ropper. F.A. Davis Publ., f 33.75

This J-authored well-written book pays thorough at- tention to all facets of the fascinating GuilIain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) in 5 parts. The first part deals with the historical synopsis, diagnostic criteria and epide- miology. The 2nd part describes the pathology with T-cell perivenular inflammation as the core patboiog- ic feature and provides arguments for the immuno- pathogenesis of the GBS. The 3rd part contains in my opinion the most absorbing chapters on the clinical picture and its antecedent or associated ihncss, the variant syndromes, such as pure motor and pure sen- sory GBS, pure pandysautonomia, pharyngeal-cervi- cal-brachial weakness, paraparetic weakness and Fisher’s syndrome, each illustrated with a typical clin-

K. Shimoji, T. Kurokawa, T. Tamaki, W.D. Willis Jr. (eds.). Springer Veriag 1991. ISBN 3-540-52653-6. DM 186.-

This book is based on the papers presented at the Fourth International Symposium on Spinal Cord

dromes, I found interesting to read. On the other hand, chapter 5 is so extensive, covering virtually all technical means to reach diagnosis, that it is unavoid- ably superficial.

Here, the book shares a problem with its compet- itors: by virtue of the zeal of its authors to offer a broad view, some readers will miss a focusing of attention.

Therefore, the book can be character&d as a thor- ough overview of the field, As such, it can be recom- mended to clinica workers interested in vascular dis- ease.

A.R. Wintzen, Leiden

ical case. The chapter on relapsing and chronic in- flammatory polyneuropathy highlights the problem of posing the correct diagnosis in the initial stage of the illness. In the 4th part laboratory findings and nemophysiologic studies are lucidly written and an extensive differential diagnosis based on clinical signs is given. The last part deds with treatment, complica- tions during its course and rehabilitation. Specific attention is paid to plasmaexchange and corticoste- roids.

The bibliography is exhaustive, containing over 1300 references. In conclusion, I can nothing but recommend this book to all neurologists.

R.P.M. Bruyn, Utrecht

Monitoring and Electrodiagnosis. The high number of short chapters reflects the book’s origin.

The volume’s stated purpose is to provide an over- view of recent advances in the field of spinal cord monitoring and electrodiagnosis. These aims are well met.

Recording of somatosensory evoked potentials

358