Brazis PW, Masdeu JC, Billier J. Localization in Clinical Neurology. Sixth Ed. Wolters Kluwer | Lippincot Williams & Wilkins; 2011; 668 pgs.; 100 illustrations; $209.99.
Localization in Clinical Neurology, by Drs. Paul W. Brazis, Joseph C. Masdeu, and José Billier, is a 657-page hardcover text that is the latest edition of a classic neurology text. It runs the gamut of neurology in a succinct and easy-to-read fashion. Illustrations and tables are well designed, clear, and concise. References are listed at the end of each chapter and are from high quality sources.
The book is well organized into 23 chapters that cover each specific division of the nervous system. Broadly, the book is divided into peripheral nerve, plexus, spinal nerve and root, spinal cord, central, and autonomic divisions. There are separate chapters at the end for discussion of vascular syndromes of the brain and the localization of lesions causing coma. Myopathies and neuromuscular junction disorders are not given specific focus but are discussed briefly throughout the text in the context of lesion localization.
At first glance, each section seems to emphasize only anatomy. However, as each chapter evolves, the authors begin to present more clinically relevant material. Each chapter is arranged into the following sections: basic anatomy, localization, and clinical features of relevant pathology. There is some variation in this theme, but it is carried throughout the book. This format provides reinforcement for material that is often hard to absorb.
The standout portions of the book are the cranial nerve chapters. Each of the cranial nerves is given specific focus, and is explained using clear, well crafted diagrams and tables. The focus is not just on rote anatomy but also on the clinical implications of the lesions. Information is presented in a clear, easy-to-read format and doesn’t lack detail.
The vestibulocochlear chapter clarifies one of the muddiest topics for neurology residents: dizziness. It outlines the anatomy of hearing and balance and explains the mechanism of pathology, rather than the just the manifestations. This is a unique resource that will come in handy to neurologists at all levels of training.
The Visual Pathways chapter explains a very complicated topic in stepwise fashion. It doesn’t just focus on details but includes a lot of practical neuro-ophthalmology as well. This is an area that is often underemphasized in neurology training. There are specific details given about ophthalmologic pathology (chronic glaucoma, retinal ischemia, etc…), which is often overlooked in other neurology texts.
The Basal Ganglia chapter lays out the complicated theories of the direct and indirect pathways that mediate motor activity. It covers all of the major movement disorders in 30 pages, which is unique among textbooks. This chapter would make a great quick reference for neurologists in clinical practice.
This book would be most appropriate for neurology residents, but can also serve as a comprehensive reference for practicing neurologists and neuroradiologists who need quick access to clinical correlates.
