Anatomic Basis of Neurologic Diagnosis. Cary D. Alberstone; Michael P. Steinmetz; Imad M. Najm; Edward C. Benzel. Thieme 2009, 600 pages, 511 illustrations, $119.95.

In an easy to read book, Anatomic Basis of Neurologic Diagnosis with stylized anatomical drawings, the authors (Drs. Alberstone, Benzel, Najm, and Steinmetz) set forth the PNS and CNS neuroanatomy needed to understand major neurological disorders. Although the book is not intended for neuroradiologists, it contains pictures and descriptions one can on occasion find useful.

There are 4 sections namely Development and Developmental Disorders, Regional Anatomy and Related Syndromes, System-Based Anatomy and Differential Diagnosis, and Fluid System Anatomy and Function.

What would interest our readership is the review of many syndromes with the large accompanying diagrams. Also the central and peripheral neural pathways (such as the reticular formation) are beautifully shown as well as all aspects of normal cranial nerve and peripheral nerves (nerves/plexi) anatomy, neurophysiology, vascular anatomy, and CSF flow. The ocular motor system and auditory system are particularly well diagrammed and both provide a good review of these often confusing areas.

While written for clinical neurologists, it does provide a review of neuro anatomy and the diseases which cause dysfunction.