Neurosurgery: The Scientific Basis of Clinical Practice

This is a revised and considerably updated edition of a clinical neurosurgery textbook first published in 1985. The editors' original goal focused on presenting basic mechanisms of central nervous system functioning, primarily to neurosurgeons in training: "Our aim has been to present as broad an outline as possible of the fundamental mechanisms that underlie both the normal and abnormal functions of the brain and spinal cord and their investigation." With this new edition the editors have achieved many aspects of their goal, although the overall coverage varies considerably according to the viewpoints of the individual chapter authors. The entire format of the book differs from other textbooks of neurosurgery in terms of longer, focused chapters, the presentation of additional detail on underlying mechanisms of brain function as opposed to treatment schemes, and the nature of the topics discussed. This format is a pleasant counterpart to the highly detailed and comprehensive