Diseases of the Brain, Head and Neck, Spine 2020–2023


Book Description

This open access book offers an essential overview of brain, head and neck, and spine imaging. Over the last few years, there have been considerable advances in this area, driven by both clinical and technological developments. Written by leading international experts and teachers, the chapters are disease-oriented and cover all relevant imaging modalities, with a focus on magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography. The book also includes a synopsis of pediatric imaging. IDKD books are rewritten (not merely updated) every four years, which means they offer a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art in imaging. The book is clearly structured and features learning objectives, abstracts, subheadings, tables and take-home points, supported by design elements to help readers navigate the text. It will particularly appeal to general radiologists, radiology residents, and interventional radiologists who want to update their diagnostic expertise, as well as clinicians from other specialties who are interested in imaging for their patient care.




Inflammatory Disorders of the Nervous System


Book Description

This thoroughly updated edition covers all clinical aspects of neuroinflammation. The latest developments in pathogenesis and advances in treatment are provided, along with an understanding of the immune system's role and interactions between the activated immune cells, cerebral endothelial cells, and other main components of the immune cascade. Cutting-edge and authoritative, this volume offers practitioners a valuable resource for research and clinical practice.




The Blood Brain Barrier and Inflammation


Book Description

This PIR volume presents a comprehensive collection of reviews that focus on the role of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) during steady-state and inflamed conditions. Within the central nervous system (CNS) the constantly changing bloodstream is strictly separated from the CNS parenchyma by the BBB. However, viruses, bacteria, parasites and auto-aggressive immune cells can penetrate the barrier and significantly contribute to CNS inflammation. The BBB can actively contribute to neuroinflammation by presentation of chemokines, expression of cell adhesion molecules and alterations of barrier properties. As such, understanding the role of the BBB under healthy and pathological conditions is essential to the development of new drugs to efficiently combat inflammatory diseases of the CNS.




The Brain Under Siege


Book Description

1 in 6 people suffer from brain diseases like MS, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s. Now, a Harvard neurologist takes you inside the brain under attack—and illuminates the path to a cure. Multiple Sclerosis. Parkinson’s Disease. Alzheimer’s. ALS. Chances are, you know someone with a neurologic disease. Because the brain controls so much and is integral to our identity, the diseases that affect it are uniquely devastating both to patients and families. And because it remains the most mysterious of our vital organs, treating the brain is an ongoing puzzle. In The Brain Under Siege, Howard Weiner likens the brain to a crime scene, showing readers how “clues” point to causes and suggest paths to a cure. He takes readers on a journey through the latest technological advances, exploring which routes of investigation have gone cold and which have led to breakthroughs. Readers couldn’t ask for a better guide: A professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School and co-director of the Ann Romney Center for Neurologic diseases, Weiner is an internationally renowned expert, who pioneered immunotherapy in MS and is currently investigating an Alzheimer’s vaccine. Informative and engaging, this groundbreaking book tells the story behind the science—painting a picture of the discoveries, setbacks, false leads, and victories on the front lines of brain research. Weiner also offers unique insight by exploring the experiences of the brave patients and families who make cutting-edge clinical trials possible. Both a clear-eyed assessment of where the science stands and a gripping and poignant narrative of the dramatic pursuit for a cure, The Brain Under Siege is a must-read for patients, families, and anyone interested in unraveling the mysteries of the brain.




Drugs in Neurology


Book Description

Part of the Drugs in series, this book provides an easily accessible pocket-sized guide to the use of medications when treating patients with neurological ailments. Drugs in Neurology covers the breadth of medications used in modern neurology, including each drug's indications, contra-indications, side-effects and important interactions. The underlying pharmacology also feature (where known). Practical aspects related to prescribing and therapeutic drug monitoring are covered and based on the most up-to-date evidence-based guidance. Each drug monograph contains a small section drawing on the wisdom of the senior contributors of each chapter with regards to using the medication.




Neuroinflammation


Book Description

Inflammation is a central mechanism in many neurological diseases, including stroke, multiple sclerosis, and brain trauma as well as meningitis and contributes to the generation of pain. We are now beginning to understand the impact of the immune system on different nervous system functions and diseases, ranging from damage through tolerance to modulation and repair.This book discusses some of the more common neuro-inflammatory diseases. Topics covered include multiple sclerosis, optic neuritis and Susac syndrome. - Comprehensive review of the latest developments in neuroinflammation - Includes contributions from leading authorities




Neurology in Clinical Practice


Book Description

New edition, completely rewritten, with new chapters on endovascular surgery and mitochrondrial and ion channel disorders.




Disease Control Priorities, Third Edition (Volume 4)


Book Description

Mental, neurological, and substance use disorders are common, highly disabling, and associated with significant premature mortality. The impact of these disorders on the social and economic well-being of individuals, families, and societies is large, growing, and underestimated. Despite this burden, these disorders have been systematically neglected, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, with pitifully small contributions to scaling up cost-effective prevention and treatment strategies. Systematically compiling the substantial existing knowledge to address this inequity is the central goal of this volume. This evidence-base can help policy makers in resource-constrained settings as they prioritize programs and interventions to address these disorders.




The Metabolic-Inflammatory Axis in Brain Aging and Neurodegeneration


Book Description

Impairment of energy metabolism is a hallmark of brain aging and several neurodegenerative diseases, such as the Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Age- and disease-related hypometabolism is commonly associated with oxidative stress and they are both regarded as major contributors to the decline in synaptic plasticity and cognition. Neuroinflammatory changes, entailing microglial activation and elevated expression of inflammatory cytokines, also correlate with age-related cognitive decline. It is still under debate whether the mitochondrial dysfunction-induced metabolic deficits or the microglia activation-mediated neuroinflammation is the initiator of the cognitive changes in aging and AD. Nevertheless, multiple lines of evidence support the notion that mitochondrial dysfunction and chronic inflammation exacerbate each other, and these mechanistic diversities have cellular redox dysregulation as a common denominator. This research topic focuses on the role of a metabolic-inflammatory axis encompassing the bioenergetic activity, brain inflammatory responses and their redox regulation in healthy brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Dynamic interactions among these systems are reviewed in terms of their causative or in-tandem occurrence and how the systemic environment, –e.g., insulin resistance, diabetes, and systemic inflammation–, impacts on brain function.




Neuroimmune Diseases


Book Description

A translational overview of neuroimmune diseases for neuroscientists and clinicians that clarifies the pathological mechanisms underlying neuroimmune diseases and builds a comprehensive bridge between the latest research findings and their clinical implications in daily practice. The material is presented in two steps. The first section comprises a review of the pathogenic actions of immune cells in brain diseases. Here the authors discuss the mechanisms through which immune cells disrupt the functions of nerve cells. The second section explores the ways in which the brain becomes dysfunctional due to impaired nerve cell function. Based on pathogenesis, diagnostic and therapeutic strategies are discussed for each clinical category. The book will be invaluable for use in clinical practice of neuroimmune diseases