The Epilepsies


Book Description

This book gives an exhaustive account of the classification and management of epileptic disorders. It provides clear didactic guidance on the diagnosis and treatment of epileptic syndromes and seizures through thirteen chapters, complemented by a pharmacopoeia and CD ROM of video-EEGs.




Neonatal Encephalopathy and Neurologic Outcome


Book Description

Significantly revised and updated, the new second edition updates the science on neonatal encephalopathy presented in the 1st edition. The new 2nd edition recommends a broad evaluation of all potential contributing factors in every case of neonatal encephalopathy, including maternal medical history, obstetric and intrapartum factors, and placental pathology. This recommendation is a shift from the 2003 report, which focused on determining whether or not a hypoxic-ischemic event was the cause of neonatal encephalopathy. Includes new sections on - Placental pathology - Focal ischemic stroke - Neonatal interventions - Patient safety - Significant advances in neuroimaging This report will assist the clinician in evaluating a newborn with encephalopathy to assist in defining both the cause and timing.




The Newborn Brain


Book Description

Development of the brain and the emergence of the mind constitute some of the most important concerns of contemporary biology. Disturbances during fetal life may have profound implications for a child's future neurological and psychological development, which can in turn impact society. The new edition of this highly respected work presents a comprehensive review of the basic mechanisms of brain development and the pathophysiology of disorders of the infant brain, written by a team of distinguished neuroscientists, neonatologists, and neuropediatricians. The book follows the main milestones of brain development, from formation of the neural tube and wiring of the neurons in the brain. Neurotrophic factors, neurotransmitters, glial cell biology, cerebral circulation development of sensory functions are all described in detail. Furthermore, there are more philosophical chapters on the evolution of the brain and the emergence of consciousness. Clinical considerations are highlighted where relevant.




MRI of the Neonatal Brain


Book Description

MRI OF THE NEONATAL BRAIN, 4TH EDITION provides a comprehensive and integrated approach to the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain in neonatology. MRI is becoming increasingly available to clinicians and has been shown to have major advantages over ultrasound as an aid to diagnosis. MRI OF THE NEONATAL BRAIN, 4TH EDITION is divided into four major parts. Part I covers the technical aspects, explaining how MRI works and advising on how to achieve the best possible image with minimal sedation of the neonate. Part II illustrates the normal anatomy and development of the neonatal brain. Part III is a short section on the pathological processes underlying brain disorders in the neonate. Part IV, the largest section of the book, discusses the most common disorders seen in the newborn infant, and contains a series of case studies with discussions, questions and answers.




Guidelines on Neonatal Seizures


Book Description

Neonatal seizures represent one of the most frequent neurological events in newborn infants, often reflecting a variety of different pre-, peri-, or postnatal disorders of the central nervous system (CNS). They are also a common manifestation of metabolic abnormality in newborn period and often represent the first sign of neurological dysfunction in neonates. They may be symptomatic or cryptogenic, herald subsequent epilepsy, can be associated with potential morbidity and mortality, and may be used as a factor in considering long-term prognosis. Despite the enormous clinical significance of these events, many aspects of their management are not well supported with evidence- based recommendations. These guidelines are intended to be of use for neonatologists, paediatric neurologists, paediatricians, general practitioners, nurse practitioners, nurses and other health professionals who may be in contact with infants experiencing seizures within the first 28 days of life (age up to 44 weeks postconception). The guidelines are framed so as to be applied by health care providers practicing in a wide range of health care facilities, from those with limited resources to tertiary care centers.




Discovering the Brain


Book Description

The brain ... There is no other part of the human anatomy that is so intriguing. How does it develop and function and why does it sometimes, tragically, degenerate? The answers are complex. In Discovering the Brain, science writer Sandra Ackerman cuts through the complexity to bring this vital topic to the public. The 1990s were declared the "Decade of the Brain" by former President Bush, and the neuroscience community responded with a host of new investigations and conferences. Discovering the Brain is based on the Institute of Medicine conference, Decade of the Brain: Frontiers in Neuroscience and Brain Research. Discovering the Brain is a "field guide" to the brainâ€"an easy-to-read discussion of the brain's physical structure and where functions such as language and music appreciation lie. Ackerman examines: How electrical and chemical signals are conveyed in the brain. The mechanisms by which we see, hear, think, and pay attentionâ€"and how a "gut feeling" actually originates in the brain. Learning and memory retention, including parallels to computer memory and what they might tell us about our own mental capacity. Development of the brain throughout the life span, with a look at the aging brain. Ackerman provides an enlightening chapter on the connection between the brain's physical condition and various mental disorders and notes what progress can realistically be made toward the prevention and treatment of stroke and other ailments. Finally, she explores the potential for major advances during the "Decade of the Brain," with a look at medical imaging techniquesâ€"what various technologies can and cannot tell usâ€"and how the public and private sectors can contribute to continued advances in neuroscience. This highly readable volume will provide the public and policymakersâ€"and many scientists as wellâ€"with a helpful guide to understanding the many discoveries that are sure to be announced throughout the "Decade of the Brain."




Pediatric Neurocritical Care


Book Description

"Pediatric Neurocritical Care is by far the most comprehensive book I have read dealing with this topic... This text will provide an excellent reference for those interested in the pediatric intensive care cases or pediatrics in general. It is written very well and is chock-full of information that Practioners in a pediatric ICU setting would use." --Donna Jacobs, R. EEG T., CNIM, The Neurodiagnostic Journal Caring for children with neurocritical illness often requires multi-specialty collaboration and the understanding of an ever-expanding body of data. This book gives clinicians the up-to-date, concise, and clinically relevant guidance they need to provide optimal care to children with these acute neurologic disorders. The chapters in Pediatric Neurocritical Care are authored by experts in each individual topic, and co-edited by a neurologist and intensivist to ensure that all topics have been fully addressed from both perspectives. The book covers the complete continuum of care from assessment, monitoring, and condition specific management through rehabilitation. Early chapters present differential diagnosis and management approaches to common overarching problems such as coma, headache, and elevated intracranial pressure, followed by chapters focusing on the evaluation and management of specific conditions including traumatic brain injury, stroke, seizures, central nervous system infections, and demyelinating disorders. The final chapters address important associated psychological, social, and ethical issues. To reflect the full spectrum of specialties involved in the burgeoning field of pediatric neurocritical care, the book brings together an international group of experts from multiple disciplines including critical care medicine, anesthesiology, neurology, neurosurgery, rehabilitation medicine, psychology, and pediatric subspecialties. Pediatric Neurocritical Care features: Every topic is addressed from a neurologic and critical care perspective. Comprehensive coverage includes the evaluation of common overarching problems and management of specific conditions, in addition to discussion of related psychological, ethical, and social issues. Chapters are written by internationally known experts from the fields of critical care medicine, anesthesiology, neurology, neurosurgery, rehabilitation medicine, and many affiliated specialties.




Early Vocal Contact and Preterm Infant Brain Development


Book Description

This book synthesizes and analyzes research on early vocal contact (EVC) for preterm infants, an early healthcare strategy aimed at reducing the long-term impact of neonatal hospitalization, minimizing negative impacts of premature birth, and promoting positive brain development. Chapters begin by examining research on the maternal voice and its unique and fundamental role in infant development during the fetal and neonatal period. The book discusses the rationale for EVC with preterm infants, the underlying neurobiological mechanisms, and the challenges for infants’ development. Subsequent chapters highlight various EVCs that are used in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), including direct talking and singing to preterm infants. In addition, the book also presents and evaluates early family-centered therapies as well as paternal and other caregiver voice interventions. Topics featured in this book include: Early vocal contact and the language development of preterm infants. The maternal voice and its influence on the stability and the sleep of preterm infants. Parental singing as a form of early interactive contact with the preterm infant. Recorded or live music interventions in the bioecology of the NICU. The role of the music therapist to hospitalized infants. The Calming Cycle Theory and its implementation in preterm infants. Early Vocal Contact and Preterm Infant Brain Development is an essential reference for researchers, clinicians and related professionals, and graduate students in developmental psychology, pediatrics, neuroscience, obstetrics and nursing.




Neonatal Cranial Ultrasonography


Book Description

This book clearly explains the basics of cranial ultrasonography in the neonate, from patient preparation through to screening strategies and the classification of abnormalities. The aim is to enable the reader consistently to obtain images of the highest quality and to interpret them correctly. Essential information is provided both on the procedure itself and on the normal ultrasound anatomy. The standard technique is described and illustrated, and emphasis is placed on the value of supplementary acoustic windows. Attention is also drawn to maturational changes in the neonatal brain and to the limitations of cranial ultrasonography. Frequently occurring abnormalities are described and classifications for these abnormalities are provided. A new classification for neonatal cerebellar hemorrhages is introduced. In this third edition, all ultrasound images have beena replaced, reflecting the improvements in image quality. An entirely new chapter is devoted to Doppler ultrasonography. The illustrations have been improved and new illustrations were added. The reader will have access to highly informative videos on the cranial ultrasound procedure, available online via SpringerLink. The compact design of the book makes it an ideal and handy reference that will guide the novice in understanding the essentials of the technique while also providing useful information for the more experienced practitioner.




Preterm Birth


Book Description

The increasing prevalence of preterm birth in the United States is a complex public health problem that requires multifaceted solutions. Preterm birth is a cluster of problems with a set of overlapping factors of influence. Its causes may include individual-level behavioral and psychosocial factors, sociodemographic and neighborhood characteristics, environmental exposure, medical conditions, infertility treatments, and biological factors. Many of these factors co-occur, particularly in those who are socioeconomically disadvantaged or who are members of racial and ethnic minority groups. While advances in perinatal and neonatal care have improved survival for preterm infants, those infants who do survive have a greater risk than infants born at term for developmental disabilities, health problems, and poor growth. The birth of a preterm infant can also bring considerable emotional and economic costs to families and have implications for public-sector services, such as health insurance, educational, and other social support systems. Preterm Birth assesses the problem with respect to both its causes and outcomes. This book addresses the need for research involving clinical, basic, behavioral, and social science disciplines. By defining and addressing the health and economic consequences of premature birth, this book will be of particular interest to health care professionals, public health officials, policy makers, professional associations and clinical, basic, behavioral, and social science researchers.