Introducing neurology to medical students

The chapters are organized ac- information in our hippocampal circording to therapeutic categories cuits to get us through the next and are introduced by a brief over- examination. I reviewed this book with interest view of the therapeutic rationale for use of pharmacologic agents. Most and trepidation. I tried to assess drug groups are included, even those whether the information was presused for symptomatic relief, such as ented adequately and clearly, and GERIATRIC REVIEW antitussives and analgesics. It is my conclusion is that the book does SYLLABUS, BOOK 2 somewhat surprising that laxatives accomplish this exceedingly well. EDiTOR:1Dr John C. Beck are not included, but these have nev- Although neuroanatomy and neu- The American Geriatics er been an attractive group of drugs rophysiology are complex topics, 770 Lexington Ave, SuiteSocie_, 300, the beginner would do well to use Naev ork, JAT 10021 USA for pharmacologists. The text is clear and succinct. this textbook as a basic 'reference 1991/108 pp/$265 (US, three-book set) Paragraph headings facilitate rapid source. In this eighth edition, there are rT his book is the second of the access to information, with parathree-part comprehensive selfgraphs on mechanism of action and three new chapters added. It is diffipharmacological effects, therapeutic cult to imagine that, in previous edi- assessment program developed by uses, adverse effects, drug interac- tions, there were no chapters on the the American Geriatrics Society. physiology of nerve cells or on the The syllabus contains 203 questions tions, and doses. The book should be a useful vol- blood supply of the brain. The third and answers that relate to topics in ume for the busy practitioner and the new chapter on the clinical ap- geriatric medicine. The authors give medical student. proach to the patient with neuro- a detailed explanation for the correct -Dr John Ruedy logic disease, however, seems out of answers and a rationale for incorrect place in this text. The chapter is not answers. Each of the answers is Dr Rudy is d new Dean of Medicie at presented well, and it would be bet- referenced, usually citing current literature. Daliousie Unicersi, Halifax, NS. ter to have left it out. The book is broad and covers I like the bold format of the text. The titles and subtitles are red, and both acute geriatric medicine and the prominent, bold print for ana- chronic disease states. There is a pretomical terms and structures is ponderance of questions relating to striking. The book is illustrated the elderly who are ill; however, both profusely with clear drawings. I ambulatory and dependent elderly wish I had had this text when I was patients are represented throughout the syllabus. Issues about the home, a student. and nursing home are all adhospital, Professors of anatomy and physiMANTER AND GATZ'S dressed. issues are dealt with in Legal often believe have a dual ology they ESSENTIALS OF CLINICAL a few of as is preventhe questions, responsibility as teachers and as NEUROANATOMY AND tion. But ethical considerations are keepers of the knowledge of their NEUROPHYSIOLOGY, considered Societal only incidentally. field. They might not be as happy 8th ED. with the brief and succinct presen- issues are included, but social issues AUTHORS: Dr Sid Gilman; Dr Sarah tation of the material in this book. relating directly to the patient populaWnans Newman However, as a neurologist who uses tion are dealt with minimally at best. FA. Davis Company, 1915 Arch St, this information for problem solv- Although a few of the questions are Philadelphia, PA 19103 USA and ing understanding patients based on American demographics or 1992/328 pp/$21.95 (US) with nervous system problems, I legalities, the equivalent Canadian inost of us remember the long think this text is an excellent intro- formation is important when dealing hours in medical school, ductory source for medical with our elderly population. The purpose of the publication is struggling to master neuroana- students. tomy and neurophysiology. As we Dr .77. Mumrav to facilitate a free flow of information among the medical community who struggled to understand the packed care for the elderly. The authors cernuclei of the complex brainstem and tainly have achieved this goal, particthe neurochemistry of the hypotha- Dr Murray is Dean ofMedicine at lamus, we were quite certain we Dalhousie Medical School, Halifax, AS, and ularly with respect to the appropriate management of problems associated would not remember what we stu- is a Neurologist and Director of the with the ill elderly. died. Our hope was to retain enough Dalhousie Medical School Research Unit.

Covering the spectrun of genatrc medicine

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Introducing neurology to medical students

Canadian Family Physician VOL 38: Juy 1992 1707