The Brain Disorders Sourcebook (Sourcebooks) [Paperback]

Roger Cicala (Author)

Book Description

Series: Sourcebooks | Publication Date: September 1, 1999

Complicated and wondrous in its workings, the human brain is composed of trillions of cells, each assigned to a task that gives humans the capability to live, think, and remember. When something goes wrong within the brain, or interferes with its blood flow, the consequences can be serious. The Brain Disorders Sourcebook is a complete guide to the normal functioning of the brain and what happens when problems arise.

Editorial Reviews

From Kirkus Reviews

Compassionate, thorough, and understandable, this wide-ranging guide is a valuable first reference. Cicala (The Heart Disease Sourcebook, not reviewed) puts his finger on the special fear associated with this subject: ``In many ways, diseases that affect our brains are more frightening than diseases affecting other parts of our bodies'' because such disorders ``truly affect us.'' They may change everything about an individual. Even minor damage from, say, a stroke significantly disrupts life: ``Six weeks after a heart attack . . . most people are back at work. . . . Six weeks after a stroke (destruction of some of the brain's tissue) most people are in daily therapy trying to learn everyday functions.'' Despite that bleak outlook, Cicala can help. He begins by elucidating the normal structure and function of the brain, so readers can follow ensuing explanations of what can go wrong. Discussing medical tests for diagnosis of brain disorders, he clarifies the differences between X rays, MRIs, and CT scans, noting when each is most appropriate. The author then looks in depth at ``Stroke and Vascular Disease of the Brain,'' ``Brain Tumors,'' and ``Other Neurologic Disease'' (such as traumatic injury, meningitis, and parkinsonism), indicating their course, indicated treatment, and likely outcomes. The appendices list support groups and research institutes that can assist in dealing with the various diagnoses. Comprehensive advice on the basics, with counsel on where to turn next. -- Copyright ©1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

About the Author

Roger S. Cicala, M.D., is a former professor of medicine and chief resident at the University of Tennessee. He is the author of The Heart Disease Sourcebook.

Product Details

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 1 edition (September 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0737300930
• ISBN-13: 978-0737300932
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #977,533 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful and informative resource, July 2, 2002

By 

Kurt A. Johnson (North-Central Illinois, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Brain Disorders Sourcebook (Sourcebooks) (Paperback)

This excellent book is indeed everything the beginner needs to understand the human brain, and various neurological disorders. Part one is required reading, as it covers the structure and function of the brain. Part two covers strokes and vascular diseases of the brain. Part three is on brain tumors. And, part four is on other neurological diseases, including traumatic brain injury, meningitis, Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, and finally Multiple Sclerosis.

Don't stop there, though! The appendices to this book are wonderful, and are a must read for anyone who is interested in the neurological disorders listed above.

Just recently, my wife was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). When I opened this book, I found that it was an excellent resource, explaining what the disease is, and how it is treated (including medicines for the various symptoms-there is no cure :-( ) Alternative medicines are discussed, though the author gives little credence to them. The appendix is wonderful, giving Internet and street addresses of various MS support groups.

I found this book to be a wonderful and informative resource, one that gave me a good basic understanding of the disease afflicting my wife. I highly recommend this book to you!