This title is a collection of reviews on the many facets of movement disorders. The editors state that the goal of this work is to distill information for the practitioner with emphasis on clinical characteristics of each disorder, differential diagnosis, and treatment options. It is intended for the generalist rather than the specialist and it succeeds in presenting synthesized information useful in patient care decisions. A majority of the chapters are given to Parkinson's disease and in addition to the basic diagnosis and treatment issues address etiologic questions including risk factors and the role of genetics. Chapters vary in length, but generally average about ten pages.
Authors provide a short list of further recommended reading sources at the end of each chapter.
Ample tables provide outline summaries of important content such as differential diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, antiparkinsonian medications, and classification of dystonias. The editors and many of the contributors are from the Mayo Clinic, well known for its work in neurological disorders. Luke's, the University of Pennsylvania, and Harvard to name a few. An appendix of national organizations in the United States that deal with movement disorders is included. Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders is a practical guide to help the clinician distinguish movement disorders and understand diagnostic and treatment options.