Neuromuscular Function and Disease: Basic, Clinical, and Electrodiagnostic Aspects, 2-Volume Set, 1e
In 1987, William F. Brown and Charles F. Bolton wrote the first edition of their now classic textbook, Clinical Electromyography, which was substantially expanded in 1993 on the basis of increased knowledge of neuromuscular diseases. The book is one of the best known and most read in the field, particularly because of its clinical approach to electromyography. One of the collaborating authors of that book was Michael J. Aminoff, a well-known authority in this area who has also written and edited excellent books on electromyography and clinical electrophysiology. Brown, Bolton, and Aminoff have now edited a new, encyclopedic book, Neuromuscular Function and Disease, which has some of the basic elements of their original book but has been expanded into two volumes, one covering basic aspects of neuromuscular function and the other covering clinical aspects of neuromuscular diseases. This new work, like its predecessors, places strong emphasis on electrophysiology, including aspects of instrumentation, electrical safety, and intraoperative monitoring. The two volumes comprise 26 sections organized by 22 section editors, who are well-recognized authorities. There are 107 chapters written by 114 contributors, who are also experts in the field of neuromuscular diseases, as well as an appendix on normal electrodiagnostic values. Most of the chapters are comprehensive, well written, and informative. Missing is a section on nerve and muscle histology, and although there is a very comprehensive chapter on magnetic resonance neurography, there is no discussion of magnetic resonance imaging of the spine, which is a very useful tool for neuromuscular specialists, nor is there a description of other imaging techniques. Some of the chapters in the second volume cover not only clinical considerations but also therapy, and there is an excellent chapter on chemical-denervation therapy with botulinum toxin. Several other chapters, however, do not discuss treatment or management. The book is very well illustrated and indexed, and the chapters have excellent reference lists, most with references as recent as the year 2000; some have a few references from 2001. There are slight differences among the chapters in the manner in which references are listed. Despite these minor deficiencies, Neuromuscular Function and Disease is an excellent book and a comprehensive reference that should be a valuable addition to electromyography laboratories, neurology libraries, and neuromuscular divisions. Individual chapters would also make useful reading assignments for trainees in electrophysiology.Tulio E. Bertorini, M.D.Copyright © 2003 Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved. The New England Journal of Medicine is a registered trademark of the MMS.