Peripheral neuropathies represent a challenging subject for most physicians. This is an up-to-date, comprehensive, and readable book on peripheral neuropathies that includes concise information on the clinical, electrophysiological, pathological, pathogenic, and treatment aspects of the most important disorders. New molecular and serologic diagnostic tests are discussed. Sections are devoted to nerve and skin biopsy techniques and findings, quantitative sensory and autonomic reflex tests. Case examples are used liberally throughout the text. The editors: Mendell, Kissel, and Cornblath are experienced clinicians that bring complementary knowledge to each of the subjects. Additional authors have been handpicked for specific topics which add to the value of the edition.

Neuropathies are one of the main neurological problems in everyday life, and they still have many partially understood parts and unknowns both for physicians and patients. Many systemic conditions may exist within them and therefore they may be difficult to treat. In this book we provide current knowledge concerning neuropathies, which we believe you will find interesting. The subject ‘’neuropathies’’ comprises a number of topics, and each and every one could be the subject of a textbook. On the other hand, this book was never designed as one. This book should be read without prejudgment because the content may not be compatible with general but repeated assumptions and guidelines. However, I believe that the book may be an inspiration for many young investigators as well. It contains current approaches and knowledge and we sincerely believe and hope that it will answer your queries regarding new perspectives about neuropathy in general.

Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is an autosomal dominant inherited tumor predisposition syndrome caused by mutations in the NF2 gene on chromosome 22. Affected individuals develop schwannomas typically involving both vestibular nerves leading to hearing loss and eventual deafness. Rehabilitation with brainstem implants and in some cases cochlear implants is improving this outcome. Schwannomas also occur on other cranial nerves, on spinal nerve roots and peripheral nerves, and intracutaneously as plaques. Cranial and spinal meningiomas and spinal ependymomas are other common tumors. Fifty to sixty percent of patients represent de novo mutations and as many as 33% of these are mosaic for the underlying disease causing mutation. Truncating mutations (nonsense, frameshift insertions/deletions) are the most frequent germline events and cause the most severe disease, whilst single and multiple exon deletions are common and are usually associated with milder NF2. Neurological deficits are a major feature of the condition and neurologists have a pivotal role in assigning symptoms to lesions and in managing neuropathies. NF2 represents a difficult management problem with most patients facing substantial morbidity and reduced life expectancy. Surgery remains the focus of current management although watchful waiting and occasionally radiation treatment have a role. We are seeing the advent of tailored drug therapies aimed at the genetic level and these are likely to provide huge improvements for this devastating, life-limiting condition.

Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is an inherited neurocutaneous disease that has a major impact on the nervous system, eye, skin, and bone. Individuals with NF1 have a predisposition to benign and malignant tumor formation and the hallmark lesion is the neurofibroma, a benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor. The gene for NF1 was cloned on chromosome 17q11.2 and neurofibromin, the NF1 protein, controls cell growth and proliferation by regulating the proto-oncogene Ras and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP). Advances in molecular biology and mouse models of disease have enhanced our understanding of the pathogenesis of NF1 complications and facilitated targeted therapy. Progress has been made in developing robust clinical and radiological outcome measures and clinical trials are underway for children with learning difficulties and for individuals with symptomatic plexiform neurofibromas.

Effectively perform today’s most state-of-the-art neurosurgical procedures with Youmans Neurological Surgery, 6th Edition, edited by H. Richard Winn, MD. Still the cornerstone of unquestioned guidance on surgery of the nervous system, the new edition updates you on the most exciting developments in this ever-changing field. In print and online, it provides all the cutting-edge details you need to know about functional and restorative neurosurgery (FRN)/deep brain stimulation (DBS), stem cell biology, radiological and nuclear imaging, neuro-oncology, and much more. And with nearly 100 intraoperative videos online at www.expertconsult.com, as well as thousands of full-color illustrations, this comprehensive, multimedia, 4-volume set remains the clinical neurosurgery reference you need to manage and avoid complications, overcome challenges, and maximize patient outcomes. Overcome any clinical challenge with this comprehensive and up-to-date neurosurgical reference, and ensure the best outcomes for your patients. Rely on this single source for convenient access to the definitive answers you need in your practice. Successfully perform functional and restorative neurosurgery (FRN) with expert guidance on the diagnostic aspects, medical therapy, and cutting-edge approaches shown effective in the treatment of tremor, Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, and psychiatric disorders. Sharpen your neurosurgical expertise with updated and enhanced coverage of complication avoidance and intracranial pressure monitoring, epilepsy, neuro-oncology, pain, peripheral nerve surgery, radiosurgery/radiation therapy, and much more. Master new techniques with nearly 100 surgical videos online of intraoperative procedures including endoscopic techniques for spine and peripheral nerve surgery, the surgical resection for spinal cord hemangiomas, the resection of a giant AVM; and the radiosurgical and interventional therapy for vascular lesions and tumors. Confidently perform surgical techniques with access to full-color anatomic and surgical line drawings in this totally revised illustration program. Get fresh perspectives from new section editors and authors who are all respected international authorities in their respective neurosurgery specialties. Conveniently search the complete text online, view all of the videos, follow links to PubMed, and download all images at www.expertconsult.com.

Disorders of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) are the cause of prominent neurological symptoms including weakness, sensory loss, pain and autonomic dysfunction associated with deficits, morbidity and mortality. These disorders may be primary hereditary or cryptogenic neurologic disorders confined to the PNS or part of the pathology of both the central nervous system and the PNS. Most PNS disorders are secondary to other system disorders and may be responsive to treatment of the primary disease. Important advances have been obtained in several areas including molecular genetics, biochemistry, immunology, morphology and physiology that have enhanced our understanding of the causes and consequences of damage to peripheral nerve. Understanding of both these groups of PNS diseases has greatly expanded over recent years and has led to important advances of treatment both to protect and to repair damages of peripheral nerve. This volume provides an overview of the state-of-the-art of examination, diagnosis and treatment of these very diverse disorders and will be of interest to both the research and clinical neuroscience and neurology communities. - Covers both hereditary and cryptogenic neurologic disorders - Includes advances in the basic science of PNS from molecular genetics, biochemistry, immunology, morphology and physiology - Detailed coverage of neuropathy in connective tissue disorders, infectious disorders, metabolic disorders and malignancy

Tumors involving peripheral nerves may be extremely challenging lesions to diagnose and treat. In order to optimize their management, physicians should have a thorough knowledge of peripheral nerve anatomy and pathology (both gross and microscopic), as well as familiarity with microsurgical techniques and intraoperative neurophysiological recording. This compendium deals with all aspects of tumors affecting peripheral nerves, from diagnosis to treatment; the topics it addresses range from epidemiology, anatomy, physiology, pathology, and clinical diagnosis to electrophysiology, imaging, genetic/cytomolecular aspects. Surgical approaches, biopsies and resection of various benign, malignant and pseudo-tumoral lesions, plexus tumors (both brachial and lumbosacral), and adjunctive treatment modalities and pain-related issues are described in detail. The book is intended not only for neurosurgeons, hand surgeons, plastic and orthopedic surgeons new to the field, but also for seasoned specialists who wish to update their knowledge with new insights based on robust experimental and clinical material. In addition, it will be a helpful tool for general and oncological surgeons who are sometimes faced with the treatment of mass lesions that may be potential nerve tumors, and for all practitioners who are engaged in the arduous struggle to bring relief to patients affected by these lesions.

Peripheral nerve disorders are comprising one of the major clinical topics in neuromusculoskeletal disorders. Sharp nerve injuries, chronic entrapment syndromes, and peripheral neuropathic processes can be classified in this common medical topic. Different aspects of these disorders including anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, injury mechanisms, and different diagnostic and management methods need to be addressed when discussing this topic. The goal of preparing this book was to gather such pertinent chapters to cover these aspects.

This issue of Clinics in Geriatric Medicine, guested edited by Peter Jin, focuses on Peripheral Nerve Disease in the Geriatric Population. Topics include, but are not limited to: A clinical approach to diseases of peripheral nerve, Electrodiagnostic testing for disorders of peripheral nerves, The role of imaging for disorders of peripheral nerve, Common compression mononeuropathies, Diabetes and Peripheral Nerve Disease, When is it not just diabetic polyneuropathy? Findings in atypical polyneuropathies, Small Fiber Neuropathy in the Elderly, Cancer and peripheral nerve disease, Paraproteinemias and Peripheral Nerve Disease, Guillain-Barre Syndrome and other acute polyneuropathies, Chronic Immune-mediated Polyneuropathies, Immunotherapy for Peripheral Nerve Disorders, Management of Neuropathic Pain in the Geriatric Population, and more.