Neurology in Practice (4th Edition)

Editors: YL Yu, JKY Fong, SL Ho, RTF Cheung. Hong Kong University Press, Aberdeen, Hong Kong 2008, pp314, ISBN 978 962 209 884 8

The fact that this book is now in its 4th edition speaks volumes for its popularity over the years. The authors are all neurologists who have worked or are currently working in the Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong.

This small pocket-sized book covers all major areas of neurology. It begins with chapters on "Approach to Neurological Diagnosis" and "Neurodiagnostic Tests" The subsequent chapters are devoted to specific neurological diseases or conditions. One special feature of this book is a chapter on "Common Medicolegal Issues in Neurology", in which the authors' wisdom on common pitfalls in diagnosis and management is shared with the reader. Two new chapters have been added to this 4th edition, namely "Neurodiagnostic Tests" and "Neurological Manifestations of Systemic Disorders and Neurotoxicology" These two new chapters, together with the one on neurorehabilitation, are usually not well covered in the neurology sections of medium-sized medical books, and thus can prove very handy to the busy clinician.

The section on the treatment of non-motor features of Parkinson's disease and the detailed coverage on motor and sensory peripheral neuropathy are nice touches which are not readily available in comparable sources.

There are, however, some refinements in future editions which one would like to see in this already very successful text. The first one is explicit use of evidence-based medicine. It can be seen that most of the recommendations are based on major guidelines, but references to these are wanting.

A list for further reading is provided, but it comprises only books on neurology. To the more inquisitive mind, a concise reference list, which contains the important or even "landmark" studies, meta-analyses and guidelines (e.g. NICE guidelines), will be most welcome. The evidence levels of the recommended treatment of common conditions will also be very helpful to the readers.

From the perspective of primary care, more detailed coverage of symptoms like vertigo and delirium, and conditions like benign positional vertigo, Bell's palsy, autonomic neuropathy and transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs) will attune this book even more to family doctors.