Diseases of the Nervous System - Clinical Neurobiology II. (töredék) [antikvár]

Preface When we were preparing the first edition of this textbook, and then revising the second, the question would occasionally arise, "Why another textbook of neurology?" We, as editors, view these volumes as more than a textbook of neurology. Rather, we place emphasis on the subtitle. Clinical Neurobiology. With that subtitle we imply, and hope that we have implemented, a bridging of the gap between the basic neuroscience and clinical neurology. In doing so we attempted to supplement the necessary description of the characteristics and management of neurologic disease with discussions of the mechanisms of disease, newer approaches to understanding disease, and the potential for new effective therapies. These were the premises on which the first edition was based, and they remain so for the second edition. We did not feel held to the table of contents for the first edition. For disorders for which there have been relatively few advances through research, we did not feel the need to repeat the information already presented in the first edition. In other areas, we asked authors to approach a subject considered in the first edition from a different point of view. For example, in the area of neurotransmitters and receptors, we focus more on intercellular responses (Chapter 4) and intracellular responses (Chapter 5) than we did in the first edition. Similarly, in organizing the section on brain and motor control, we combined the chapters on supraspinal motor systems, cortical control of movement, and organization of basal ganglia into a single overview chapter (Chapter 21). Another goal we had was to gradually change authors from one edition to the next. We did not do this because of any dissatisfaction with the first contributors. Rather, we thought that for certain areas, approaching a problem from a different point of view than the previous one would be worthwhile. Finally, some areas have grown in importance since the first edition was planned 6 or 7 years ago, either because of clinical interest or because of advances in research. Such is the case for Lyme disease, hereditary spastic paresis, diseases associated with prions, and AIDS, to name a few. We would be remiss not to acknowledge the support of two editors previously with W. B. Saunders Company: Mr. Albert E. Meier was our guiding mentor for the first edition, and his basic strategies helped to shape the second edition. The implementation of this edition was initially carried out with the able assistance of Mr. Martin Wonsiewicz. Finally, Ms. Linda Mills stepped in at a crucial moment and carried this edition through to completion. A special word of thanks goes to the many authors who participated in producing these two volumes. As in the first edition, our busy colleagues enthusiastically contributed their expertise, were remarkably cooperative when we suggested changes in direction or emphasis, and most important, delivered on time. Any success that these volumes have is due to them. xxvii