Brain on Fire

Brain on Fire
Author: Susannah Cahalan
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Total Pages: 294
Release: 2012-11-13
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 1451621396

NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE STARRING CHLOË GRACE MORETZ A “captivating” (The New York Times Book Review), award-winning memoir and instant New York Times bestseller that goes far beyond its riveting medical mystery, Brain on Fire is a powerful account of one woman’s struggle to recapture her identity. When twenty-four-year-old Susannah Cahalan woke up alone in a hospital room, strapped to her bed and unable to move or speak, she had no memory of how she’d gotten there. Days earlier, she had been on the threshold of a new, adult life: at the beginning of her first serious relationship and a promising career at a major New York newspaper. Now she was labeled as violent, psychotic, a flight risk. What happened? In an “unforgettable” (Elle), “stunningly brave” (NPR), and breathtaking narrative, Susannah tells the astonishing true story of her descent into madness, her family’s inspiring faith in her, and the lifesaving diagnosis that almost didn’t happen. “A fascinating look at the disease that…could have cost this vibrant, vital young woman her life” (People), Brain on Fire is an unforgettable exploration of memory and identity, faith and love, and a profoundly compelling tale of survival and perseverance.

Autoimmune Neurology

Autoimmune Neurology
Author:
Publisher: Elsevier
Total Pages: 569
Release: 2016-03-11
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0444634460

Autoimmune Neurology presents the latest information on autoimmune neurologic disease, the immune response to the body where organs run wild, causing the immune system to attack itself. Autoimmunity is a main element in numerous nervous system diseases and can target any structure within the central or peripheral nervous system. Over the past 20 years, significant advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of autoimmune disorders, including the use of biomarkers has led to new diagnosis and treatment options. Neurologic conditions associated with autoimmune reactions include dementia, neuromuscular disease, epilepsy, sleep disorders, diabetes, and other common neurologic disorders and disease. This current tutorial-reference will be a must-have title for clinical neurologists, research neurologists, neuroscientists, and any medical professional working with autoimmune disease and disorders. - Includes comprehensive coverage of autoimmune neurology - Details the latest techniques for the study, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and disorders, including dementia, neuromuscular disease, epilepsy, and sleep disorders - Presents a focused reference for clinical practitioners and the clinical neurology and neurology research communities

Meningitis and Encephalitis

Meningitis and Encephalitis
Author: Rodrigo Hasbun
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 242
Release: 2018-07-19
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 3319926780

Meningitis and Encephalitis are associated with high rates of mortality and neurological sequelae. The differential diagnosis includes a wide spectrum of infectious and non-infectious etiologies, some requiring urgent therapy for survival. The current management challenges in patients with meningitis and encephalitis include a low sensitivity of meningeal signs, overutilization of unnecessary screening cranial imaging, delays in diagnosis of urgent treatable causes, a large proportion of unknown etiologies, low sensitivity of current microbiological techniques especially in the setting of previous antibiotic therapy, underutilization of available molecular diagnostic tests, and empiric antibiotic therapy and hospitalization for viral meningitis cases. Even though there are published guidelines, compliance with them is not optimal and physicians do not follow standardized algorithms in their empirical approach. As meningitis and encephalitis is associated with high rates of adverse clinical outcomes, prevention, when feasible is of upmost importance. Adherence to protocols to prevent health-care associated meningitis and ventriculitis are effective but compliance with them is not uniformly performed. This book seeks to improve outcomes for meningitis and encephalitis cases handled by physicians who may or may not be thoroughly trained for these challenges. The text introduces the current guidelines but also discusses the gaps that leave clinicians struggling to implement the most appropriate approaches for these particular neurological infections. Each chapter delivers the tools necessary to identify and adhere to the most appropriate diagnostic technique, management protocols, and prevention approach for each situation. All chapters conclude with discourse on future directions in research and quality improvement. Written by experts in infectious diseases, the book covers topics that are the most devastating, including healthcare-acquired infections, autoimmune encephalitis, and infections as they present in HIV patients. Meningitis and Encephalitis is a well-rounded resource for all medical professionals encountering these neurological syndromes, including infectious disease specialists, neurologists, primary care physicians, and immunologists.

Encephalitis Lethargica

Encephalitis Lethargica
Author: Joel Vilensky, PhD
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Total Pages: 337
Release: 2010-12-15
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0199702985

Encephalitis Lethargica: During and After the Epidemic is akin to a detective novel about a major medical mystery that remains unsolved. During the 1920s and 1930s a strange, very polymorphic condition affected much of the world although not at the same time everywhere and certainly not with the same symptoms. This condition, encephalitis lethargica, could cause death in a short period, or a Rip Van Winkle type of sleep that might last days, weeks or months, but could also, surprisingly, cause insomnia. Its symptoms were thought to encompass almost anything imaginable, which made its diagnosis exceedingly difficult, to the point where its existence as a distinct neurologic entity could be questioned. Furthermore, even in those patients who appeared to recover from the disease, there was a large risk that they would subsequently develop a more chronic and devastating sequel believed to follow the disease in up to 80% of its victims, postencephalitic parkinsonism. This condition became much better known than its antecedent because of the Oliver Sacks' book, Awakenings, and the subsequent 1990 movie of the same name. Encephalitis Lethargica: During and After the Epidemic thoroughly describes the disease during the epidemic period and also details all the cases that have been reported since that time. Using language that the non-neurologist can easily understand, the book identifies the core features of this disease and tries to identify its cause. Encephalitis Lethargica: During and After the Epidemic also presents a thorough analysis of postencephalitic parkinsonism and its relationship to encephalitic lethargica. Whether this book solves the mystery of encephalitis lethargica remains to be determined, but regardless, as a result of this book, the number of clues available have been greatly increased. Accordingly, should encephalitis lethargica reappear, contemporary physicians will be prepared to diagnose and treat it because of the information provided in the book.

Awakenings

Awakenings
Author: Oliver Sacks
Publisher: Vintage
Total Pages: 506
Release: 2013-05-29
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 0307834093

The classic account of survivors of the sleeping-sickness during the great epidemic just after World War I—and their return to the world after decades of “sleep.” • “One of the most beautifully composed and moving works of our time" (The Washington Post) from the distinguished neurologist and the national bestselling author of The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat. Awakenings—which inspired the major motion picture starring Robert DeNiro and Robin Williams—is the remarkable story of a group of patients who contracted sleeping-sickness during the great epidemic just after World War I. Frozen for decades in a trance-like state, these men and women were given up as hopeless until 1969, when Dr. Oliver Sacks gave them the then-new drug L-DOPA, which had an astonishing, explosive, "awakening" effect. Dr. Sacks recounts the moving case histories of his patients, their lives, and the extraordinary transformations which went with their reintroduction to a changed world.

The Flaviviruses: Detection, Diagnosis and Vaccine Development

The Flaviviruses: Detection, Diagnosis and Vaccine Development
Author:
Publisher: Elsevier
Total Pages: 607
Release: 2003-12-18
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0080493831

Over 50% of known flaviviruses have been associated with human disease. The Flavivirus genus constitutes some of the most serious human pathogens including Japanese encephalitis, dengue and yellow fever. Flaviviruses are known for their complex life cycles and epidemic spread, and are considered a globally-emergent viral threat. Detection, Diagnosis and Vaccine Development, the third volume of The Flaviviruses details the current status of technologies for detection and differentiation of these viruses, their use in surveillance and outbreak investigation, and also reviews the latest clinical research. - Comprehensive approach to the scientific disciplines needed to unravle the complexities of virus-host interactions - Descibes the technologies that have contributed to our current knowledge about the Flaviviruses - Identifies the major problems faced in understanding the virus-host interactins that result in disease - An exhaustive compendium of current and past knowledge on the Flavivirus family

Neurology in Clinical Practice

Neurology in Clinical Practice
Author: Walter George Bradley
Publisher:
Total Pages: 1672
Release: 2004
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 9780750674690

New edition, completely rewritten, with new chapters on endovascular surgery and mitochrondrial and ion channel disorders.

Recent Advances in Psychiatry from Psycho-Neuro-Immunology Research: Autoimmunencephalitis, Autoimmune-Encephalopathy, Mild Encephalitis

Recent Advances in Psychiatry from Psycho-Neuro-Immunology Research: Autoimmunencephalitis, Autoimmune-Encephalopathy, Mild Encephalitis
Author: Karl Bechter
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Total Pages: 189
Release: 2019-08-12
Genre:
ISBN: 2889459500

Growing evidence derived from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), neuropathological, imaging, genetic, and epidemiological studies link neuroinflammation and immune dysregulation to a subset of individuals with a variety of severe mental disorders (SMDs), including affective and non-affective psychotic disorders. Further, the recent discoveries of neuronal surface antibodies (NSAs) in autoimmune encephalitis (AE) presenting with diverse neuropsychiatric disorders such as psychosis and cognitive decline, among many others, provides further support to the notion that CNS autoimmunity and neuroinflammation can contribute to the neurobiology of psychiatric disturbances. Further, these immune mechanisms may contribute to a subset of patients currently diagnosed as having treatment-resistant SMDs such as schizophrenia and major depressive disorder. Additionally, mounting data indicate that various infections can serve as an immunological trigger of aberrant immune responses, presumably by causing release of excess neural antigen, thereby giving rise to NSAs or aberrant immune cellular responses to give rise to primary or secondary psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and those associated with AE, respectively. Collectively, these findings support the “mild encephalitis” hypothesis of SMD. The significant overlap among AE-associated psychosis, systemic autoimmune disorder-associated psychosis, and psychotic disorders associated with pathological processes involving inflammation and immune dysregulation has also prompted some authors to adopt the term “autoimmune psychosis” (AP). This term reflects that this psychosis subtype is mechanistically linked to complex neuroimmune and inflammatory signalling abnormalities that can be responsive to early immunomodulatory treatment. It also suggests that a subset of AP might represent an incomplete or “forme fruste” subtype of AE presenting with dominant or pure psychiatric symptoms mimicking primary psychiatric illnesses. Because data indicate that delayed diagnosis and treatment may lead to permanent sequelae, early recognition of AP utilizing neurodiagnostic workup (e.g., CSF analysis, neuroimaging, and EEG) and its early treatment with appropriate immunotherapy are paramount to a meaningful recovery. This eBook will provide an overview of the current knowledge and research areas from epidemiology, risk factors and diagnosis to the management of these conditions, in this rapidly emerging field, helping to bridge the gaps in knowledge that currently exist in the disciplines of Psychiatry, Neurology, and Neuroimmunology.

Acute Encephalopathy and Encephalitis in Infancy and Its Related Disorders

Acute Encephalopathy and Encephalitis in Infancy and Its Related Disorders
Author: Hideo Yamanouchi
Publisher: Elsevier Health Sciences
Total Pages: 259
Release: 2017-10-21
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0323530907

Stay current with recent progress in the field of acute encephalopathy and encephalitis in infants with this practical resource by Drs. Hideo Yamanouchi, Solomon L. Moshé, and Akihisa Okumura. This practical resource covers key information relevant to physicians, surgeons, and nurses who often must take prompt action in the everyday clinical care of patients with these disorders. - Features a wealth of information for all health care professionals who encounter these complex conditions. - Covers diagnostic strategy, subtypes of acute encephalopathy, and management of acute encephalopathy and encephalitis. - Consolidates today's available information and guidance on acute encephalopathy and encephalitis in infancy, in addition to related disorders, into one convenient resource.

A Guide to Clinical Management and Public Health Response for Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)

A Guide to Clinical Management and Public Health Response for Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)
Author: WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2011
Genre: Coxsackievirus infections
ISBN: 9789290615255

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common infectious disease caused by a group of enteroviruses, including coxsackievirus A16 (CA16) and enterovirus 71 (EV71). Over the last decade, many outbreaks of HFMD have been reported in countries of the Western Pacific Region. HFMD caused by EV71 is of particular concern because of the increased number of deaths associated with infection. Until now, there has been little guidance on HFMD caused by EV71. This publication provides practical support for the treatment, prevention and control of HFMD based on the most recent scientific literature and the current understanding and experiences of international experts. It is intended as a resource for both clinicians working with HFMD cases on a regular basis and for public health personnel who are responsible for preventing and responding to outbreaks of HFMD.