Reviewer: Markus Chwajol, M.D., B.S.(University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine)
Description: Organized into eight subspecialty chapters each covering about 12 cases, this book reviews 100 of the most common cases in neurosurgery. Cases are presented in a succinct fashion, followed by differential diagnosis, work up, pathophysiology, and treatment options. Surgical techniques are then described, at a level that facilitates an understanding of the basic surgical principles involved. Pertinent imaging studies are provided, in addition to clear pictures and drawings of surgical approaches and techniques.
Purpose: The purpose is both to teach beginners the thinking process involved in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of neurosurgical conditions, and to provide more experienced neurosurgeons with a comprehensive review of the management of the most frequently encountered cases in neurosurgery. The material meets the objectives and the book serves as a perfect source of information that everyone in the field needs to master. It is especially helpful for studying for oral board exams, as it is succinct yet provides information at the level that examinees are expected to know.
Audience: The authors intend the book to be a source of knowledge for neurosurgeons seeking certification. It serves this purpose wonderfully. In addition, many other professionals will benefit from reading the book, such as neurosurgical residents, both junior and senior, but also nurse practitioners and physician assistants. The authors and contributors are respected authorities in the field.
Features: The eight chapters are arranged based on neurosurgical subspecialties, and the carefully selected cases in each chapter (10 - 19 per chapter) are essential to each subspecialty and include pertinent imaging studies. The narrative guides readers through each case in a step-by-step fashion, starting with history and physical examination, and proceeding to a list of differential diagnoses. Although the differential diagnosis list might initially seem too broad, it compels readers to engage in an "out of the box" thinking process, which is so often crucial in establishing the final diagnosis. Necessary work up is discussed followed by nonsurgical and surgical treatment options. Steps in surgical techniques are provided at the level of detail that is expected during certification exams. All material is presented with clarity and in logical succession. The appendixes are especially helpful, as they offer a summary and review of the most challenging diagnostic and surgical concepts by subspecialty. They provide an excellent review tool for a variety of differential diagnoses, grading systems, and other synopses. I did not use the website resources, as the book was sufficient for the purpose of oral board review.
Assessment: The book is simply excellent. It provides a detailed analysis of the most common neurosurgical cases in all subspecialties. While case based, and partially in bulleted format, the book stands out in that it offers a crisp thinking process throughout while providing a well written narrative guidance on treatment options and surgical techniques. Goodman's Neurosurgery Oral Board Review, Levi (Oxford University Press, 2017), is also excellent, but because of its long paragraphs of well-written, detailed text, it covers only about 3 - 4 cases in each subspecialty. Neurosurgery Board Review: Questions and Answers for Self-Assessment, 3rd edition, Alleyne et al. (Thieme Medical Publishers, 2016), is presented in a purely bulleted form and, while it serves as a great quick refresher, it does not offer enough detail as far as differential diagnosis, work up, or surgical techniques. This book strikes the perfect balance between a quick, bulleted review and more detailed written text.