Practical Neurophysics: The Physics and Engineering of Neurology

by Karl Edward Misulis (Editor), Evan Johnson (Editor)

Overview

Practical Neurophysics: The Physics and Engineering of Neurology explores and explains the physical foundations of neurology with a principal focus on the technologies that we use for diagnosis and management. The physics of biologic systems is also discussed, in the context of interfacing with our technologies and the mechanisms behind abnormalities. With sections on ultrasound, advanced laboratory tests, and neurotherapeutics, this is a unique book that focuses on the science and engineering rather than on disease processes. This book is intended to give the reader an appreciation of the mechanisms behind our technology and how humans and machines interface. The spectrum of presented information ranges from basic atomic physics to electronics to mechanisms of abnormalities on MRI and EEG. With this book, the reader should have a better understanding of the mechanisms of the technologies we use as well as an understanding of how normal and pathological functioning produces findings we can record.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780197578148
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	11/25/2022
Pages:	352
Product dimensions:	9.35(w) x 6.25(h) x 0.91(d)

About the Author

Karl Misulis is a physician and scientist at Vanderbilt University, specializing in Hospital Neurology and Biomedical Informatics. He has worked in biotechnical development including computer applications and electronics, and worked for a variety of public, private, and governmental organizations. He is the author of more than 20 books.

Evan Johnson is a physician and scientist at Vanderbilt University, specializing in Movement disoders. His scientific expertise is in the field of neuro-imaging, with concentration on CT and MRI. His Master's research took place at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, after which he worked for several years in research imaging groups both there and at the University of Texas at Houston Health Science Center before entering medical school.

Table of Contents

Preface
Contributors
Abbreviations

Part 1. Basic Physics for Neurology
Chapter 1: Basic Physics, Evan M. Johnson and Karl E. Misulis
Chapter 2: Basic Electronics, Karl E. Misulis and Evan M. Johnson
Chapter 3: Computers, Applications, and Artificial Intelligence, Karl E. Misulis and Eamon Doyle
Chapter 4: Physics of Neurophysiology, Evan M. Johnson and Karl E. Misulis

Part 2. Physics Behind Neurologic Technology
Chapter 5: History of Technology in Neurology, Karl E. Misulis and Evan M. Johnson
Chapter 6: Electroencephalography, Karl E. Misulis and Evan M. Johnson
Chapter 7: Electromyography and Nerve Conduction Studies, Karl E. Misulis and Evan M. Johnson
Chapter 8: Evoked Potentials, Karl E. Misulis
Chapter 9: Ultrasound, Evan M. Johnson
Chapter 10: X-Ray and Computed Tomography, Evan M. Johnson
Chapter 11: Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Eamon Doyle and Evan M. Johnson
Chapter 12: Nuclear Imaging, Evan M. Johnson
Chapter 13: Laboratory Studies, Karl E. Misulis
Chapter 14: Neurologic Therapeutics, Evan M. Johnson and Karl E. Misulis

Notes
Glossary
Index

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Heping Sheng, MD (Thomas Jefferson University)
Description: This book summarizes foundational physics and physiology as they relate to neuroscience. Subsequent sections then describe the physics behind neurologic technologies, ranging from diagnostic testing to select therapeutics.
Purpose: The book aims to provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of the mechanisms behind some of the commonly used technologies in modern neurology, such as electroencephalography and computed tomography. This is a worthy goal, as most practicing neurologists do not routinely learn these topics as part of their training and may find the field of physics daunting. A focused discussion of the aspects of physics most relevant to neurology is an excellent way to bridge that gap, and potentially provide more sophisticated use and interpretation of these technologies to benefit patient care. The book is neatly organized by topic which allows readers to choose the range of their learning, from a systematic review to a quick reference about a particular imaging modality.
Audience: The audience of this book includes "physicians, physiologists, and physicists." The authors build their explanations on the assumption that readers have a baseline understanding of major concepts in physics and neuroscience. The book also serves as a good text for students and residents in each of these fields as they learn about different technologies during their training. By combining their strengths in teaching and informatics together with their training as neurologists, the authors are able to distill complex physics concepts and highlight the clinical relevance of each topic in a way that is comprehensive yet engaging.
Features: Part 1 of the book reviews basic physics topics and principles relevant to neuroscience and neurology, including circuit theory and computation. The majority of the book in Part 2 explores the physics behind different technologies in neurology, including electroencephalography, nerve conduction studies, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and select therapeutics such as deep brain stimulation. The book breaks each topic down into short, easy-to-digest sections, and each chapter contains multiple diagrams and/or figures which effectively summarize the relevant content. There is a glossary of key terms at the end of the book for easy reference. A few imaging modalities such as positron emission tomography (PET) are typically viewed in color clinically, so the exclusive use of black and white figures is a shortcoming. However, because the audience likely has some prior knowledge of these topics, it does not hinder the overall educational value of the discussion.
Assessment: As a trainee in neurology, I feel that this book is a great manual that will serve my learning needs at different points in my training as I encounter each technology, for instance, to review principles of electromyography and nerve conduction study prior to a neuromuscular rotation. The book maintains succinct sections and searchable topics, which makes it useful for busy clinicians.

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