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Psychosomatic medicine
~"~I~U T T F" R W 0 R T H
~]E
I N E M A N N
Book Reviews Contemporary Hypnosis Research, edited by E. Fromm and M. R. Nash. N e w York: Guilford Publishers, 1992, 591 pp. Price: $60.00. Psychosomatic Medicine, Volumes 1 & 2, edited by S. Cheren. Madison, CT: International Universities Press, 1989, 977 pp. Price $52.50 & $57.50. The remarkable technological progress in the neurosciences that is associated with advances in tissue culture, molecular biology, computer science, and other allied methodologies and disciplines has been accompanied by an increasing interest and reexamination of holistic and m i n d body integration as they may relate to health and illness. Particularly with respect to clinical management--the final common pathway of the medical arts and sciences--the potential for nondrug or nonsurgical management that may be offered by alternative options is being seriously considered. Reports from patients and professionals indicate that such alternative options do not require an either-or-decision, but rather that the use of nontraditional techniques can often be easily incorporated as an adjunctive element in some larger therapeutic program. Both publications under review reflect these major trends in medicine. Regrettably, both barely touch on the implication for the management of seizure disorders, but that in itself may be instructive insofar as this omission reflects the dominant view among epileptologists, w h o seem to have little if any interest to embrace foreign strategies and theories however clinically effective or scientifically valid they may be shown to be. The literature on hypnosis and psychosomatics is vast, and these works were selected for review because they appeared to offer the practicing neurologist and scientist alike, representative volumes for their professional library that might serve as an entry to other works and journal reports. Both selections provide valuable reference citations and discussions, although neither provides extensive details about procedures or applications. Neither publication by itself will enable the reader to gain all that
J. Epilepsy 1995;8:343-346 © 1995 by Elsevier Science Inc. 655 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10010
is required to apply such techniques in either a clinical or research setting. Contemporary Hypnosis Research is the third in a series of such volumes produced by these authors on this topic. This edition is not simply a revision or rehashing of earlier works, but indeed allows the reader to appreciate current thinking on a number of important aspects that span the terrain of hypnosis practice and research. The chapters are largely theoretical, but almost every chapter is well documented with citations that are decently current. Seventeen chapters divided into three parts (Theoretical and Historical Perspectives, Current Empirically Based Theories, Surveys of Broad Areas), all prepared by established workers in the field, provide at truly comprehensive view. The problems, embarrassments, and scientific inadequacies are presented along with the startling achievements and application value. The volume is decidedly readable, enjoyable, and informative. The last section comprising 11 chapters will no doubt be of greatest interest to the readership of this Journal, particularly for its treatment of clinical hypnosis in behavioral medicine, directions for research and research design, and the role of neuropsychophysiology of hypnosis. It is a volume well worth owning. The 2-volume PsychosomaticMedicine features 21 chapters prepared by 28 contributors, many of w h o m will be recognized as leaders in their fields who are well published in their areas of expertise. For the most part, the contents of Volume I follow a traditional analytic influenced approach to the integration of psyche and soma, and provide somewhat narrow reviews of selected areas. Some of the chapters stand out as worthy of the reader's investment (Lolas & VonRad on "Alexithymia"; Rogers on "Brain, Behavior, and Immunity"; Koranyi on "Physiology of Stress Reviewed"). There are few insightful or illuminating moments in an otherwise excessively w o r d y volume. Volume 2 is divided into two sections (Psychosomatic Conditions and Clinical Practice) and features discus-
0896-697ad95/$10.00 SSDI 0896-6974(95)00062-3
BOOK REVIEWS sions on gastrointestinal disorders, obesity, cardiovascular, connective tissue, and endocrine disorders. The remaining section continues an excursion into theoretical considerations of psychotherapy and, except for a survey chapter of biofeedback applications that is disguised under the title "A Psychodynamic Perspective on Self Regulation in the Treatment of Psychosomatic Disorders," the interested practicing clinician or curious researcher will be disappointed with being able to walk away with anything but a superficial overview of possible applications and implementational strategies. To their credit, however, the authors do provide useful references which are by and large quite current and will be of value for anyone wishing a starting point to enter the vast literature captured by the volume title. Most regrettably, a number of psychosomatic issues that concern pediatrics or neurology are not even indexed. It seems probable that we will be seeing more of these kinds of publications. We await improvements.
Zdislaw Ryn, M.D. University of Cracow Medical School Cracow, Poland
Magnetic Resonance in Epilepsy, by Ruben I. Kuzniecky and Graeme D. Jackson. N e w York: Raven Press, 1995, 345 pp. Price: $110.00. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has revolutionized the management of epilepsy, particularly in regards to epilepsy surgery. Improved technology n o w allows us to detect subtle anatomical abnormalities such as dysplasia or sclerosis in cases that formerly w o u l d be classified as idiopathic. However, many clinicians fail to use MRI to its maximum extent. Altering slice thickness, spinecho sequences, performing volumetrics, or using quantitative T2 relaxation times, among others, have been utilized to detect abnormalities not seen on "routine" studies. Despite these advances, the majority of neuroradiology books dealing with MRI provide very little information on these techniques. Indeed, mesial temporal sclerosis is not even mentioned in some. To this end, the timing of this book by Kuzniecky and Jackson could not be better. The authors have put together an important book for all clinicians caring for patients with epilepsy. Beginning with an introductory chapter on epilepsy, the 344 ] EPILEPSY, VOL. 8, NO. 4, 1995
authors quickly move to a discussion of MRI techniques as well as other types of neuroimaging. A brief atlas of gross anatomy of the brain is then provided. The beauty of this section is that the authors concentrate on those anatomical structures that are important in epilepsy. MRI scans corresponding to the gross anatomy slides are also provided. The chapters on temporal, frontal, and occipitoparietal epilepsy are the highlight of the book. Common as well as rare lesions are described and demonstrated. The sections on the neuroradiology of mesial temporal sclerosis and focal cortical dysplasias are the best I have encountered. Other areas covered include disorders of the cerebral hemispheres, disorders of neuronal migration and organization, neurosurgical applications, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, high resolution MRI, and functional MRI. While this is a multi-authored book, the majority of the chapters were written by the editors. The book is nicely produced with a well-written text and ample current references. The MRI scans included are plentiful, of excellent quality, and are labeled clearly. The style is remarkably consistent throughout. The negatives in this book are very few. Additional examples of scans with MRI-compatible subdural electrodes would have been useful. Unfortunately, in such a rapidly changing field it is clear that this book will quickly be out of date. However, based on the authors' productivity, I have little doubt they will provide additional editions at appropriate times. This book is highly recommended for all clinicians caring for patients with epilepsy. Considering the value of the book, the price is reasonable. Gregory L. Holmes, M.D. Department of Neurology Harvard Medical School Boston, MA, U.S.A.
The Management of the Acutely Ill Neurological Patient, edited by James C. Grotta. N e w York: Churchill Livingstone, 1993, approx. 175 pp. Price: $64.00. This book is an excellent, concise compilation of chapters on critical care management of neurological emergencies. The selection of topics is broad and covers management of head injury, infection, stroke, coma, status epilepticus, neuromuscular
~]E
I N E M A N N
Book Reviews Contemporary Hypnosis Research, edited by E. Fromm and M. R. Nash. N e w York: Guilford Publishers, 1992, 591 pp. Price: $60.00. Psychosomatic Medicine, Volumes 1 & 2, edited by S. Cheren. Madison, CT: International Universities Press, 1989, 977 pp. Price $52.50 & $57.50. The remarkable technological progress in the neurosciences that is associated with advances in tissue culture, molecular biology, computer science, and other allied methodologies and disciplines has been accompanied by an increasing interest and reexamination of holistic and m i n d body integration as they may relate to health and illness. Particularly with respect to clinical management--the final common pathway of the medical arts and sciences--the potential for nondrug or nonsurgical management that may be offered by alternative options is being seriously considered. Reports from patients and professionals indicate that such alternative options do not require an either-or-decision, but rather that the use of nontraditional techniques can often be easily incorporated as an adjunctive element in some larger therapeutic program. Both publications under review reflect these major trends in medicine. Regrettably, both barely touch on the implication for the management of seizure disorders, but that in itself may be instructive insofar as this omission reflects the dominant view among epileptologists, w h o seem to have little if any interest to embrace foreign strategies and theories however clinically effective or scientifically valid they may be shown to be. The literature on hypnosis and psychosomatics is vast, and these works were selected for review because they appeared to offer the practicing neurologist and scientist alike, representative volumes for their professional library that might serve as an entry to other works and journal reports. Both selections provide valuable reference citations and discussions, although neither provides extensive details about procedures or applications. Neither publication by itself will enable the reader to gain all that
J. Epilepsy 1995;8:343-346 © 1995 by Elsevier Science Inc. 655 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10010
is required to apply such techniques in either a clinical or research setting. Contemporary Hypnosis Research is the third in a series of such volumes produced by these authors on this topic. This edition is not simply a revision or rehashing of earlier works, but indeed allows the reader to appreciate current thinking on a number of important aspects that span the terrain of hypnosis practice and research. The chapters are largely theoretical, but almost every chapter is well documented with citations that are decently current. Seventeen chapters divided into three parts (Theoretical and Historical Perspectives, Current Empirically Based Theories, Surveys of Broad Areas), all prepared by established workers in the field, provide at truly comprehensive view. The problems, embarrassments, and scientific inadequacies are presented along with the startling achievements and application value. The volume is decidedly readable, enjoyable, and informative. The last section comprising 11 chapters will no doubt be of greatest interest to the readership of this Journal, particularly for its treatment of clinical hypnosis in behavioral medicine, directions for research and research design, and the role of neuropsychophysiology of hypnosis. It is a volume well worth owning. The 2-volume PsychosomaticMedicine features 21 chapters prepared by 28 contributors, many of w h o m will be recognized as leaders in their fields who are well published in their areas of expertise. For the most part, the contents of Volume I follow a traditional analytic influenced approach to the integration of psyche and soma, and provide somewhat narrow reviews of selected areas. Some of the chapters stand out as worthy of the reader's investment (Lolas & VonRad on "Alexithymia"; Rogers on "Brain, Behavior, and Immunity"; Koranyi on "Physiology of Stress Reviewed"). There are few insightful or illuminating moments in an otherwise excessively w o r d y volume. Volume 2 is divided into two sections (Psychosomatic Conditions and Clinical Practice) and features discus-
0896-697ad95/$10.00 SSDI 0896-6974(95)00062-3
BOOK REVIEWS sions on gastrointestinal disorders, obesity, cardiovascular, connective tissue, and endocrine disorders. The remaining section continues an excursion into theoretical considerations of psychotherapy and, except for a survey chapter of biofeedback applications that is disguised under the title "A Psychodynamic Perspective on Self Regulation in the Treatment of Psychosomatic Disorders," the interested practicing clinician or curious researcher will be disappointed with being able to walk away with anything but a superficial overview of possible applications and implementational strategies. To their credit, however, the authors do provide useful references which are by and large quite current and will be of value for anyone wishing a starting point to enter the vast literature captured by the volume title. Most regrettably, a number of psychosomatic issues that concern pediatrics or neurology are not even indexed. It seems probable that we will be seeing more of these kinds of publications. We await improvements.
Zdislaw Ryn, M.D. University of Cracow Medical School Cracow, Poland
Magnetic Resonance in Epilepsy, by Ruben I. Kuzniecky and Graeme D. Jackson. N e w York: Raven Press, 1995, 345 pp. Price: $110.00. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has revolutionized the management of epilepsy, particularly in regards to epilepsy surgery. Improved technology n o w allows us to detect subtle anatomical abnormalities such as dysplasia or sclerosis in cases that formerly w o u l d be classified as idiopathic. However, many clinicians fail to use MRI to its maximum extent. Altering slice thickness, spinecho sequences, performing volumetrics, or using quantitative T2 relaxation times, among others, have been utilized to detect abnormalities not seen on "routine" studies. Despite these advances, the majority of neuroradiology books dealing with MRI provide very little information on these techniques. Indeed, mesial temporal sclerosis is not even mentioned in some. To this end, the timing of this book by Kuzniecky and Jackson could not be better. The authors have put together an important book for all clinicians caring for patients with epilepsy. Beginning with an introductory chapter on epilepsy, the 344 ] EPILEPSY, VOL. 8, NO. 4, 1995
authors quickly move to a discussion of MRI techniques as well as other types of neuroimaging. A brief atlas of gross anatomy of the brain is then provided. The beauty of this section is that the authors concentrate on those anatomical structures that are important in epilepsy. MRI scans corresponding to the gross anatomy slides are also provided. The chapters on temporal, frontal, and occipitoparietal epilepsy are the highlight of the book. Common as well as rare lesions are described and demonstrated. The sections on the neuroradiology of mesial temporal sclerosis and focal cortical dysplasias are the best I have encountered. Other areas covered include disorders of the cerebral hemispheres, disorders of neuronal migration and organization, neurosurgical applications, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, high resolution MRI, and functional MRI. While this is a multi-authored book, the majority of the chapters were written by the editors. The book is nicely produced with a well-written text and ample current references. The MRI scans included are plentiful, of excellent quality, and are labeled clearly. The style is remarkably consistent throughout. The negatives in this book are very few. Additional examples of scans with MRI-compatible subdural electrodes would have been useful. Unfortunately, in such a rapidly changing field it is clear that this book will quickly be out of date. However, based on the authors' productivity, I have little doubt they will provide additional editions at appropriate times. This book is highly recommended for all clinicians caring for patients with epilepsy. Considering the value of the book, the price is reasonable. Gregory L. Holmes, M.D. Department of Neurology Harvard Medical School Boston, MA, U.S.A.
The Management of the Acutely Ill Neurological Patient, edited by James C. Grotta. N e w York: Churchill Livingstone, 1993, approx. 175 pp. Price: $64.00. This book is an excellent, concise compilation of chapters on critical care management of neurological emergencies. The selection of topics is broad and covers management of head injury, infection, stroke, coma, status epilepticus, neuromuscular