- Email: [email protected]
Single fiber electromyography
BOOK REVIEWS propriate for this textbook format. A bigger potential drawback is that most of the references are from the 1980s, with the most recent in 1991; nevertheless, there is appropriate treatment of newer subjects such as magnetic resonance angiography. The major topics of interest to the epileptologist are discussed at least cursorily, with appropriate references for those who wish to look further. These include the anatomy of the optic radiations within the temporal lobe, the existence of ictal and postictal amaurosis, the tendency of most antiepileptic drugs to produce nystagmus, sparing downgaze, and the association of epileptic nystagmus with partial seizures of parieto-occipital origin (though the fact that the fast phase is generally contralateral to the discharging region is not mentioned). Overall, this book is a highly readable, wellorganized, affordable, and extremely well illustrated introduction to an important and complex field. Although it is no substitute for Walsh and Hoyt's encyclopedic 4-volume treatment, it compares favorably to other similarly sized approaches to this subject and can be strongly recommended. Edward B. Bromfield, M.D. Department of Neurology Brigham and Women's Hospital Boston, MA, U.S.A.
Single Fiber Electromyography, edited by Eric Stalberg and Dr. Trontel. New York: Raven Press, 1994. Price: $79.00.
346 J EPILEPSY, VOL. 8, NO. 4, 1995
Eric Stalberg published the first edition of this text in 1979. It has since been the standard for all individuals involved in the use of single fiber electromyography. Stalberg is the leading teacher of this technique and he has steadfastly contributed to its development, at both the research and clinical level. This new edition exemplifies the experience Stalberg and his colleague Trontel have gleaned during the decade and a half since the original text was published. It was their purpose to develop a text which provided "an overview for the experienced and a guide for the beginner." This text begins with the basic information visa-vis physiology, equipment, and recording procedures. It then progresses to a careful study of jitter and impulse blocking, and concludes with emphasis on the results of single fiber electromyography in various clinical settings. This new edition includes the use of stimulation single fiber electromyography and a reference table providing values for normal single fiber electromyography in multiple muscles in addition to the standard extensor digitorum communis. The major textbooks of electromyography do not cover this field other than in a most cursory fashion. All physicians who perform electromyography and have an interest in evaluation of the more complex neuromuscular disorders should benefit from this text. H. Royden-Jones, M.D. Department of Neurology Lahey Clinic Burlington, MA, U.S.A.
Single Fiber Electromyography, edited by Eric Stalberg and Dr. Trontel. New York: Raven Press, 1994. Price: $79.00.
346 J EPILEPSY, VOL. 8, NO. 4, 1995
Eric Stalberg published the first edition of this text in 1979. It has since been the standard for all individuals involved in the use of single fiber electromyography. Stalberg is the leading teacher of this technique and he has steadfastly contributed to its development, at both the research and clinical level. This new edition exemplifies the experience Stalberg and his colleague Trontel have gleaned during the decade and a half since the original text was published. It was their purpose to develop a text which provided "an overview for the experienced and a guide for the beginner." This text begins with the basic information visa-vis physiology, equipment, and recording procedures. It then progresses to a careful study of jitter and impulse blocking, and concludes with emphasis on the results of single fiber electromyography in various clinical settings. This new edition includes the use of stimulation single fiber electromyography and a reference table providing values for normal single fiber electromyography in multiple muscles in addition to the standard extensor digitorum communis. The major textbooks of electromyography do not cover this field other than in a most cursory fashion. All physicians who perform electromyography and have an interest in evaluation of the more complex neuromuscular disorders should benefit from this text. H. Royden-Jones, M.D. Department of Neurology Lahey Clinic Burlington, MA, U.S.A.