Molecular and Cellular Therapies for Motor Neuron Diseases discusses the basics of the diseases, also covering advances in research and clinical trials. The book provides a resource for students that will help them learn the basics in a detailed manner that is required for scientists and clinicians. Users will find a comprehensive overview of the background of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS/Lou Gehrig's Disease) and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), along with the current understanding of their genetics and mechanisms. In addition, the book details gene and cell therapies that have been developed and their translation to clinical trials. - Provides an overview of gene and cell therapies for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other motor neuron diseases - Edited by a leading Neurosurgeon and two research scientists to promote synthesis between basic neuroscience and clinical relevance - Presents a great resource for researchers and practitioners in neuroscience, neurology, and gene and cell therapy

Amytrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS or motor neurone disease) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that can cause profound suffering for both the patient and their family. Whilst new treatments for ALS are being developed, these are not curative and offer only the potential to slow its progression. Palliative care must therefore be integral to the clinical approach to the disease. Palliative Care in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: From diagnosis to bereavement reflects the wide scope of this care; it must cover not just the terminal phase, but support the patient and their family from the onset of the disease. Both the multidisciplinary palliative care team and the neurology team are essential in providing a high standard of care and allowing quality of life (both patient and carer) to be maintained. Clear guidelines are provided to address care throughout the disease process. Control of symptoms is covered alongside the psychosocial care of patients and their families. Case studies are used to emphasise the complexity of the care needs and involvement of the patient and family, culminating in discussion of bereavement. Different models of care are explored, and this new edition utilizes the increase in both the evidence-base and available literature on the subject. New topics discussed include complementary therapies, personal and family experiences of ALS, new genetics research, and updated guidelines for patient care, to ensure this new edition remains the essential guide to palliative care in ALS.

The motor neuron diseases (or motor neuron diseases) (MND) are a group of progressive neurological disorders that destroy motor neurons, the cells that control voluntary muscle activity such as speaking, walking, breathing, and swallowing. Neurological examination presents specific signs associated with upper and lower motor neuron degeneration. Signs of upper motor neuron damage include spasticity, brisk reflexes and the Babinski sign. Signs of lower motor neuron damage include weakness and muscle atrophy. Every muscle group in the body requires both upper and lower motor neurons to function. It is a common misconception that "upper" motor neurons control the arms, while "lower" motor neurons control the legs. The signs described above can occur in any muscle group, including the arms, legs, torso, and bulbar region. Symptoms usually present between the ages of 50-70, and include progressive weakness, muscle wasting, and muscle fasciculations; spasticity or stiffness in the arms and legs; and overactive tendon reflexes. Patients may present with symptoms as diverse as a dragging foot, unilateral muscle wasting in the hands, or slurred speech. This new book presents the latest research from around the globe.

'Motor Neuron Disease in Adults' reviews new information from 1998 as it applies to all aspects of motor neuron disease. Articles included use evidence-based methods to ensure that the new information is solid and advances the topic. The book can be used by anyone who provides any type of care to ALS patients.

This simple guide to neurogenetics demystifies the overwhelming amount of information on the subject so you can identify key clinical features and understand your management options. Reach relevant differential diagnoses and provide appropriate counseling to your patients using the symptom-based approach. By integrating genetic and neurological approaches to diagnoses, this book ensures that the neurological consequences of a genetic diagnosis and the genetic consequences of a neurological diagnosis are clear and explicit. Concise and portable, this book is ideal for easy reference in clinical use. Details the underlying basic science and clinical features of genetic disorders by taking a symptom-based approach to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the field. Focuses on the clinical application of neurogenetics to be of practical use to you in the clinic. Clarifies the neurological consequences of a genetic diagnosis and the genetic consequences of a neurological diagnosis by integrating genetic and neurological approaches to diagnoses. Discusses and evaluates necessary investigations so you know when to use them and when to refer. Highlights diagnostic and therapeutic tips so you can learn new concepts or refine your skills in practice. Refers to online sources, such as Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) and others, to help you supplement your knowledge.

Diagnose neuromuscular disorders more quickly and accurately with Electromyography and Neuromuscular Disorders: Clinical-Electrophysiologic Correlations, 3rd Edition! State-of-the-art guidance helps you correlate electromyographic and clinical findings and use the latest EMG techniques to their fullest potential. Consult this title on your favorite e-reader with intuitive search tools and adjustable font sizes. Elsevier eBooks provide instant portable access to your entire library, no matter what device you're using or where you're located. Successfully correlate electrodiagnostic findings with key clinical findings for more confident diagnoses. Clearly see how to apply what you’ve learned with abundant case studies throughout the book. Obtain relevant clinical guidance quickly and easily with an accessible, easy-to-read writing style that’s both comprehensive and easy to understand. Ensure correct EMG needle placement and avoid neurovascular injuries by referring to more than 65 detailed, cross-sectional anatomy drawings. Diagnose many newly defined genetic neuromuscular conditions based on their electrodiagnostic presentation. Stay up to date with must-know information on iatrogenic complications of electrodiagnostic studies. Visualize key concepts more easily with a brand-new full-color design, new artwork, and new photographs. Access Electromyography and Neuromuscular Disorders online, fully searchable, at www.expertconsult.com, along with more than 70 videos that allow you to see and hear the EMG waveforms discussed in the text, as well as a convenient "test yourself" module.

How we raise young children is one of today's most highly personalized and sharply politicized issues, in part because each of us can claim some level of "expertise." The debate has intensified as discoveries about our development-in the womb and in the first months and years-have reached the popular media. How can we use our burgeoning knowledge to assure the well-being of all young children, for their own sake as well as for the sake of our nation? Drawing from new findings, this book presents important conclusions about nature-versus-nurture, the impact of being born into a working family, the effect of politics on programs for children, the costs and benefits of intervention, and other issues. The committee issues a series of challenges to decision makers regarding the quality of child care, issues of racial and ethnic diversity, the integration of children's cognitive and emotional development, and more. Authoritative yet accessible, From Neurons to Neighborhoods presents the evidence about "brain wiring" and how kids learn to speak, think, and regulate their behavior. It examines the effect of the climate-family, child care, community-within which the child grows.