Once an uncommon clinical finding, the Chiari malformations are now frequently seen with the advent of more sophisticated imaging modalities. With more than one hundred years of experience with these entities, medicine currently has a much better understanding of the embryology and pathophysiology of the disorder. Long-term outcome studies are becoming more prevalent and patients are commonly operated on with generally favorable results. Comprehensive in design, the The Chiari Malformations focuses on the two most common forms of hindbrain herniation, the Chiari I and II malformations. Since the original description and classification of hindbrain hernias more than one hundred and twenty years ago, the Chiari malformations have revealed much of their pathophysiology and have become easily diagnosed radiologically. Indeed with the availability of MRI, more and more patients are being labeled with the diagnosis but without symptoms or appropriate symptoms. Timely and an invaluable addition to the literature, The Chiari Malformations thoroughly details the progress that has been made with our understanding of these conditions, their radiologic definition, details of operative intervention and prediction of outcome.

This unique, contemporary book is the successor edition of a ground-breaking, authoritative title devoted to the pathology and treatment of chiari malformations. Since an abundance of research and development has occurred after the publication of the Chiari Malformations this updated title meets the market need for a reference that reflects such advances in the field. Chiari Malformations, 2nd Edition is divided into nine sections. Opening sections feature chapters on general aspects, diagnostic features and clinical presentation. These are followed by sections on differential diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. Finally, the book closes with an extensive discussion on research, related pathologies and patient resources. Expertly written chapters are supplemented with numerous high-quality illustrations and images to aid in visual learning. An impressive, nuanced successor, Chiari Malformations, 2nd Edition, is an invaluable resource for neuroscientists and clinicians at all levels, as well as graduate students to specific research scientists studying this region.

This issue of Acta Neurochirururgica presents the latest surgical and experimental approaches to the craniovertebral junction (CVJ). It discusses anterior midline (transoral transnasal), posterior (CVJ craniectomy laminectomy, laminotomy, instrumentation and fusion), posterolateral (far lateral) and anterolateral (extreme lateral) approaches using state-of-the-art supporting tools. It especially highlights open surgery, microsurgical techniques, neuronavigation, the O-arm system, intraoperative MR, neuromonitoring and endoscopy. Endoscopy represents a useful complement to the standard microsurgical approach to the anterior CVJ: it can be used transnasally, transorally and transcervically; and it provides information for better decompression without the need for soft palate splitting, hard palate resection, or extended maxillotomy. While neuronavigation allows improved orientation in the surgical field, intraoperative fluoroscopy helps to recognize residual compression. Under normal anatomic conditions, there are virtually no surgical limitations to endoscopically assisted CVJ and this issue provides valuable information for the new generation of surgeons involved in this complex and challenging field of neurosurgery.

Includes 15 chapters plus CME questions and answers.

Surgical skill and imaging technology in the field of neurosurgery have developed remarkably during the past decade. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with high contrast resolution and multiplanar capabilities, allows for accurate preoperative localization and postoperative assessment of syringomyelia. Recent advances in dynamic MRI techniques have made it possible to evaluate normal and abnormal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow at the foramen magnum, within the syrinx, and in the spinal subarachnoid space, without invasion of the closed CSF system. These developments have yielded substantial information concerning various aspects of syringomyelia. However, many issues related to the pathophysiology and treatment of syringomyelia remain controversial. This book contains the scientific contributions presented at the international sym posium "Syringomyelia 2000:' held in Kobe, Japan, June 16-17,2000. The purpose of the symposium was to bring together experts in the fields of neurosurgery, neurol ogy, and neuropathology, in order to enhance the level and scope of their knowledge by making them more aware of work done in complementary fields. The contribu tions also report on clinical and basic studies pertinent to the topic of the sympo sium. This volume thus represents a comprehensive description of the state of the art regarding this disease in the hope that it may help to define comprehensively what is already known and to find new ways toward a better understanding of the patho physiology, diagnosis, and treatment of syringomyelia.

The first comprehensive text on the cerebellum and its disorders for many years.

In the last ten years the pediatric neurosurgeon has witnessed a real revolution in the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric hydrocephalus, the most frequently encountered condition in everyday clinical practice. The evolution of MRI and the advent of neuroendoscopic surgery have resuscitated the interest in the classification, etiology and pathophysiology of hydrocephalus. The book offers an updated overview on the recent progress in this field, and a new approach to hydrocephalus: the reader will find in it a modern and new presentation of an old disease, where genetics, endoscopy, cost-effectiveness analyses and many other aspects of the various therapies are extensively discussed. The volume will be useful not only for neurosurgeons, but for all specialists interested in the various aspects of hydrocephalus: pediatricians, radiologists, endocrinologists, pathologists and geneticists.

Linking existing knowledge to new knowledge by presenting it in the form of a case or a problem is a popular and effective educational approach resulting in better retention of the knowledge and improved ability to apply that knowledge to solve real problems. This problem-based learning (PBL) method was introduced into medical education at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada, in 1969. Since then it has been widely incorporated into secondary, undergraduate, and graduate education in a variety of disciplines worldwide. This new volume for the Anesthesiology Problem-Based Learning series reviews pediatric anesthesia utilizing the PBL approach. Each chapter deals with conditions and problems in pediatric anesthesia practice presented as a case stem with questions to encourage critical thinking, followed by an evidence-based discussion and multiple-choice questions for self-assessment. Cases were carefully selected to present a broad systems-based tour of commonly encountered clinical cases in pediatric anesthesia. The book can be used to review an upcoming clinical case or as a PBL tool. The 'Stem Case and Key Questions' and 'Discussion' sections can serve as the basis for interactive learning experiences for study groups or as a broad yet in-depth clinical review of the subspecialty for the individual learner. Self-assessment questions can be used as a measure of knowledge acquisition or simply as a question bank to prepare for examinations.

This issue will cover chiari malformation in both children and adult populations. In the past, it was estimated that the condition occurs in about one in every 1,000 births. However, the increased use of diagnostic imaging has shown that CM may be much more common. Complicating this estimation is the fact that some children who are born with the condition may not show symptoms until adolescence or adulthood, if at all. CMs occur more often in women than in men and Type II malformations are more prevalent in certain groups, including people of Celtic descent.

This practical guide presents approaches to working with children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disabilities who have sleep problems. Divided into four sections, the book begins with the impact of sleep problems in children with disabilities and the evaluation of sleep complaints. The next two sections cover the major categories of sleep disorders as they apply in children with disabilities, and specific neurodevelopmental disabilities with their characteristic sleep manifestations. The last section details options for treatment, which include behavioral and environmental strategies, occupational therapy, exercise, and medications. Chapters feature case studies that introduce and reinforce diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Those engaged in the care of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and sleep problems will find this text to be an invaluable guide when assessing and treating sleep disorders.