G, University of Bristol

All major topics relating to the nervous system are covered within the book; and it is well written as it integrates clinical topics seamlessly. Good, clear illustrations are included, which add to the written text. The layout is generously spaced, and there are always diagrams and tables on hand to make the relevant data more meaningful. The initial chapters provide an introduction to the organisation of the nervous system, and the cellular and molecular mechanisms relating to its function. The remaining chapters focus around clinical cases. A separate chapter is devoted to clinical examination of the nervous system. The text is well written, and information is presented in a clear and concise manner. This textbook provides students with an invaluable review of this complex subject. It offers a concise and accessible introduction and can be used as a good revision aid for medical students and students of biomedical science. It is a good core text and provides information on the basic science behind day to day clinical practice.

Posted 1st Jun 2010

Latifa Patel, University of Liverpool

I give this book a Buyer Rating of 5/5 (Go buy it... NOW!). I rarely give this rating to a brand new book but I am honestly swiftly becoming a fan of the, “Systems of the Body” range. Coming from a PBL generation I really can appreciate what this book does. Having read a few books in the Systems of the Body series I can say that you mustn’t judge a book by its cover. Unlike the Crash Course Series the layout of the books differ a fair bit. And I like the layout of this book. It introduces you to the general organisation of the nervous system, covering anatomy of the brain through to the peripheries detailing the functions too. It then eases you into the cellular and molecular neuroscience. Clinical examination is covered in a good amount of detail though it isn’t easy to read with large paragraphs and poor picture to text ratio, so I wouldn’t rely on this chapter though it is a good introduction to clinical examination. The book then covers the anatomical sections of the nervous system separately, spinal cord, cranial nerves and the brain stem, visual system, auditory and vestibular system and motor systems. There is a good section on pain and analgesia (exams like pain) too. The book then heads towards clinical cases like stroke, head injury, infection, epilepsy, dementia, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety and addiction. This case list is not exhaustive clearly but as an introduction to neurology it is ideal. Some chapters do attempt to cover a case throughout the chapter which is great particularly if you’re in your pre-clinical years. The aesthetics of the book like the others in the series is lovely. smooth writeable pages with some room in the margin for annotations and a splash of colour – and all this at a great low price. The diagrams in this book are also particularly good which is important when studying neurology. As always make sure have a look for yourself. Enjoy, Latifa (“,)

Posted 31st May 2010