2013

Neuro-Ophthalmology, 2013; 37(5): 227–228! Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.

ISSN: 0165-8107 print / 1744-506X online

DOI: 10.3109/01658107.2013.824005

BOOK REVIEW

The 5-Minute Neurology Consult, 2nd Edition

Edited by D. Joanne Lynn, Herbert B. Newton, and Alexander D. Rae-Grant

Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, 2012, ISBN: 978-1-4511-0012-9, 464 pages, list price $99.95

The 5-Minute Neurology Consult, 2nd edition, is onevolume of the 5-Minute Consult series. The firstneurology edition was published in 2004. Othervolumes in the series include Women’s Health,Pediatrics, and Intensive Care Unit and are publishedby Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.

The book is made up of four sections, authored byover 100 contributors. Topics are listed in alphabeticalorder, and there is a comprehensive index, whichmakes navigation straightforward. Each topic iscovered in one to two pages organized into threecolumns per page with prominent headings. ICD-9codes are listed where relevant.

The first section, entitled ‘‘Neurological Symptomsand Signs,’’ is 35 pages long and approaches neuro-logical conditions from the initial presentation pointof view. This section includes symptoms such asdizziness, headache, and tremor. Common neuro-ophthalmic symptoms of vision loss and diplopia arenot included. Each topic succinctly outlines the initialapproach and workup based on symptoms and signs,starting with a basic description that includes epi-demiology, genetics, and risk factors. It then gives asummary of diagnostic criteria from labs and imagingto pathological findings and a differential diagnosis.Treatment is reviewed next, including medical, surgi-cal, as well as alternative therapies. Finally, there isa discussion of follow-up recommendations and prog-nosis. For some sections, patient educational infor-mation and additional reading suggestions are alsolisted. This section is likely to be particularly helpfulfor the primary care or emergency room physicianwho may see the initial presentation of a patient beforea diagnosis has been made. It may also be a usefulreference to the practicing neuro-ophthalmologistwhen considering how to approach associated neuro-logical symptoms that a patient may have.

The second section is entitled ‘‘NeurologicalDiagnostic Tests’’ and is 13 pages long. Each page ofthis section focuses on the indications, benefits, and

risks of various diagnostic procedures used in neur-ology, including catheter-based angiography, com-puted tomography, magnetic resonance imaging,brain biopsy, and neuromuscular diagnostic tests,including electromyography and nerve conductionstudies. It does not include a discussion of laboratorytesting, nor lumbar puncture.

The third section, ‘‘Neurological Diseases andDisorders,’’ constitutes the bulk of this textbook,spanning 389 pages. This section is set up similar toSection I, with basics, diagnosis, treatment, andongoing care outlined for each diagnosis. This sectionincludes many topics relevant to neuro-ophthalmol-ogy, including giant cell arteritis, Horner syndrome,increased intracranial pressure, pituitary tumours,and cavernous sinus thrombosis. This section wouldbe helpful for the clinician looking for specificinformation on the approach to a particular condition.It would also be helpful for the student trying to learnneurological diagnostic and treatment criteria.

The fourth and final section, ‘‘Short Topics,’’ is10 pages long and covers in one paragraph a numberof rarer disorders not covered elsewhere in the book.It includes topics such as Leber hereditary opticneuropathy, Mobius syndrome, and POEMS syn-drome and discusses briefly their diagnosis andtreatment.

Of note, this volume does not include tables,figures, or illustrations. Although some topics maybenefit from such visual aids, the format of this bookdoes not necessarily call for them. Most topics donot fully utilize the one or two assigned pages, andthere remains empty space on most pages that can beused by the reader to add personalized notes orillustrations.

This 8½� 11-inch hardcover handbook comprises464 pages and weighs 3 pounds. Due to its size, itis best suited as a reference book kept in an officeor library. However, its format lends itself to easyaccessibility during the workup of a patient to review

Received 15 June 2013; accepted 15 June 2013; published online 19 September 2013

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the basics of various neurological conditions, as wellas their diagnostic and treatment guidelines. Eachtopic is presented in a comprehensive, but concisemanner that allows for quick review while workingup a patient without overwhelming the reader withtoo much detail.

This book could serve as a useful reference in aneuro-ophthalmology clinic, especially when facedwith a non-neuro-ophthalmic symptom or a specificneurological or neurosurgical disease process. Inthe library, this text would be an excellent resourcefor the student to review knowledge and highlightimportant facts about various conditions. For the

patient, although it provides more information andjargon than he or she might understand, it does offersound basic, treatment, and prognostic informationthat can prepare him or her for a better discussionwith a health care provider at a future visit. It also listsWeb sites of various organizations that can providepatient education and support.

Peter W. MacIntosh, MD &Heather E. Moss, MD, PhD

Division of Neuro-OphthalmologyDepartment of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences

Chicago, Illinois, USA

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