Book Review
Genetics and Neurology
N Engl J Med 1993; 329:588August 19, 1993
- Article
Genetics and Neurology
(Genetics in Medicine and Surgery Series.) Second edition. By Sarah Bundey, with a contribution by E.M. Brett. 459 pp., illustrated. New York, Churchill Livingstone, 1992. $125. ISBN: 0-443-04523-2Dr. Bundey states in her preface that she has written this book as a practical guide for neurologists to whom molecular genetics is an unfamiliar subject. We found this claim accurate: instead of being a complicated compendium of gene mutations and cloning methods, the book is a succinct and clear summary of the inheritance patterns and recurrence risks associated with a panorama of neurologic disorders.
The book covers hundreds of disorders, usually in a few paragraphs each. Although this may sound like an etiologic nightmare, all the disorders are logically grouped, into chapters ranging from “Malformations of the central nervous system” to “Neurological diseases in which there are defects in DNA repair or synthesis.” The concise descriptions of the neurologic entities include the most pertinent clinical details and excellent photographs. We found particularly interesting the discussion of the genetic aspects and risks of recurrence of diseases not often thought of as “genetic”: hydrocephalus, multiple sclerosis, and myasthenia gravis, to name a few.
The book is impeccably referenced. Complete references appear at the end of each of the 14 chapters, where they are grouped under logical subheadings. One distinct advantage of the book is the consistency and predictability of the content and the writing, undoubtedly the consequence of having a single author.
Dr. Bundey states that her book is intended for neurologists and pediatricians in training. We would agree, and we would extend the audience to include neurologists in practice, since the text is up to date and well referenced. Unfortunately, the cost of the book may discourage some physicians-in-training from acquiring it.
Eric P. Hoffman, Ph.D.
Anne C. Van Cott, M.D.
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
