Book Review

Neuroepidemiology: From Principles to Practice

N Engl J Med 2004; 351:943August 26, 2004

Article

Neuroepidemiology: From Principles to Practice
Edited by Lorene M. Nelson, Caroline M. Tanner, Stephen K. Van Den Eeden, and Valerie M. McGuire. 461 pp., illustrated. New York, Oxford University Press, 2004. $79.95. ISBN: 0-19-513379-X

This book, a much-needed reference in the relatively new field of neuroepidemiology, is excellent for neurologists, clinical scientists, and workers in the area of neurologic clinical research. The authors offer a well-written and comprehensive step-by-step approach, explaining epidemiologic methods and their applications in clinical research on neurologic disorders. The book, which is well organized and concise, provides easy-to-understand case scenarios and examples, as well as tables and illustrations that clarify the methods described and allow for a rapid overview.

An ideal starting point for anyone who is new to neuroepidemiology, this book is an important resource for practitioners in evidence-based medicine who require knowledge about more advanced epidemiologic applications relevant to the interpretation of published data in neurology. It covers the main neurologic diseases and provides easy access to epidemiology for subspecialists. The section on clinical epidemiology is an excellent resource for neurologic scientists planning for clinical trials and interpreting research data. Overall, the book manages to turn a dry and complex subject into an interesting and easily understandable topic. It is highly recommended for all practitioners in the field of evidence-based neurology and clinical neurologic research.

Kerstin Bettermann, M.D., Ph.D.
James F. Toole, M.D.
Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1068