This book is an updated amalgamation of the first edition of the same name and the author's Evoked Potentials in Intraoperative Monitoring. It is a comprehensive and authoritative handbook that deals with the basic science and practical application of neurophysiological monitoring.
There are six sections. The first considers the general principles of intra-operative monitoring: the basis of monitoring, the various forms of electrical activity that can be recorded and practical aspects of recording evoked potentials from nerves, nuclei and muscles. There follows a section on sensory systems describing the relevant anatomy and physiology, monitoring of the auditory, somatosensory and visual systems. Section 3 focuses on the motor systems, again considering the anatomy, physiology and practical aspects of spinal motor and brainstem motor systems. Section 4 deals with the peripheral nerves.
While in no way diminishing the wealth of information laid out in these sections, which perhaps has greater appeal to the physiologist, it is the last two that will be of greatest interest to the practising neurosurgeon in the UK. Section 5 considers how intra-operative recordings may assist the surgeon during the operation. Invaluable advice is offered on the localisation of displaced cranial motor nerves, mapping of sensory nerves, spinal cord, floor of the fourth ventricle and how to identify the central sulcus. Professor Møller's considerable experience with microvascular decompression of the facial nerve in hemifacial spasm makes absorbing reading. The final section considers the very practical aspects of electrophysiological recording in the operating theatre and concludes with a very honest objective evaluation of its benefits.
The book is well written and nicely laid out, supported by clear line drawings, a helpful bibliography and comprehensive index. It is a book to dip into rather than read from cover to cover and information is easy to find within.
The dearth of neurophysiologists and small number of neurosurgeons in the UK mean that both specialists tend to remain absorbed in their own workload and woefully ignorant of each other's knowledge and abilities. This book seeks to remedy this, encouraging a closer union from which will flow the common goal: safer surgery and better results.
At present, only a small proportion of neurosurgical procedures involve intra-operative monitoring and in proportion this book will have limited appeal, mainly to the minority of surgeons with a particular interest in functional, skull base and scoliosis surgery. Nevertheless, it is a stimulating read and there should be a copy in every neurosurgical unit in the land.