Despite the valuable contributions epidemiology has made to the understanding of many diseases, most neurological disorders have not fully profited from the results of epidemiological research. Several methodological reasons could account for this omission. Firstly, the incidence of many conditions affecting the nervous system is comparatively low, preventing the recruitment of enough cases for epidemiological studies. Secondly, an accurate diagnosis of these diseases requires a great deal of neurological expertise: the interpretation of clinical symptoms and signs or the differential diagnosis of a syndrome call for the active participation of physicians with formal treatment in neurology. The publication of Neuroepidemiology. From principles to practice is a welcome contribution, which should awake interest and foster knowledge in this field of epidemiological inquiry.
For those interested in a comprehensive and ordered introduction to the epidemiology of a particular neurological disorder, this book is a required introductory reading. The first of the book's three sections reviews the fundamentals of epidemiology. The second section, which constitutes the bulk of the text, is devoted to the epidemiology of main neurological disorders. Finally, the last section addresses clinical epidemiology, health outcomes research, and evidence based medicine in neurology. The chapters on specific diseases bring together an excellent collection of well balanced and up to date reviews by experts in the field. Strengths of these chapters are the focus on methodological problems specific to each disorder, the use of case scenarios to illustrate certain points, and a final section in each chapter discussing areas of uncertainty and future research directions.
The only weakness of the book, perhaps, is in its first section. In their attempt to give a clear and concise introduction to epidemiological research, the authors fail to convey the complexities of these methods. The result is a collection of recipes that could give an unsupported feeling of self confidence to readers with limited knowledge of epidemiology, or that will seem obvious to those with a strong epidemiological background. Researchers with a deeper interest in epidemiological method should turn to alternative introductory texts.
In conclusion, Neuroepidemiology. From principles to practice has a well merited place in the library of epidemiologists with an interest in neurological diseases and of neurologists with epidemiological inclinations. Without doubt, it is an excellent starting point for those adventuring on the stimulating path of neuroepidemiology.