Book review

Book review: Stroke medicine

Brian Chambers

Clinicians might ask if there is a need for another book on

Stroke. This 275 page tome, scribed by stroke clinicians at the

forefront of clinical research from both sides of the Atlantic, fits

nicely between the quick question/answer type book and the

more comprehensive reference book. It presents an excellent

blend of clinical experience and research. As a co-authored

rather than co-edited work, it has the advantage of more

consistent style and minimal repetition. In addition, the authors

have chosen an interpretive approach rather than a didactic

review of the literature. As such, they have listed key references

and suggested further reading at the end of each chapter.

The book is handsomely produced with a glossy red hard

cover. The first few pages contain a number of beautiful colour

plates, including images obtained from cutting-edge technol-

ogies. The book is well illustrated with diagrams and images.

The book is easily read cover-to-cover. The authors state in

the preface that stroke medicine is a fascinating specialty, and

this enthusiasm is maintained all the way through. The material

is organised into three sections: clinical approach, causes, and

treatment. While this works reasonably well, some chapters

seem a little out of place. Material in each chapter is organised

under headings and sub-headings and there is a comprehensive

index, so that the book can be used for quick reference.

The chapter on rare causes of stroke contains some succinct

paragraphs about many interesting disorders, clearly indicat-

ing the authors’ depth of clinical experience.

There are a few criticisms including inaccuracies in some of

the diagrams depicting the circle of Willis. In the risk factors

section, atrial fibrillation, carotid stenosis, diabetes and hy-

pertension should be covered in more detail. The chapter on

‘Vascular Dementia’ would have been better entitled ‘Vascular

Cognitive Impairment’ as there is still debate about whether

stroke leads to progressive decline in cognitive function.

This chapter could also have contained a better description

of the different mechanisms of vascular cognitive im-

pairment and a discussion on the role of vascular mechanisms

in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. Overall this is an

excellent text and I think it should be on the list of essential

reading for any stroke registrar as well as clinicians for whom

stroke is an important but not primary component of their

caseload.

Correspondence: Prof Brian Chambers, Head of Neurovascular Ultra-

sound Department of Neurology, Level 6N, Austin Tower, Austin Hospital,

Heidelberg, Victoria, AUSTRALIA, 3084. Tel: 161 3 94962274; Fax: 161 3

94964065; e-mail: brc@bigpond.net.au

& 2007 The Author.136 Journal compilation & 2007 International Journal of Stroke Vol 2, May 2007, 136