Stephen G. Reich

The neurologic subspecialty of Movement Disorders is complicated with many different entities, making the differential diagnosis difficult. One of the most important aspects of these different entities is their visual appearance. Still photographs do not give sufficient information, but videos like the ones included in this volume can provide dimension, context, and critical information. The variety of visual appearances is wide and seeing many videos is necessary to develop skill in making a diagnosis. Involuntary movements are even more complicated and the adage "seeing is believing" has never been more true. Despite this, few books include videos portraying involuntary movements. Involuntary Movements: Classification and Video Atlas pairs descriptions of the clinical features of various involuntary movements with video depictions of the involuntary movements in action. In a unique approach, this book considers two aspects of the diagnosis of involuntary movements: the phenomenology - as depicted in approximately 200 video supplements - and the etiology. The book also discusses the current consensus on the classification, pathophysiology, and treatment of each involuntary movement.

"I'm flat on my back on a couch that's too short in a windowless room in the bureau. I can't even sit at a computer, much less make a keyboard work. My arms and legs are shaking uncontrollably. Although I am only 53 years old, I have already been struggling with Parkinson's disease for seven years. And right now the disease is winning." So begins Joel Havemann's account of the insidious disease that is Parkinson's. Into his own story, Havemann weaves accessible explanations of how Parkinson's disrupts the brain's circuitry, how symptoms are managed through drugs and surgery, and how people cope with the disease's psychological challenges. The paperback edition brings the discussion of treatment options and research thoroughly up to date.

The personal story of a Los Angeles Times editor discusses his experiences with Parkinson's disease, from its physical to its psychological challenges, and provides additional information about how the disease works, how it is treated, and the outlook for its cure.