Clinical Pediatric Neurology: A Signs and Symptoms Approach

This is a good book, easy to read, and full of useful information, if somewhat light on treatment

I just love medical texts that take the "Signs and Symptoms Approach." That's how real medicine works. This book is no exception--while not a comprehensive reference by any means, it is very helpful in diagnosing childhood neurological conditions. That's why I recommend it for office use. For something more comprehensive, check MD Consult online or visit your nearest medical library. For something truly useful for your office, buy this book.

Sometimes you can't have a portly, balding pediatric neurologist right at the bedside to help you out. For those times, you need this book.Fenichel's book is the standard for adult neurologists and pediatricians who need a practical, concise, well-organized introduction to the otherwise mysterious world of pediatric neurology. It's organized by the presenting sign and symptom, which makes it redundant in places, but also invaluable when preparing for Board vignettes, not to mention highly relevant for taking care of real patients. There's no substitute or alternative.Its only shortcoming is its lack of depth - and it doesn't purport to be a textbook. (That role is filled by Swaiman's 1998 2-volume edition, which is superior in my opinion to that of Aicardi.) This is a book you could carry around with you on your pediatric neurology rotation - and if you rotate, you'd better!What else it's not: It's not for lay readers, such as parents or non-medical personnel. It assumes a great deal of familiarity with medicine, pediatrics, and neurology, and presumes that the reader has a good deal of clinical experience. For this reason I also wouldn't recommend it to medical students - it's written for residents. (I'd send the students to Swaiman.)As much as we wish we could keep a pediatric neurologist in our pocket at all times, current technology doesn't permit it. And the one I'm thinking of would never fit. So, order your copy of Fenichel today!

This is an excellent problem oriented book for trainees in pediatric neurology. Each chapter takes a topic eg headache, ataxia and considers the problem in terms of differential diagnosis and treatment. The text is interspersed with numerous tables of aetiological lists and diagnostic algorithms, as well as the author's own invaluable practice points. The book is especially useful for learning an approach to clinical problems, and good to keep in the outpatient clinic. Highly recommended and up to date.