Prognosis of Neurological Disorders
Description:... This is the first comprehensive book devoted to the prognosis of neurological disorders. It addresses the questions: what is the natural history and how does medical and/or surgical treatment alter the outcome? Introductory chapters view prognosis from the perspective of a medical ethicist using coma as an example; a psychologist exploring how a patient's perception of prognosis might alter outcome; and a neuroepidemiology group examining the methodology of prognostic studies. In discussing the various types of neurological disease, the authors consistently provide an introduction to the topic, a review of the relevant literature, and a critical assessment of the prognostic factors. This volume is a practical guide for the clinician that can be used on a daily basis as a reference source when discussing prognosis with patients and their families and with other members of the health care team. It will be of interest to neurologists, neurosurgeons, physiatrists, neuropsychologists, internists, and attorneys. In years to come, outcome analysis will be of increasing importance as beleaguered health care payers attempt to provide the most cost-effective treatment possible.
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