THE DANA GUIDE TO BRAIN HEALTH

Edited by three leading physicians from the Dana Foundation, a private foundation specializing in science and health, this volume is a comprehensive reference guide to the brain. Covering an array of topics, the book includes detailed information that goes beyond encyclopedia-type entries about medical testing, childhood development, autism and cerebral palsy and treatments for these and other diseases. The writing is clear and accessible. Some of the topics such as the healthy brain and childhood development will interest many readers, but most will probably use the book as a home medical reference, looking up individual ailments, researching illnesses that run in the family or finding helpful strategies for coping with brain difficulties. For the various illnesses, the authors define symptoms, steps to diagnosis and treatment options. Useful approaches on living with an illness are also included: for example, epilepsy sufferers are urged to have their bathroom doors open out instead of inward so the door can still open even if someone has fallen against it. Patients newly diagnosed with brain-related ailments will find this an invaluable resource. (Jan.)