Neurology Secrets, 6e

Book Preface

The first edition of Neurology Secrets was published over 20 years ago. The subsequent editions have tracked the dramatic advances in the field of neurology. In this 6th edition, each chapter has been revised and updated to reflect the current state of the art and science of the topic. New chapters have been added that emphasize the multidisciplinary nature of the practice of neurology. The purpose of this book is to focus on the fundamental issues of the field of neurology. This edition follows the now familiar Neurology Secrets format with each chapter organized as a series of questions and answers. Key points are highlighted in each chapter. The chapters are developed to form a basis for further discussion with directed references and reading for more in-depth review. Each chapter is designed to provide the reader with a concise and accurate review which crystallizes the essential features of each topic.

We are indebted to the contributors of Neurology Secrets 6th edition. Most of these authors have some academic relationship to Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, either as current or former faculty members or trainees. This is a tradition begun with the first edition and has continued through the subsequent editions. Some are new to this edition; however, there are a number who have been contributing from the start.

The founding editor of Neurology Secrets, Loren A. Rolak, MD, who also edited the subsequent editions, relinquished that role for this 6th edition—although he continues as a contributor. He began this effort within the context of his role as member of the faculty and Neurology Residency Program Director, Department of Neurology, at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. Throughout the years, Dr Rolak, who is now at Marshfield Clinic in Marshfield, Wisconsin, has been committed to medical education. The previous editions of Neurology Secrets are, in part, evidence of his dedication and skill as an educator, and we trust that the 6th edition does justice to the rich tradition he established.

Joseph S. Kass, MD, JD
Eli M. Mizrahi, MD