RECENT BOOKS

1.) Toporek, C. and Robinson, K. (1999). Hydrocephalus: A Guide for Patients, Families and Friends. Patient Centered Guides: Sebastopol.

Authors Chuck Toporek and Kellie Robinson have lived with hydrocephalus for years. Together, they have interviewed neurosurgeons, patient advocates, and families living with the condition to compile this book necessary for any patient, family member or friend of someone with Hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus: A Guide for Patients, Families & Friends informs patient and family so that you can understand what treatments are available, select the best neurosurgeon, and participate more fully in patient care. It also informs you of what to expect during and after surgery, symptoms to looks for, where to receive support, and how to keep helpful records to reference for future diagnostic or surgical work. Families and friends who read this book will encounter medical facts clearly explained, advice to ease their daily life, and tools for patient advocacy.

 

2.) Cinalli, G., Maixner, W.J., Sainte-Rose, C. (2004). Pediatric Hydrocephalus. Springer: Berlin.

In the last ten years, pediatric neurosurgeons have witnessed a real revolution in the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric hydrocephalus, which is the most frequently encountered condition in everyday pediatric clinical practice. The evolution of the MRI and the advent of neuroendoscopic surgeries have brought about again the interest in the classification, cause and pathophysiology of hydrocephalus. The book offers an updated overview on the recent progress in this field, and a new approach to hydrocephalus. The book is a modern day interpretation and new presentation of an old disease. It discusses genetics, endoscopy, and cost-effective analyses of modern procedures and therapies. The volume will be useful not only for neurosurgeons, but for all specialists, patients, friends and family who are interested in the various aspects of hydrocephalus.

 

3.) Bellush, Terri Rice. (2004). All About Me (and my shunt). Trafford Publishing: Tennessee.

Author Terri Rice has first hand experience on Hydrocephalus. As a mother of Daryl, who is suffering from the syndrome, she has a motherly and honest outlook on her experience of raising a child has made this book a helpful and informative tool. This condition causes spinal fluid to accumulate in the head, making it grow, sometimes causing brain damage. A surgical procedure developed only a few years prior to Daryl's birth has kept him alive; he is now thirty-six and lives a fully independent life. The book is written in an easy to understand language that is perfect for young children who might not always comprehend what is going on. It also contains illustrations. The book is made to assure children that they are not alone in this situation. It is also a good book to use with siblings of the diagnosed child or for adults who need a quick understanding of the situation.