- Table View
- List View
Cerebral Angiogenesis: Methods and Protocols (Methods in Molecular Biology #1135)
by Richard MilnerProviding a selection of the key techniques that are used in characterizing cerebral angiogenesis, Cerebral Angiogenesis: Methods and Protocols aims to define the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying this important process. Divided into six parts, this detailed volume examines cerebral angiogenesis occurring in different scenarios, a variety of different models in which cerebral angiogenesis can be studied, methods to characterize and quantify angiogenic events as well as several different approaches to measure changes in cerebral blood flow, different approaches to investigate the role of specific candidate genes in cerebral angiogenesis, methods of therapeutically manipulating cerebral angiogenesis by gene delivery, and finally important approaches to examine cerebral angiogenic mechanisms in vitro. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their specific topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and decidedly practical, Cerebral Angiogenesis: Methods and Protocols should be a vital resource for all researchers, both those new to this field as well as those looking to use more specialized and sophisticated techniques to examine blood vessel growth in the brain.
Cerebral Angiography: Normal Anatomy and Vascular Pathology
by Gianni Boris BradacThis revised and enlarged edition of Cerebral Angiography, which includes new angiographic studies and illustrative drawings, offers detailed guidance on diagnostic use of the procedure. The first part of the book describes the normal anatomy of the cerebral arteries and veins, with attention to morphological aspect, embryological development, function and vascular territories. The intraorbital and extracranial vascularization is also considered. The reader will gain a sound knowledge of normal vascular anatomy and its variations that will serve as a basis for the correct interpretation of pathological processes and their clinical significance, as covered in the second part of the book.Among the pathologies considered are vascular abnormalities, including angiomas, fistulas and aneurysms; atherosclerotic and non-atherosclerotic stenosis and occlusion of the cerebral vessels; venous thrombosis; intraorbital and extracranial vascular malformations. Pathogenesis, morphological and dynamic aspects, responsible for clinical symptoms and influencing the therapy are described. While the emphasis throughout is on the diagnostic value of cerebral angiography, many examples of endovascular treatment in different pathological situations are also presented, with discussion of indications, risks and results.
Cerebral Angiography: Normal Anatomy and Vascular Pathology
by Gianni Boris BradacCerebral Angiography is a comprehensive and well-illustrated guide to the diagnostic use of cerebral angiography. The first part of the book depicts in detail the normal appearance of the cerebral vessels on angiographic studies. Sound knowledge of this normal vascular anatomy and clinical function is vital for correct interpretation of the clinical significance of the pathological processes addressed in the second part of the book. The latter include vascular abnormalities, including angiomas, fistulas, and aneurysms; atherosclerotic and non-atherosclerotic stenosis and occlusion of the cerebral vessels; and venous thrombosis. In each case, both typical and atypical appearances are presented. While the emphasis throughout is on the diagnostic value of cerebral angiography, a number of examples of endovascular treatment are also included to highlight the evolving possibilities of therapy and the role of cerebral angiography in treatment selection.
Cerebral Angiomas: Advances in Diagnosis and Therapy
by H. W. Pia J. R. W. Gleave E. Grote J. Zierski
Cerebral Autoregulation: Control of Blood Flow in the Brain (SpringerBriefs in Bioengineering)
by Stephen PayneThis Brief provides a comprehensive introduction to the control of blood flow in the brain. Beginning with the basic physiology of autoregulation, the author goes on to discuss measurement techniques, mathematical models, methods of analysis, and relevant clinical conditions, all within this single volume. The author draws together this disparate field, and lays the groundwork for future research directions. The text gives an up-to-date review of the state of the art in cerebral autoregulation, which is particularly relevant as cerebral autoregulation moves from the laboratory to the bedside. Cerebral Autoregulation will be useful to researchers in the physical sciences such as mathematical biology, medical physics, and biomedical engineering whose work is concerned with the brain. Researchers in the medical sciences and clinicians dealing with the brain and blood flow, as well as industry professionals developing techniques such as ultrasound, MRI, and CT will also find this Brief of interest.
Cerebral Blood Flow: Mathematical Models, Instrumentation, and Imaging Techniques (Nato Science Series A: #153)
by Andrea Boicelli Aldo RescignoThe NATO Advanced Study Institute on "Cerebral Blood Flow: Mathematical Models, Instrumentation, and Imaging Techniques" was held in L'Aquila, Italy, June 2-13, 1986. Contributions to this program were received from the University of L'Aquila, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Siemens Elettra S.p.A., and Bracco S.p.A. Recent studies of the cerebral blood circulation have lagged behind analysis of other parameters such as glucose utilization, transmitter distribution, and precursors. This Advanced Study Institute tried to fill this gap by analyzing in detail different physical techniques such as Autoradiography (including Double-Tracer Auto radiography and highly specific tracers as Iodoantipyrine, Micro spheres), Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. Each method was analyzed in regards to its precision, resolution, response time. A considerable part of this Institute was devoted to the mathematics of CBF measurement, in its two aspects, i.e. the modeling of the underlying kinetic system and the statistical analysis of the data. The modeling methods proposed included the development of a differential algebra whereby the differential and integral equations involved could be solved by simple algebraic methods, including graph theoretical ones; the statistical methods proposed included the illustration of different parametrizations of possible use in the interpretation of experimental results.
Cerebral Blood Flow: Clinical and Experimental Results
by M. Brock, C. Fieschi, D. H. Ingvar, N. A. Lassen and K. SchürmannThis book is a survey of some aspects of current knowledge on regional Cerebral Blood Flow (rCBF), mainly as studied by the isotope clearance method. Although both theoretical and methodological problems are discussed, attention is mainly dedicated to data obtained from clinical studies. The papers which make up this book were presented at the International Symposium on the Clinical Applications of Isotope Clearance Measurement of Cerebral Blood Flow, held in Mainz, Western Germany, on April 10-12, 1969. The previous meetings on Cerebral Blood Flow, held in Lund in 1964* and in Lund and Copenhagen 1968**, had shown that the moment had come to concentrate on the possibilities of introducing rCBF measurements into clinical routine. This is why in the Mainz Symposium attention was initially focused on methodological aspects. This is also why theoretical problems of physiology of CBF were not emphasized. Finally, this explains why such topics as cerebrovascular disease, head trauma, coma, carotid surgery, brain tumors and intracranial pressure were given pride of place. However a survey of the clinical aspects of rCBF measurements would not be complete without an account of the application of such measurements to monitor cerebral circulatory changes during anesthesia and therapeutic procedures like, for instance, hyperventilation and hyperbaric treatment. Furthermore, it is now possible to obtain data from correlative rCBF studies per formed before, during and after surgical operations on the human brain.
Cerebral Blood Flow: Mechanisms of Ischemia, Diagnosis, and Therapy (Update In Intensive Care Medicine Ser.)
by Michael PinskyCerebral Blood Flow: Quantifying Consciousness Although the heart may be the source of energy needed to generate blood flow,and other organs absolutely essential for normal living,the brain is the reason we are alive. The collected book chapters are aimed at addressing this most fundamental organ and its blood flow. These papers reflect detailed descriptions of similar topics presented over a two-day period as part of the 5th International Symposium on Applied Physiology of the Peripheral Circulation held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in June 2000. The symposium and this volume were organized into four distinct groupings that follow in a logical fashion. The initial papers focus on the basic unique physiology and pathophysiology of the cerebral circulation, including a historical reviewof the means to measure cerebral blood flow and its implications of the past 30 years. Dr. Walter D. Obrist was one of the original investigators to use radiolabeled markers to assess cerebral blood flow. His equations and initial studies form an impressive introduction to where we are now. As with much of the body's special organs, the brain too has many circulatory features unique to itself.These include the unique blood-brain barrier function ofthe endothelium, local neural regulation control, and intracranial pressure effects. These special issues,plus genetic factors that may predispose individuals to developing cere bral aneurysm, make up the initial section of the monograph.
Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism Measurement
by A. Hartmann S. HoyerAt the present time several techniques are available for studying quantitatively global and regional blood flow and metabolism of the human brain. How ever, many scientists working in the clinical and research field who would like to use these tools for their investigations may be less familiar with the indi cations and limitations of the individual methods. The rapid development of both modern imaging techniques and new tracers may have led to some con fusion in answering the question as to which method is appropriate to solve the diagnostic problem of an individuum with brain disease. Scepticism and ignorance as to the methods to be used as tools in differential diagnosis of brain disorders may have prevented their widespread introduction into clinical practice. Thus, the significance of circulatory and metabolic parameters involved in the majority of diseases of the central nervous system may have been overlooked. The contributions compiled in this book describe in detail the individual techniques, outline their indications and limitations and deal in particular with newer methods such as the atraumatic 133Xe technique, stable xenon tomogra phy, three-dimensional techniques such as 133Xe single photon emission tomog raphy and N-isopropyl-P23-iodoamphetamine. Positron emission tomography studies provide information on function and metabolism, particularly that of oxygen and glucose, in regional brain areas of interest. Nuclear magnetic reso nance may be a promising method for studying metabolic parameters; however, accurate circulation measurements can not be performed at present.
Cerebral Blood Flow in Acute Head Injury: The Regulation of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism During the Acute Phase of Head Injury, and Its Significance for Therapy (Acta Neurochirurgica Supplement #49)
by Georg E. ColdDuring the last decade a multitude of studies concerning the dynamic changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF), cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2), and intracranial pressure (ICP) in the acute phase after head injury have been published. These studies have been supplemented with studies of cerebral autoregulation, CO2 reactivity and barbiturate reactivity. Other investigations include studies of cerebrospinal fluid pH, bicarbonate, lactate and pyruvate. In this book experimental and clinical studies of the dynamic changes in CBF, CMRO2, CO2 reactivity and barbiturate reactivity are reviewed. The author's own clinical studies of the dynamic changes in CBF and cerebral metabolism are summarized and discussed, and the therapeutical implication as regards the use of artificial hyperventilation, sedation with barbiturate and mannitol treatment are discussed.
Cerebral Blood Flow, Metabolism, and Head Trauma: The Pathotrajectory of Traumatic Brain Injury
by Christian W. Kreipke and Jose A. RafolsWritten to satisfy a wide audience, from basic scientist to clinical researcher, this volume explores such varied concepts as: the influence of CBF in the pathotrajectory of TBI, modeling TBI as a means to understand underlying pathological states associated with brain injury victims, disrupted vasculature following head trauma and advanced imaging techniques, vasoreactive substances underlying disrupted blood flow, the role of age and sex on injury outcome, and the latest pre-clinical rationale for focusing on CBF and strategies to improve blood flow as a means to improve outcome in patients suffering the effects of TBI.
Cerebral Circulation and Metabolism: Sixth International CBF Symposium, June 6 - 9, 1973
by T. W. Langfitt L. C. Jr. McHenry M. Reivich H. WollmanThis volume contains the papers presented at cluded are the concluding remarks made by the the Sixth International Symposium on Cerebral chairman of each session. The last session con Blood Flow held in Philadelphia on June 6-9, tains discussions of several topics which were felt to be of sufficient importance and interest to 1973. Since the first meeting on cerebral blood flow, held in Lund in 1964, the number of par warrant extended consideration. These con ticipants in these symposia has steadily increased cerned the questions of neurogenic control of until at this meeting it was necessary to conduct the cerebral circulation, the role of failure of simultaneous sessions. The interest and effort reperfusion in cerebral ischemia, and a discus sion of invasive and noninvasive methods of directed toward problems concerned with cere bral circulation and metabolism, as well as the CBF determination. Owing to the large number increasing sophistication applied to these prob of papers included in this book and the interests lems, are amply demonstrated in this book. of rapid publication, it was not possible to in A wide variety of topics was discussed at the clude the discussions of each paper. The orga symposium with major emphasis on the basic nizers regret the necessity of this decision but aspects of the control of cerebral circulation and wish to thank the many participants who con metabolism.
Cerebral Cortex: Comparative Structure and Evolution of Cerebral Cortex, Part II (Cerebral Cortex #8B)
by Edward G. Jones Alan PetersThe cerebral cortex, especially that part customarily designated "neocortex," is one of the hallmarks of mammalian evolution and reaches its greatest size, relatively speaking, and its widest structural diversity in the human brain. The evolution of this structure, as remarkable for the huge numbers of neurons that it contains as for the range of behaviors that it controls, has been of abiding interest to many generations of neuroscientists. Yet few theories of cortical evo lution have been proposed and none has stood the test of time. In particular, no theory has been successful in bridging the evolutionary gap that appears to exist between the pallium of non mammalian vertebrates and the neocortex of mam mals. Undoubtedly this stems in large part from the rapid divergence of non mammalian and mammalian forms and the lack of contemporary species whose telencephalic wall can be seen as having transitional characteristics. The mono treme cortex, for example, is unquestionably mammalian in organization and that of no living reptile comes close to resembling it. Yet anatomists such as Ramon y Cajal, on examining the finer details of cortical structure, were struck by the similarities in neuronal form, particularly of the pyramidal cells, and their predisposition to laminar alignment shared by representatives of all vertebrate classes.
Cerebral Cortex: Further Aspects of Cortical Function, Including Hippocampus (Cerebral Cortex #6)
by Edward G. Jones Alan PetersVolume 6 of Cerebral Cortex is in some respects a continuation of Volume 2, which dealt with the functional aspects of cortical neurons from the physiological and pharmacological points of view. In the current volume, chapters are devoted to the catecholamines, which for a number of reasons were not represented in the earlier volume, and to acetylcholine and the neuropeptides, about which much new information has recently appeared. Volume 6 deals in part with the structure and function of cholinergic and catecholaminergic neuronal systems in the cerebral cortex and with new aspects of the cortical peptidergic neurons, notably the almost universal propensity of the known cortical peptides for being colocalized with classical transmitters and with one another. It thus completes our coverage of the major cortical neuro transmitter and neuromodulatory systems. Other chapters in this volume deal with data pertaining to the proportions of different types of cells and synapses in the neocortex and the physiology of the cortical neuroglial cells. These latter are topics that rarely receive separate treatment and the current chapters serve again to continue discussions of subjects that were introduced in Volume 2. The previous volumes have all been devoted to the neocortex but the present one introduces the subject of the archicortex. To this end, separate chapters are devoted to the physiology and anatomy of the hippocampal formation.
Cerebral Cortex: Architecture, Connections, and the Dual Origin Concept
by Deepak Pandya Michael Petrides Patsy Benny CipolloniCerebral Cortex is a comprehensive and detailed work covering the dual nature of the organization of the architecture and connections of the cerebral cortex. After establishing the evolutionary approach of the cerebral cortex's origin, the authors have systematically analyzed, in detail, the common principle underlying the structure and connections of sensory and motor systems. This important book describes the frontal, limbic, and multimodal association areas, as well as the long fiber pathways in a similar manner. The anatomical investigations have been complimented with current clinical and experimental observations, as well as neuroimaging studies. This unique approach, exploring the underlying principle of the architecture and connections of the cerebral cortex, has previously never been undertaken. In the concluding chapter of the book, the authors have provided the usefulness of such an approach for future investigations. Cerebral Cortex provides extensive illustrations, along with historical references to each sensory, motor and association systems.
Cerebral Cortex: Normal and Altered States of Function (Cerebral Cortex #9)
by Alan Peters Edward G. JonesThis volume of the series on "Cerebral Cortex" deals with a variety of topics that need to be considered in our overall understanding of the functions of the cerebral hemispheres. Chapters in the first part of this volume deal with normal functions that were not covered in earlier volumes, while chapters in the latter part deal with the functioning of the cortex in various altered states. The first chapter is by Eberhard Fetz, Keisuke Toyama, and Wade Smith, and it considers the interactions that can be demonstrated to exist between cortical neurons by using the technique of cross-correlation. The second chapter is by Brent Vogt who examines the connections and functions of layer I of the cerebral cortex, a layer that has been largely ignored in the past, and he proposes that this layer probably plays an important role in learning and memory acquisi tion. This is followed by a chapter in which Oswald Steward presents a review of what is currently known about synaptic replacement following denervation of cortical neurons, and especially those in the hippocampus.
Cerebral Cortex: Neurodegenerative and Age-Related Changes in Structure and Function of Cerebral Cortex (Cerebral Cortex #14)
by Alan Peters John H. MorrisonThis volume of Cerebral Cortex is dedicated to Sir John Eccles, who was an active member of the advisory board for the series until his death in May 1997. His input as to what topics should be covered in future volumes of this series will be sorely missed. The present volume is concerned with neurodegenerative disorders and age related changes in the structure and function of the cerebral cortex, a topic that has attracted increasing interest as longevity and the number of aged individuals in the population increase. Although much of the research on the neurodegenerative effects of aging has been centered on Alzheimer's disease, most of the aging popu lation will not be afflicted by this disease. They will, however, be affected by the consequences of normal aging, so the first few chapters of this volume are con cerned with that topic. Chapter 1, by Marilyn S. Albert and Mark B. Moss, gives an account of the cognitive changes that accompany normal human aging. Chapter 2, by Mark B.
Cerebral Cortex: Volume 10 Primary Visual Cortex in Primates (Cerebral Cortex #10)
by Alan Peters Kathleen S. RocklandVolume 10 is a direct continuation and extension of Volume 3 in this series, Visual Cortex. Given the impressive proliferation of papers on visual cortex over the intervening eight years, Volume 10 has specifically targeted visual cortex in primates and, even so, it has not been possible to survey all of the major or relevant developments in this area. Some research areas are experiencing rapid change and can best be treated more comprehensively in a subsequent volume; for example, elaboration of color vision; patterns and subdivisions of functional columns. One major goal of this volume has been to provide an overview of the intrinsic structural and functional aspects of area 17 itself. Considerable pro gress has been made since 1985 in unraveling the modular and laminar organi zation of area 17; and this aspect is directly addressed in the chapters by Peters, Lund et al., Wong-Riley, and Casagrande and Kaas. A recurring leitmotif here is the evidence for precise and exquisite order in the interlaminar and tangential connectivity of elements. At the same time, however, as detailed by Lund et al. and Casagrande and Kaas, the very richness of the connectivity implies a multi plicity of processing routes. This reinforces evidence that parallel pathways may not be strictly segregated. Further connectional complexity is contributed by the various sets of inhibitory neurons, as reviewed by Lund et al. and Jones et al.
Cerebral Cortex: Architecture, Connections, and the Dual Origin Concept
by Michael Petrides Deepak Pandya Patsy Benny CipolloniCerebral Cortex is a comprehensive and detailed work covering the dual nature of the organization of the architecture and connections of the cerebral cortex. After establishing the evolutionary approach of the cerebral cortex's origin, the authors have systematically analyzed, in detail, the common principle underlying the structure and connections of sensory and motor systems. This important book describes the frontal, limbic, and multimodal association areas, as well as the long fiber pathways in a similar manner. The anatomical investigations have been complimented with current clinical and experimental observations, as well as neuroimaging studies. This unique approach, exploring the underlying principle of the architecture and connections of the cerebral cortex, has previously never been undertaken. In the concluding chapter of the book, the authors have provided the usefulness of such an approach for future investigations. Cerebral Cortex provides extensive illustrations, along with historical references to each sensory, motor and association systems.
Cerebral Cortex: Volume 12: Extrastriate Cortex in Primates (Cerebral Cortex #12)
by Kathleen S. Rockland Jon H. Kaas Alan PetersOver the last twenty-five years, there has been an extensive effort, still growing for that matter, to explore and understand the organization of extrastriate cor tex in primates. We now recognize that most of caudal neocortex is visual in some sense and that this large visual region includes many distinct areas. Some of these areas have been well defined, and connections, neural properties, and the functional consequences of deactivations have been studied. More recently, non invasive imaging of cortical activity patterns during visual tasks has led to an expanding stream of papers on extrastriate visual cortex of humans, and results have been related to theories of visual cortex organization that have emerged from research on monkeys. Against this backdrop, the time seems ripe for a review of progress and a glance at the future. One caveat important to emphasize at the very onset is that the reader may be puzzled or confused by the use of different terminologies. Individual investi gators commonly tend to favor different terminologies, but in general some prove more advantageous than others. As discussed by Rowe and Stone (1977) as well as by others, there is an unfortunate tendency for role-indicating names to lead to fixed ideas about function, in contrast to those that are more neutral and adaptable to new findings.
The Cerebral Cortex and Thalamus
by W. Martin Usrey and S. Murray ShermanFor the first time, Drs. Usrey and Sherman, along with a who's who of luminaries in neuroscience research, seek to codify the roles that the cortex and thalamus and their interdependence on each other play for sensation, action, and cognition. The thalamus, in addition, has often been treated as a minor, rather insignificant player in cortical functioning. In the not too distant past, the thalamus was considered a rather boring, machine-like relay of subcortical information to the cortex. Over the past decade, there has been a groundswell of new and renewed interest in the thalamus and thalamocortical interactions, leading to discoveries demonstrating the thalamus's ongoing and essential role in cortical functioning and, likewise, the significance of the cortex for thalamic functioning. The Cerebral Cortex and Thalamus is a groundbreaking volume bringing together a cohesive account of cortical and thalamic mechanisms for control of behavior with an emphasis on the importance of interactions between the two structures. The book elucidates the research that makes it increasingly clear that the cortex and thalamus are necessary partners for sensory, motor, and cognitive functions. Interactions between thalamus and cortex are not only essential for proper brain function, they are also sensitive to a range of diseases that can have devastating consequences on individuals and society. An essential text for graduate students, early career investigators, and investigators looking to shift their research focus, The Cerebral Cortex and Thalamus is organized into topical sections covering circuit properties of thalamus and cortex, thalamocortical and corticothalamic motifs, sensory systems, motor systems, interareal cortical communication, cognitive properties, development and plasticity, evolution, computation, and disease.
The Cerebral Cortex and Thalamus
For the first time, Drs. Usrey and Sherman, along with a who's who of luminaries in neuroscience research, seek to codify the roles that the cortex and thalamus and their interdependence on each other play for sensation, action, and cognition. The thalamus, in addition, has often been treated as a minor, rather insignificant player in cortical functioning. In the not too distant past, the thalamus was considered a rather boring, machine-like relay of subcortical information to the cortex. Over the past decade, there has been a groundswell of new and renewed interest in the thalamus and thalamocortical interactions, leading to discoveries demonstrating the thalamus's ongoing and essential role in cortical functioning and, likewise, the significance of the cortex for thalamic functioning. The Cerebral Cortex and Thalamus is a groundbreaking volume bringing together a cohesive account of cortical and thalamic mechanisms for control of behavior with an emphasis on the importance of interactions between the two structures. The book elucidates the research that makes it increasingly clear that the cortex and thalamus are necessary partners for sensory, motor, and cognitive functions. Interactions between thalamus and cortex are not only essential for proper brain function, they are also sensitive to a range of diseases that can have devastating consequences on individuals and society. An essential text for graduate students, early career investigators, and investigators looking to shift their research focus, The Cerebral Cortex and Thalamus is organized into topical sections covering circuit properties of thalamus and cortex, thalamocortical and corticothalamic motifs, sensory systems, motor systems, interareal cortical communication, cognitive properties, development and plasticity, evolution, computation, and disease.
The Cerebral Cortex in Neurodegenerative and Neuropsychiatric Disorders: Experimental Approaches to Clinical Issues
by David F. Cechetto Nina WeishauptThe Cerebral Cortex in Neurodegenerative and Neuropsychiatric Disorders: Experimental Approaches to Clinical Issues focuses on how pre-clinical investigations are addressing the clinical issues surrounding the involvement of the cerebral cortex in selected conditions of the nervous system, including Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s, addiction, and cardiovascular dysregulation. Each chapter is written by an expert in his/her field who provides a comprehensive review of the clinical manifestations of cortical involvement and experimental techniques currently available to tackle cortical issues in disease. Thus, this present title provides a link between cortical clinical problems and investigational approaches to help foster future research with high translational value.Offers a comprehensive overview on the best available in vivo and in vitro models to study cortical involvementPresents models and specific techniques that help to guide investigators in their choices on how to address research questions experimentallyProvides expert commentary and a perspective on future trends at the end of each chapter Addresses translational advances and promising therapeutic optionsIncludes references to key articles for additional detailed study
Cerebral Damage Before and After Cardiac Surgery (Developments in Critical Care Medicine and Anaesthesiology #27)
by Allen E. WillnerDespite numerous reports of cerebral damage in cardiac surgery, the subject has not been given the attention it requires. This book, with a preface by Torkel Aberg, will remedy that situation. The causes and incidence of pre- and post-operative cerebral damage are considered in the first section. Cardiac surgery patients frequently have preoperative cerebral impairment, not suprising when one considers the impaired circulation from a damaged heart and the brain's prodigious need for blood. Moreover, several perioperative aspects of surgical procedures have been considered as possible causes of cerebral dysfunction, for example: microbubbles, toxic by-products, non-pulsatile blood flow. The second section describes how imaging techniques (CT scan, MRI, regional cerebral blood flow imaging), and functional assessment techniques. (PET scan, EEG, BEAM and evoked potentials) can be used to measure cerebral damage. In the third section, psychometric and neuropsychological techniques are used to assess impaired mental abilities (abstract thinking, language, memory, visuo-spatial ability, mental flexibility, attention and concentration). The final section explores the relationship between cerebral dysfunction and psychopathology (several types of depression, anxiety, and aspects of organic brain syndrome, delirium and dementia).