Clinical Neuromythology

In the second edition of this unique and hugely popular title, William Landau extends his provocative rhetorical critique of the language, logic and epistemology behind contemporary neurology, and by extension, the wider medical profession. Maintaining a razor sharp wit and an emphasis on rigour and clarity over 105 separate editorials, essays and letters, Dr. Landau continues to illustrate the shaky logic, obfuscatory language and mythology which pervades much contemporary “wisdom” about medical practice and discourse. He has produced a volume which advocates a more logical, inquisitive approach which would benefit all students, house officers and fellows in neurology, yet could also aid any medical student or professional keen to understand and challenge popular conventions in thinking and writing about modern medicine. <p>Following the success of the first edition, new material has been added: a new section concerns pain and pain management, addressing the confusion of temperomandibular pain and the efficacy and risk of intraspinal steroid treatment. Discussion of the controversy surrounding treatment for parkinsonism includes the failure of embryonic brain transplantation and the success of electrical brain stimulation. The slippery controversies regarding dietary fat, the obesity epidemic, cholesterol, stroke risk and treatment are also described.</p>