Jonathan A. Edlow

Some think that the work of a physician is like that of a scientist--based on careful observation leading to a hypothesis that is then tested to determine its veracity. The job of an emergency room physician, however, is more like that of a detective than a scientist. As an ER physician, Edlow (Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center) does a lot of sleuthing: working back from symptom clues to determine a diagnosis. He exemplifies this methodology in the form of medical mystery thrillers in this new collection of 15 true stories. It reminds readers that many known clinical entities started out as a vague class of symptoms; an example is Lyme disease, which Edlow has also written about (in Bull's-Eye: Unraveling the Medical Mystery of Lyme Disease, CH, Jan'04, 41-2836). The genre of the medical detective story was established through the prolific work of Berton Roueche, to whom Edlow pays homage. It is presently found in television form in the popular series House. Edlow presents cases of mass food poisoning, lung cancer, hyperthyroidism, and more, under fun titles (e.g., "The Case of the Overly Hot Honeymoon") and in an engaging narrative full of twists and turns. It is an entertaining read. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-level undergraduates and general readers. M. M. Gillis University of Nevada School of Medicine.

The Deadly Dinner Party & Other Medical Detective Stories

Provides information on the history of Lyme disease focusing on the scientific processes involved in its discovery.

Unraveling the Medical Mystery of Lyme Disease

Bull's-eye

Domenico Consoli

Stefano Ricci

Giuseppe Micieli

Anna Cavallini

This book adopts a novel approach: procedures: instead of discussing the diagnostic categories of neurological syndromes, it focuses on the symptoms of common neurological presentations (especially in the emergency room or on the ward), and the diagnostic hypotheses that can be validated or rejected case by case as a result. Each chapter covers one of the main symptoms of emergencies in neurology – from transient consciousness disturbances to focal deficits, acute muscular disorders, respiratory insufficiency in neurological disorders, headaches, delirium, seizures and epileptic status, para-and tetraplegia, and head trauma, to acute functional disorders – and includes tables and figures to allow readers to gain a quick and easy, yet comprehensive overview of the topic. The book guides readers through various scenarios generated by the onset of symptoms, the clinical tools for differential diagnostics, and the principles of acute and post-acute phase therapy, managed by decision algorithms supported by the most recent scientific evidence. The resulting precedural profile – created through the collaboration of over 80 specialists in neurology or other disciplines – makes this text a valuable tool for neurologists, neurology residents and allied professionals in their daily clinical practice, as well as medical students.

Jonathan A. Edlow

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