INTRODUCTION

The Gale Encyclopedia of Neurological Disorders (GEND) is a one-stop source for medical information that covers diseases, syndromes, drugs, treatments, therapies, and diagnostic equipment. It keeps medical jargon to a minimum, making it easier for the layperson to use. The Gale Encyclopedia of Neurological Disorders presents authoritative and balanced information and is more comprehensive than single-volume family medical guides.

SCOPE

Almost 400 full-length articles are included in The Gale Encyclopedia of Neurological Disorders. Articles follow a standardized format that provides information at a glance. Rubrics include:

Diseases

Definition
Description
Demographics
Causes and symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment team
Treatment
Recovery and rehabilitation
Clinical trials
Prognosis
Special concerns
Resources
Key terms

Drugs

Definition
Purpose
Description
Recommended dosage
Precautions
Side effects
Interactions
Resources
Key terms

Treatments

Definition
Purpose
Precautions
Description
Preparation
Aftercare
Risks
Normal results
Resources
Key terms

INCLUSION CRITERIA

A preliminary topic list was compiled from a wide variety of sources, including professional medical guides, consumer guides, and textbooks and encyclopedias. The advisory board, made up of seven medical and healthcare experts, evaluated the topics and made suggestions for inclusion. Final selection of topics to include was made by the medical advisors in conjunction with Gale editors.

ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTORS

The essays were compiled by experienced medical writers, physicians, nurses, and pharmacists. GEND medical advisors reviewed most of the completed essays to insure that they are appropriate, up-to-date, and medically accurate.

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK

The Gale Encyclopedia of Neurological Disorders has been designed with ready reference in mind:

Straight alphabetical arrangement allows users to locate information quickly.
Bold faced terms function as print hyperlinks that point the reader to full-length entries in the encyclopedia.
A list of key terms is provided where appropriate to define unfamiliar words or concepts used within the context of the essay.
Cross-references placed throughout the encyclopedia direct readers to where information on subjects without their own entries can be found. Cross-references are also used to assist readers looking for information on diseases that are now known by other names; for example, there is a cross-reference for the rare childhood disease commonly known as Hallervorden-Spatz disease that points to the entry entitled Pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration.
A Resources section directs users to sources of further information, which include books, periodicals, websites, and organizations.
A glossary is included to help readers understand unfamiliar terms.
A comprehensive general index allows users to easily target detailed aspects of any topic.

GRAPHICS

The Gale Encyclopedia of Neurological Disorders is enhanced with over 100 images, including photos, tables, and customized line drawings.