Brain Repair

Product Description

Sixty years ago, the Nobel laureate Santiago Ramon y Cajal stated that "in the adult brain, nervous pathways are fixed and immutable; everything may die, nothing may be regenerated." Cajal's influence has been legendary--and conventional wisdom still holds that the human brain cannot repair
itself. Today, however, remarkable discoveries from laboratories around the world offer a much more optimistic prognosis. In Brain Repair, three internationally renowned neuroscientists team up to offer an intriguing and up-to-the-minute introduction to the explosive advances being made in the
research, technology, and treatment of brain damage.
The key to neuroscience's most exciting discoveries to date is a theory that is rapidly gaining adherents in the scientific community--the theory of neuroplasticity. Unlike the prevalent notion that mental processes--like seeing, remembering, and speaking--take place only within highly specialized
brain regions made up of irreplaceable and non-regenerating cells, neuroplasticity stresses that cells throughout the brain can not only regenerate, but can adapt their function to assume critical roles once performed by damaged tissue. In clear, accessible language, the authors show us that the
brain manufactures a host of complex chemicals that actually foster growth in damaged brain cells. We visit the laboratories where researchers are untangling the mystery of Parkinson's disease and trying to understand what goes wrong in stroke victims, and why some, thought permanently impaired,
show remarkable improvements. In addition, they discuss how even today misguided ideas can adversely affect how physicians treat patients--for example, they describe common drug treatments given to stroke and head trauma patients that can actually worsen the effects of brain damage. And, along the
way, they detail the fascinating history of how brain structure and functioning has been understood and studied, from prehistoric times to the present.
Over a half million people each year suffer brain-damaging injuries and diseases--but the outlook for their eventual recovery is far more hopeful than it was just a short while ago. A best-selling volume in France and Mexico, Brain Repair provides a vividly written, wide-ranging look at the leading
edge of one of science's most exciting frontiers.
Product Details
Amazon Sales Rank: #781742 in Books
Published on: 1997-08-07
Number of items: 1
Binding: Paperback
176 pages
Editorial Reviews

From Booklist
Justifiable optimism is the theme of this carefully thought-out, clearly written book. Stein and his colleagues survey the growth of knowledge about the brain, its injuries and diseases; examine current approaches to the repair of those traumas and the rehabilitation and retraining of their sufferers; and discuss procedures of examination and diagnosis. Emphasizing Nobel laureate Santiago Ramon y Cajal's refusal to consider brain regeneration as a possibility, they show how this attitude has limited the possibilities for innovative research and treatment; many years of poor communication between laboratory researchers and practicing clinicians have compounded that situation. Citing specific examples of diseases and trauma, the authors show how vital psychosocial factors are for both the present and the future of successful treatment. Professional and lay readers alike should ponder this pioneering book. William Beatty

Midwest Book Review
Doctors are commonly taught that brain damage is irreversible: the authors maintain that brain cells can regenerate, and can adapt to compensate for damage. Chapters explore new advancements in brain research and the treatment of brain damage, offering hope based on new theories of recovery.

Review
" ... This book should be on the "must-have" list of anyone interested in biological psychiatry ... as a summation of major research work in the last 50 years, this book is a bargain." Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience (1999)

"...these 3 prominent neuroscientists have marshalled a vast accumulation of knowledge....This book should be on the 'must-have' list of anyone interested in biological psychiatry....as a summation of major research work in the last 50 years, this book is a bargain....buy it."--Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience

"The authors have done a marvelous job of summarizing the vast amount of literature related to this subject and describing it in accessible language. Many interested laypersons will find the content both fascinating and helpful in better understanding the brain."--The New England Journal of Medicine

"A unique account of recent research on the variables that influence regeneration and recovery of function in the nervous system after brain damage."--Choice

"Justifiable optimism is the theme of this carefully thought-out, clearly written book. Stein and his colleagues survey the growth of knowledge about the brain, its injuries and diseases; examine current approaches to the repair of those traumas and the rehabilitation and retraining of their sufferers; and discuss procedures of examination and diagnosis....Professional and lay readers alike should ponder this pioneering book."--Booklist
Customer Reviews

A wonderfully insightful book
Although I read this book for a class I was fascinated by it. Regardless of your level of expertise this is a great book. Dr. Stein's book provides an insight into the field of brain repair that is quite unique. It presents a history of brain repair and the current status of it as well as future issues that plague such research. Well written and provides a gateway to future reading. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!