It is difficult becoming a Neurologist. It is no doubt the most diverse of the medical specialities and the field is expanding. Subspecialties are mushrooming and research studies proliferating. The diversity of expertise is breathtaking and the proliferation of research studies mind-boggling. The outpouring of papers is almost impossible to keep up with.
Thankfully we have books to keep it all in perspective. We have all been moulded by the views of the great and the wise who have sacrificed time (and families?) to make us who we are. We are all products of the books we read. Some texts are intimidating tombs, covered in several volumes; others are reassuring and handy pocket-sized aids. Some books are easy to read whilst others are a struggle. They are all good to look at on the bookshelf.
But even the concept of books is rapidly changing. It used to be sufficient to rely on the wisdom of Bryan Matthews or the thorough expositions of Maurice Victor and Raymond Adams. It was enough to refer to the single reference on the shelf; today, your book must be linked to the online version for the frequent updates. It was sufficient to quote David Marsden or Anita Harding; nowadays multi-author books are the in-thing (for good or ill).
Below is an alphabetical list of Neurology books I have looked at, and one which came highly recommended. I have linked them to their latest editions-even though I only have the older versions myself!
Clinical Guide to Epileptic Syndromes and their Treatment
Localization in Clinical Neurology
Neurological Differential Diagnosis
Neurology and General Medicine
Neurology in Clinical Practice
Neuromuscular Disorders: Treatment and Management
Neuroradiology: The Requisites
Peripheral Neurology Case Studies
Parkinsonian Disorders in Clinical Practice
Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders
Parkinson’s Disease in Practice
Some of these are better than others and I hope at sometime to review them. If this list looks intimidating, have a look at the neurology section of Waterstones! I clearly have a lot to learn and if you have a suggestion that should absolutely be on this list, (or one you strongly think shouldn’t) convince me and I will amend the list. I am keeping this list as another permanent feature of the sidebar.
You may want to follow my other blog, The Doctors Bookshelf, where I review books all doctors should read.
The Neurology Lounge 