Landmark textbook on strokes in children and young adults updated in seco...( MAYWOOD Ill. -- In 1994 a neurology ...),Health

MAYWOOD, Ill. -- In 1994, a neurology textbook edited by Dr. Jose Biller became the standard reference work for the treatment and prevention of strokes in young people.

Now, Stroke in Children and Young Adults has been extensively revised. In the Second Edition, the 14 original chapters have been rewritten, and three new chapters have been added, Biller said. Biller is chairman of the Department of Neurology at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine.

In the foreword, Dr. Mark Dyken wrote that in reading the book, "one is struck by how much has been added to our knowledge." Dyken is professor emeritus of neurology at Indiana University School of Medicine.

Strokes can occur at any age -- even before birth. According to conservative estimates, about 3,200 strokes occur each year in youths under age 18. And more than 3,000 people under age 45 die of strokes each year. This age group accounts for between 5 percent and 10 percent of all strokes. Survivors can experience lifelong learning disabilities, seizures, movement disorders, language problems, cognitive deficits and paralysis on one side of the body. Between 6 percent and 20 percent of children who have strokes die, and at least half are left with some disability.

"The impact of strokes in this age group is devastating to the child or young adult, their families and society," Biller said.

Stroke in Children and Young Adults offers practical clinical guidance on strokes and related issues. The Second Edition includes new chapters on applied anatomy, pediatric central nervous system vascular malformation and vascular disorders of the spinal cord. It also has tips on how to prevent misdiagnosis, new developments in therapy and rehabilitation and data from the latest American Heart Association guidelines.

"Let us hope that the continued rapid acquirement of knowledge makes it necessary for a third edition long before 14 years," Dyken
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