Book Review: Assessment of Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Book Reviews 941 and physicians, especially gastroenterologists and dermatologists, will be very grateful to him.The book is divided into two parts. Part 1 describes alimentary diseases with associated cutaneous manifestations, while Part 2 deals with some systemic diseases involving both the skin and the gut. It is clearly and concisely written and there is a very comprehensive list of references.The black and white photographs are very good indeed but perhaps 7a would have been better labelled 'erythema induratum' rather than 'papulonecrotic tuberculid'. In the section on Kaposi's sarcoma it is stated that the lesions are not tender, but most dermatologists would regard pain as being a prominent feature in this disorder.These are very minor criticisms and should in no way detract from the value of this book, which has been published at a very opportune moment when so much work is being done associating diseases of the skin with those of the gut. * R H MARTENThe Acute Abdomen for the Man on the Spot by J C Angell FRcs ppx+95 20s London: Pitman Medical 1965 This is an entertaining book, written in a conversational style by an informed, experienced, and enthusiastic surgeon. Approval grew as I read for he has a good sense of judgment with a kindly practical attitude to patients, colleagues, and himself. He is aware in emergencies of the influence of persons, environment, and time. The surgeon must keep his head, and always act in the interest of the patient.A chapter covering medical illnesses which mimic the acute abdomen shows knowledge and mature experience. This book is a 'must' for aspirants to the Membership or Fellowship, and for those in active practice.The review of perforations, infections, obstructions, injuries, affections of the biliary and pancreatic tracts, and a miscellany of urgencies is excellent. Acute diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, and aortic aneurysms are touched on succinctly. The twisted ovarian cyst and rectus hrmatoma, abdominal symptoms arising from the urinary system and pregnancy are honourably mentioned. Eight types of free fluid in the abdomen are considered, and the need for an accurate history is emphasized. Amongst investigations, examination of the urine, vomit, faces, and an X-ray of the chest and abdomen are agreed to be necessary, but caution is advised on further laboratory investigations unless the results will be a deciding factor for or against operation. Treating shock before operation is stressed, and the failure of response in patients with hemorrhage and strangulation is noted. A sign of Crohn's disease is wasting of the muscles of the forearm or hand: why?This fine book, with Zachary Cope's 'Acute Abdomen in Rhyme', merits a place, not on the bookshelf, but on the table or bedside of practising medicos. 'Be widely read, thoroughly instructed, and always cautious' is its message. HAROLD DODD Assessment of Cerebral Palsy I -Muscle Function, Locomotion and Hand Function by K S Holt MD MRCP DCH pp vi+214 illustrated 40s London: Lloyd-Luke 1965Cerebral palsy is a compl...