Neurology for the Speech-Language Pathologist. (4th ed., 2001). By Russell J. Love & Wanda G. Webb. Butterworth-Heinemann, 225 Wildwood Ave., Woburn, MA 01801-2041. 360 pages, $35. Reviewed by Kim E. Banson, University of Maryland, Burtonsville, MD.

This book was designed to be used as either an introductory textbook for an undergraduate course in neurology of speech and language or to be used as a supplementary source book for graduate courses that deal with neurogenic speech and language disorders. The authors have succeeded in laying a foundation for understanding the nervous system in terms of organization of the brain, descending and ascending motor and sensory pathways, and detailed description of the cranial nerves and their function. I have used this book as a reference over the years and have found myself often reviewing the information on the anatomy and function of the cranial nerves. This new edition contains the same cranial nerve information with the addition of clinical testing procedures that can be used to determine normal/abnormal function of the cranial nerves. This information is important to practicing clinicians who work with patients who are dysarthric and/or dysphagic. The cranial nerve chapter contains a table that summarizes those cranial nerves that function for the oral musculature. I have found this summary useful as a basic resource for students who are beginning to study and understand the basic anatomy of the speech mechanism. The book also contains another useful chapter that describes the dysarthrias based on etiology and associated neurologic and speech characteristics. In addition, this chapter contains information on swallowing as appropriate. The new edition includes an ambitious attempt to provide information on the developing brain as it relates to language mechanisms, the development of language dominance, and descriptions of developmental speech and language syndromes.

The authors have certainly succeeded in designing a textbook that is useful as a basic introduction to neuroanatomy and neurology, and that can be used both by students and practicing clinicians who are interested in neurogenic communication disorders. However, I would only recommend it be used as a supplemental text or as a "starting point" reference book.