There are three aims of Injured Brains of Medical Minds II – Firstly, to provide perceptive accounts of symptoms and the natural history of brain disorders by people specially trained in the art of observing and reporting, thus yielding unique insights into the lived experience of what it is like to be a patient and to be disabled. Secondly, to offer insights into how the brain works, since the articles are written by patients who are uniquely privileged in view of their understanding of the brain. Thirdly, to highlight ways in which the conditions described in the book can be best managed and treated by healthcare professions and carers.

Each chapter includes a set of articles by doctors and other healthcare professionals who have suffered a brain injury illness or brain injury, recounting their experience, accompanied by a commentary for each article. The commentaries critically examine the piece, relating it to current issues in neuropsychology, neurology and cognitive neuroscience. Accounts from over 40 individuals cover a wide range of conditions including: stroke, traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia, brain tumour, infectious and inflammatory conditions, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy. Summaries are also included of recent books written by doctors/scientists who suffered a brain disorder.

This second volume includes totally new articles and commentaries, providing a valuable insight into what it is like to suffer from a brain disorder as well as advice both to patients and practitioners as to what can best be done to improve everyday limitations resulting from a brain disorder. The first volume was published by Oxford University Press in 1997.

Contents

Chapter 1. Stroke
Chapter 2. Traumatic brain injury
Chapter 3. Dementia
Chapter 4. Brain tumour
Chapter 5. Infectious and inflammatory conditions
Chapter 6. Multiple sclerosis
Chapter 7. Epilepsy