Head Cases

While philosophy and psychoanalysis privilege language and conceptual distinctions and mistrust the image, the philosopher and psychoanalyst Julia Kristeva recognizes the power of art and the imagination to unblock important sources of meaning. She also appreciates the process through which creative acts counteract and transform feelings of violence and depression. Reviewing KristevaÕs corpus, Elaine P. Miller considers the intellectualÕs Òaesthetic ideaÓ and Òthought specularÓ in their capacity to reshape depressive thought on both the individual and cultural level. She revisits KristevaÕs reading of Walter Benjamin with reference to melancholic art and the imaginationÕs allegorical structure; her analysis of Byzantine iconoclasm in relation to FreudÕs psychoanalytic theory of negation and HegelÕs dialectical negativity; her understanding of Proust as an exemplary practitioner of sublimation; her rereading of Kant and Arendt in terms of art as an intentional lingering with foreignness; and her argument that forgiveness is both a philosophical and psychoanalytic method of transcending a ÒstuckÓ existence. Focusing on specific artworks that illustrate KristevaÕs ideas, from ancient Greek tragedy to early photography, contemporary installation art, and film, Miller positions creative acts as a form of Òspiritual inoculationÓ against the violence of our society and its discouragement of thought and reflection.

Head Cases takes us into the dark side of the brain in an astonishing sequence of stories, at once true and strange, from the world of brain damage. Michael Paul Mason is one of an elite group of experts who coordinate care in the complicated aftermath of tragic injuries that can last a lifetime. On the road with Mason, we encounter survivors of brain injuries as they struggle to map and make sense of the new worlds they inhabit. Underlying each of these survivors' stories is an exploration of the brain and its mysteries. When injured, the brain must figure out how to heal itself, reorganizing its physiology in order to do the job. Mason gives us a series of vivid glimpses into brain science, the last frontier of medicine, and we come away in awe of the miracles of the brain's workings and astonished at the fragility of the brain and the sense of self, life, and order that resides there. Head Cases "[achieves] through sympathy and curiosity insight like that which pulses through genuine literature" (The New York Sun); it is at once illuminating and deeply affecting.

A case-focused Otolaryngology primer for trainees and practicing clinicians alike As disorders of the head and neck continue to become more prevalent, otolaryngologic head and neck surgeons are in greater demand than ever before. Many schools of medicine are integrating Problem-Based Learning (PBL) to help students develop the skills necessary for surgical management of head and neck conditions, yet the selection of guidebooks available to trainee otolaryngologic surgeons is limited. Essential Cases in Head and Neck Oncology uses real-life clinical cases to present clear and up-to-date explanations of treatment strategies for a wide range of cutaneous, salivary gland, and upper aerodigestive tract conditions, including benign and malignant tumors. Written and edited by renowned leaders in the field, and endorsed by the American Head & Neck Society, this essential resource contains full-color photographs, illustrations, and diagrams to better support readers in acquiring, synthesizing, and applying essential skills and knowledge in a clinical context. Its chapters provide detailed coverage of the oral cavity, skull base, trachea, thyroid, larynx, paragangliomas, salivary glands, and more. This textbook also includes: Covers the full spectrum of head and neck surgeries, including reconstructive procedures Discusses ethics related to cancer treatments, medical research, and other care issues Promotes multidisciplinary critical thinking, clinical problem-solving, communication, and collaboration Helps medical students and trainees evaluate their learning and contextualize their knowledge Features high-quality images and succinct explanatory text throughout Essential Cases in Head and Neck Oncology is an indispensable study aid for trainee clinicians, residents, and fellows, and an excellent reference guide for oncologists, otolaryngologists, surgeons, and other practitioners working in medical oncology, radiation oncology, and oromaxillofacial surgery.

This revised and updated text contains a range of relevant, interesting case law, statutory material, academic extracts and official proposals for law reform. A companion web site featuring web links and case updates ensures students have access to the latest materials.

A 32-year-old Caucasian lady was admitted to hospital following a collapse at the gym. Her friends described the patient falling to the floor while exercising on the rowing machine, followed by twitching of her arms and legs and a period of being unrousable. You are the medic on duty... 100 Cases in Acute Medicine presents 100 acute conditions commonly seen by medical students and junior doctors in the emergency department, or on the ward, or in the community setting. A succinct summary of the patient's history, examination, and initial investigations, including photographs where relevant, is followed by questions on the diagnosis and management of each case. The answer includes a detailed discussion of each topic, with further illustration where appropriate, providing an essential revision aid as well as a practical guide for students and junior doctors. Making clinical decisions and choosing the best course of action is one of the most challenging and difficult parts of training to become a doctor. These cases will teach students and junior doctors to recognize important clinical symptoms and signs, and to develop their diagnostic and management skills.