The function of the vestibular system is not as obvious as those of vision, hearing, touch or smell. Vestibular dysfunction, however, is clearly apparent where lesions are present. It is probably for this reason that the vestibular sense was not discovered until the nineteenth century and that clinicians have continued to playa major role in basic vestibular research right up to the present. The relationship between basic and clinical research is certainly stronger in the vesti bular field than in that of tactile sensation, for instance, as testified by the work of clinicians as MENIERE, BREUER, BARANY, DEKLEIJN and FRENZEL. In this respect the situation is similar in vestibular physiology and in endocrinology, and for the same reason. This second part of the vestibular volume of the Handbook of Sensory Physio logy will be of interest to neurologists, otologists, neurosurgeons, ophthalmologists and physiotherapists on the one hand, and psychologists, physiologists, engineers and aviation specialists on the other. For a full understanding of Part 2, it is necessary to have assimilated the basic anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry of Part 1.

The function of the vestibular system is not as obvious as those of vision, hearing, touch or smell. Vestibular dysfunction, however, is clearly apparent where lesions are present. It is probably for this reason that the vestibular sense was not discovered until the nineteenth century and that clinicians have continued to playa major role in basic vestibular research right up to the present. The relationship between basic and clinical research is certainly stronger in the vesti bular field than in that of tactile sensation, for instance, as testified by the work of clinicians as MENIERE, BREUER, BARANY, DEKLEIJN and FRENZEL. In this respect the situation is similar in vestibular physiology and in endocrinology, and for the same reason. This second part of the vestibular volume of the Handbook of Sensory Physio logy will be of interest to neurologists, otologists, neurosurgeons, ophthalmologists and physiotherapists on the one hand, and psychologists, physiologists, engineers and aviation specialists on the other. For a full understanding of Part 2, it is necessary to have assimilated the basic anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry of Part 1.

An up-to-date, comprehensive review of disorders of the vestibular system authored by some of the most prominent experts in the field, this book covers basic vestibular mechanisms, clinical evaluation, common vestibular diseases, and treatment of vertigo. Part I reviews the anatomy and physiology of the vestibular system focusing on clinically relevant material. Part II analyzes specific details in the patient's history, examination, and laboratory evaluation pointing to the probable site of lesion and likely pathophysiology. Patient history is emphasized since it is the critical first step in understanding the patient's complaints. Part III covers the differential diagnosis and specific treatments of common neurologic disorders. A separate chapter surveys the common syndromes encountered in neurotology. Part IV discusses general principles of treatment relevant to all vestibular disorders. Designed primarily to help physicians who treat patients complaining of dizziness, this book is also a complete source of reference to practitioners in internal medicine, family practice, otolaryngology, neurology, head and neck surgery, and neurosurgery.