The term static encephalopathy is a fancy phrase used by neurologists in recent years to refer to chronic nonprogressive brain disorders in children, primarily cerebral palsy and mental retardation. While numerous writings on these two topics may be found in various arenas, few textbooks are devoted to the topic itself. The authors, a pediatric geneticist and pediatric neurologist from Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, note that these disorders are important and extensive, afflicting millions of children around the world.
The book is divided into five major sections: the cerebral palsies and mental retardation, some specific congenital mental retardation syndromes, congenital malformations, acquired causes of static encephalopathy, and static encephalopathies associated with neuromuscular disorders. The authors have included solid neurological basics as well as recent advances in genetics, technology, imaging, and metabolic disorders.
Appropriate illustrations of various syndromes and helpful tables are included. Especially helpful were the tables listing the