Stroke, as known today, is caused by occlusion or rupture of one or more blood vessels in the brain. Its manifestations were reported as long as medical records exist; sudden collapse, loss of movement and sensation, with preserved respiration and heart action. The book chronicles how ideas about events in the brain or its blood vessels evolved over 400 years. Starting with the revival of ancient medicine in the middle of the 16th century, the narrative ends in the 20th century, when techniques for brain scanning heralded the possibility of treatment for cerebrovascular disease. The narrative is exclusively based on primary sources and shows how this part of medical knowledge evolved, including byways and blind alleys. Frequent accounts from original sources assist the reader in following how clashes of opinions led to improved understanding, making this an indispensable reference for the history of stroke research.

‘This highly recommended book is aimed not only at stroke specialists but also at neurologists and readers interested in how the idea of a complex and multifaceted disease like stroke has evolved over time.’

Francesco Brigo Source: The Lancet Neurology

‘This book should be on the shelves of any medical school library, history of medicine department, or scholarly collection with special interest in the understanding of human physiology, medicine, and disease. The book is clearly conceived and articulated, supported by solid textual evidence and relevant technical analysis, in addition to providing enough contextual data, including biographies of authors, often with portraits that create a more personalized touch. The bibliography and index are integral instruments for further research. This book is a sum of information, with both original data and critical interpretative analysis that will be a reference for years to come.’

Alain Touwaide Source: Doody's Reviews