White Matter Diseases: An Update for Neurologists

This book provides cutting-edge information on the epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnostic procedures and treatment approaches for the main white matter (WM) disorders of the central nervous system (CNS). WM lesions are associated with many neurological conditions, and with aging. The diagnostic work-up of neurological diseases characterized by the presence of these lesions has changed dramatically over the past few years. This is mainly due on the one hand to the discovery of specific pathogenetic factors in some of these conditions, and on the order to the optimized use of diagnostic tools. All of this has resulted in new diagnostic algorithms, and in the identification of new neurological conditions. The book offers neurologists essential guidance in the diagnosis and treatment of the most frequent WM conditions, promoting their correct and cost-saving diagnosis and management. By integrating neurological, laboratory and imaging concepts with the demands of accurate diagnosis, this reference guide provides a state-of-the-art overview of the current state of knowledge on these conditions, as well as practical guidelines for their diagnosis and treatment.

About the Author

Massimo Filippi is currently a Full Professor of Neurology at Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy, Director of the Residency School in Neurology, and President of the Bachelor’s Degree in Physiotherapy at the same University; Director of the “BrainMap” Interdepartmental Program and Director of the Neuroimaging Research Unit (NRU), the Neurology Unit, and the Neurophysiology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan. His research activities have consistently focused on defining the mechanisms leading to the progressive accumulation of irreversible physical disability and cognitive impairment in various neurological conditions. As Director of the NRU, he coordinated the MRI acquisition and analysis of several large-scale international MRI-monitored trials of MS. He is a member of various national and international Scientific Societies and the author of over 1060 papers. In addition, he is Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Neurology and serves on the Editorial Boards of many international scientific journals. In 2001, Prof. Filippi was awarded the Rita Levi Montalcini Prize for his outstanding contributions to the study of MS. Dr. Rocca is currently Head of the Neuroimaging of CNS White Matter Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.  Her work is mainly focused on the application of structural and functional MR based techniques to improve our understanding of central nervous system function and dysfunction in healthy and unhealthy individuals, particularly patients with MS and other white matter disorders. Dr. Rocca is currently conducting and coordinating several national and international projects in adult and pediatric populations. She is also extensively applying advanced analytical methods in an attempt to improve our understanding of the role of brain functional and structural plasticity in the different phases of MS, and the influence of pharmacological and rehabilitative interventions on brain reorganization. She is a member of various national and international Scientific Societies, and has coordinated MRI acquisition and analysis in several large-scale international MRI-monitored trials of MS. Dr. Rocca is the author of more than 430 papers published in peer-reviewed journals, and of 52 book chapters. She also serves as a reviewer for several international scientific journals and for many governmental organizations and private foundations. In 2013, Dr. Rocca was awarded the “Rita Levi Montalcini” Prize for her outstanding contributions to the study of MS. She is currently a Non-Tenured Professor at Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan.