New book aims to improve treatment and outcomes for people with head and neck injuries

Improving treatment and outcomes for people with life-threatening head and neck injuries is the aim of a comprehensive new book by one of Australia's eminent neurosurgeons.

Professor Jeffrey Rosenfeld AM has drawn on forty years of experience, his own research and the latest evidence based treatment from recognised world experts, in his new book Practical Management of Head and Neck Injury.

In his text, Professor Rosenfeld provides a comprehensive account of the diagnosis and management of head and neck injury. Unique to any other text available, it details the entire patient journey from immediate emergency care and specialist treatment through to rehabilitation, in an accessible and engaging format.

Head of Monash University's Department of Surgery and Director of the Department of Neurosurgery at The Alfred hospital, Professor Rosenfeld said he hoped for improvements in care of traumatic brain injuries, which affect more than 10 million people a year.

"Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major global health problem, and sadly more than half of all severe TBI cases either die or suffer lifelong disability," Professor Rosenfeld said.

"A patient doesn't usually come into hospital with a brain injury alone, but are often affected by related and often life-threatening injuries. This text integrates all aspects of care associated with head and neck injury incorporating the latest evidence based treatment contributed by Australian and international experts in their field.

"It is my fervent hope this book improves the management of head and neck injury at all types of healthcare facilities, including low-income countries where services are sparse and generalists do their best with limited resources."

Monash Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Ed Byrne, a pioneering neuroscientist who has combined an active clinical career with an outstanding contribution to research and teaching, officially launched Practical Management in Melbourne.

"Professor Rosenfeld provides readers with a comprehensive account of the problems encountered in clinical practice, introducing important new developments and specialist treatment," Professor Byrne said.

"I'm sure this contemporary text, authored by a world leader in his field, will become a seminal reference for emerging medical, nursing and health professionals worldwide."