This is the third edition of a compact introduction to neurosurgery that has become established since 2004 as the indispensable vade mecum for neurosurgical trainees, providing the perfect guide to the practicalities of the treatment and day-to-day management of neurosurgical patients. The neurosurgical trainee is taken step-by-step through the procedures of patient admission, carrying out an examination and obtaining a medical history, ensuring appropriate ward management, and coping with the techniques of neurosurgical investigation and monitoring. The interpretation of CT head scans, the conduct of basic neurosurgical procedures, the principles of neuropathology, neuro-intensive care, hydrocephalus and shunt systems, and the use of commonly used scoring systems, are all carefully explained in this thorough examination of situations facing the neurosurgical trainee, and of the ways in which potential problems may be dealt with or avoided.