Neurological Clinical Examination: A Concise Guide

Book Description:

This book and video collection provide a practical guide to the clinical neurological examination, an essential tool in the diagnosis of neurological conditions encountered in the outpatient clinic and hospital ward.

Each chapter covers a different condition and uses a step-by-step approach selecting those aspects of the clinical examination which are most likely to lead to the correct diagnosis.

Video clips accessible via both a companion website and by QR codes within the book provide easy access to view a wide range of neurological signs.

The text is illustrated with clear diagrams.

Tables are used to list the various causes of particular signs.

Primary care physicians, neurologists, and trainees preparing for certifying examinations will find this book an invaluable learning companion and essential tool for the diagnosis of neurological disorders.

Table of Contents:

Introduction

Technique

1 The wasted hand

Inspection

Distribution of wasting

Power, coordination and reflexes

2 Wrist drop

Inspection

Tone

Power, coordination and reflexes

3 Proximal weakness of the arm(s)

Inspection

Tone

Power, coordination and reflexes

4 Proximal weakness of the leg(s)

Inspection

Tone

Power, coordination and reflexes

5 Foot drop

Inspection

Tone

Power, coordination and reflexes

6 Ataxia and gait disturbance

Observation

Further assessment

7 Facial weakness

Inspection

Distribution of weakness

Sensation on the face

Taste

Other important signs to look for

8 Ptosis

Inspection

Distribution of weakness

9 Abnormalities of vision or eye movement

Inspection

Testing vision

The remainder of the examination

10 Tremor and cerebellar signs

Inspection

Examination of tremor

Other aspects

11 Other abnormal involuntary movements

Inspection

The movement

Drug-induced movement disorders

12 Language and speech disturbance

General approach

Dysarthria

Aphasia

13 Higher cortical function testing

General approach

Formal cognitive testing

Some syndromes of dementia

14 Assessment of coma

The Glasgow coma scale

Some distinctive types of coma

15 Psychogenic (functional) neurological disorders

?

€˜Neurological?

€™ presentations of psychogenic disorders

16 Telemedicine and the neurological examination

Introduction

The virtual neurological examination

Positioning the patient and room requirements

Cognition and speech

Cranial nerves

Upper limbs

Lower limbs

Stance and gait

Conclusions

Picture credits

Index