Neurologic deficit

Information

A neurologic deficit refers to abnormal neurologic function of a body area. This altered function is due to injury of the brain, spinal cord, muscles, or nerves that feed the affected area.

Examples include:

Abnormal reflexes
Inability to speak
Decreased sensation
Loss of balance
Mental function problems, such as memory loss or difficulty with thought processing
Vision changes
Walking problems
Weakness of the face, arms or legs

Gallery

Nervous system — The central nervous system is comprised of the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system includes all peripheral nerves.

References

Deluca GC, Griggs RC. Approach to the patient with neurologic disease. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 368.

Klatt EC. The central nervous system. In: Klatt EC, ed. Robbins and Cotran Atlas of Pathology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 19.

Last reviewed January 23, 2023 by Joseph V. Campellone, MD, Department of Neurology, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team..

Related specialties

Neurology

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