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 or coordination
- Mental function problems, such as memory loss or difficulty with thought processing
- Vision changes
- Walking problems
- Weakness of the face, arms or legs
References
De Luca GC, Griggs RC, Johnston SC. Approach to the patient with neurologic disease. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 366.
Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Newman NJ, Pomeroy SL. Diagnosis of neurological disease. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 1.
Klatt EC. The central nervous system. In: Klatt EC, ed. Robbins and Cotran Atlas of Pathology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 19.