Neurologic deficit

Information

A neurologic deficit is a functional abnormality of a body area due to a decrease in the function of the brain, spinal cord, muscles, or nerves.

Examples include inability to speak, decreased sensation, loss of balance, weakness, mental function problems, visual changes, abnormal reflexes, and walking problems.

See also: Focal neurologic deficits

References

Bradley WG, Daroff RB, Fenichel GM, Jankovic J. Diagnosis of neurological disease. In: Bradley WG, Daroff RB, Fenichel GM, Jankovic J, eds. Bradley: Neurology in Clinical Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Butterworth-Heinemann Elsevier; 2008:chap 1.


Review Date: 2/16/2011
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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