|
Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 18e
| Part 17. Neurologic Disorders > Section 1. Diagnosis of Neurologic Disorders > |
Chapter 367. Approach to the Patient with Neurologic Disease
Sections: Approach to the Patient with Neurologic Disease: Introduction, The Neurologic Method, The Neurologic History, The Neurologic Examination, Neurologic Diagnosis, Further Readings.
Topics Discussed: anatomy and physiology of the nervous system; components of the patient history; neurologic disorders.
Excerpt:"Neurologic diseases are common and costly. According to recent estimates by the World Health Organization, neurologic disorders affect over 1 billion people worldwide (Table 367-1), constitute 6.3% of the global burden of disease, and cause 12% of global deaths. Most patients with neurologic symptoms seek care from internists and other generalists rather than from neurologists. Because therapies now exist for many neurologic disorders, a skillful approach to diagnosis is essential. Errors commonly result from an overreliance on costly neuroimaging procedures and laboratory tests, which, while useful, do not substitute for an adequate history and examination. The proper approach to the patient with a neurologic illness begins with the patient and focuses the clinical problem first in anatomic and then in pathophysiologic terms; only then should a specific diagnosis be entertained. This method ensures that technology is judiciously applied, a correct diagnosis is established in an efficient manner, and treatment is promptly initiated...."
The content above is only an excerpt.
For full access, log into an existing user account below,
purchase an annual subscription, or
purchase a short-term subscription to the complete website.
|
|
|
|
Or
|
|
|
|