| Definition: |
Focal neurological deficits is a loss of movement, sensation, or function in a specific location. The loss is related to problems in the brain or nervous system.
|
| Alternative Names: |
Neurological deficits - focal
|
| Considerations: |
A focal neurologic deficit involves a change in a nerve function that occurs in a specific location (as opposed to a general loss of consciousness, for example). The type, location, and severity of the neurologic change can indicate the area of the brain or nervous system that is affected.
Focal neurologic deficits affect a specific location (for example, the left face, right face, left arm, right arm, left leg, right leg, even just a small area such as just the tongue) or a specific function (for example, speech may be affected, but not the ability to write).
Focal neurologic changes can include any function. Sensation changes include paresthesia (abnormal sensations), numbness, or decreases in sensation. Movement changes include paralysis, weakness, loss of muscle control, increased muscle tone, and decreased muscle tone.
Other types of focal loss of functions include:
- Speech or language changes such as aphasia or dysarthria (impaired speech and language skills), poor enunciation, poor understanding of speech, impaired writing, impaired ability to read or to understand writing, inability to name objects (anomia)
- Vision changes such as reduced vision, decreased visual field, sudden vision loss, double vision (diplopia)
- Neglect or inattention to the surroundings on one side of the body
- Loss of coordination, fine motor control, or ability to perform complex movements
- Horner's syndrome: one-sided eyelid drooping (ptosis), absent sweating on one side of the face, and retraction of one eye into the socket
- Poor gag reflex, swallowing difficulty, and frequent choking
|
| Home Care: |
| Home care depends on the type of neurologic loss and the cause of the loss. (See the specific causative disorder) |
| Call your health care provider if: |
|
If any loss of movement, sensation, or function occurs, you should call your health care provider.
|
| What to expect at your health care provider's office: |
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.
Medical history questions documenting neurological deficits in detail may include:
- Location
- Where is the loss of function?
- Right arm?
- Right leg?
- Left arm?
- Left leg?
- Another location (be specific)?
- Quality
- What deficits are present?
- Other
- What other symptoms are also present?
The physical examination will include a detailed examination of nervous system function.
Diagnostic tests vary depending on other symptoms that are present and the suspected cause of the loss of nervous function.
After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to focal neurological deficits to your personal medical record. |
|
 |
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).
|
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
|
