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

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.