Pitfalls of the Neuro Exam

The neurological examination is critical in making an anatomic diagnosis. Once the neuroanatomical localization is established the clinician can develop a reasonable shortlist of differential diagnoses and prioritize diagnostics. A key element in this process is a thorough anamnesis. Careful patient evaluation and discussion with the primary caregiver can provide vital clues to the diagnosis and avoid missteps and pitfalls that complicate the clinical picture.

• Understand neuroanatomy from a functional standpoint
• Pattern recognition of common and uncommon neurologic problems
• Is it seizure or syncope or something else?