Syncope, Seizures, and Their Mimics
Syncope, Seizures, and Their Mimics Syncope Definition Transient alteration of consciousness and loss of muscular tone due to acute, reversible global reduction in cerebral blood flow. Most common cause of…
Aphasia, Apraxia, Agnosia
Aphasia, Apraxia, Agnosia Aphasia Definition Disturbance of language. Causes: stroke (most common cause); mass lesions (e.g., tumor); neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., primary progressive aphasia). Left hemisphere dominant for language in 95%…
Delirium and Dementia
Delirium and Dementia Delirium Definition State of mental confusion; global mental dysfunction with prominent alteration, often fluctuating, of alertness or attention. Common features: disorientation, fluctuating level of consciousness, inability to…
Ethical and End-of-Life Issues in Neurology
Ethical and End-of-Life Issues in Neurology Fred Rincon Lewis P. Rowland Stephan A. Mayer INFORMED CONSENT The concept of informed consent originates from the notion that individuals are autonomous. Rational…
Neurologic Rehabilitation
Neurologic Rehabilitation Heidi Schambra Laura Lennihan INTRODUCTION Neurologic disorders commonly cause impairments that impede intellectual and physical activities. Neurologists play an important role in prescribing and monitoring rehabilitation therapies to…
Somatic Symptom Disorders
Somatic Symptom Disorders Anna Lopatin Dickerman Philip R. Muskin INTRODUCTION Somatic symptom disorders are a group of psychiatric illnesses in which patients experience bodily symptoms along with associated abnormal thoughts,…
Anxiety Disorders, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Anxiety Disorders, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Franklin R. Schneier INTRODUCTION Anxiety is an adaptive emotional state related to anticipation of threat; it can encompass fearful thoughts, symptoms of…
Mood Disorders
Mood Disorders Licínia Ganança Alejandro S. Cazzulino Maria A. Oquendo INTRODUCTION Mood disorders are defined by the presence of a distinct period of persistently altered disposition, specifically, depressed, manic, or…
