Transient neurologic symptoms. Narrowing the vast field of causes.
Transient neurologic symptoms are common in clinical practice and can take many forms (eg, loss of consciousness, confusion, vertigo, seizures, drop attacks, behavioral abnormalities). They are often subtle and episodic and their source can be the central nervous, cardiovascular, metabolic, or endocrine system, or they can be caused by space-occupying lesions. A detailed knowledge of such symptoms and their possible causes is invaluable to confidently approach the problem in a systematic manner. Evaluation should begin with careful history taking and physical examination for intercurrent illness and a baseline set of tests. Investigation usually includes computed tomography of the brain and often magnetic resonance imaging, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and/or electroencephalography as well. Further, specific studies are chosen on the basis of the suspected diagnosis and the information being sought.
Gnanamuthu
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Department of Neurosciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamilnadu, India.
D001928:Brain Diseases, Metabolic / Q000150:complications; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000150:complications; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D002546:Ischemic Attack, Transient / Q000150:complications; D008487:Medical History Taking; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications; D010808:Physical Examination