Pitfalls In The Diagnosis Of Neurological Disorders

Accurate diagnosis of neurological disorders can often be difficult due to the complex nature of the nervous system. Whilst technological advances have greatly improved diagnostic and interpretation techniques, errors can still occur, which consequently result in mistakes in therapeutic care. This book is a guide to diagnostic strategies for a multitude of common and less common neurological disorders. Scenarios are set in both a clinical and an intensive care setting. Divided into 13 sections, the text begins with an overview of general neurology. Each of the following sections examines disorders in a different part of the nervous system. Diagnostic processes are evaluated and potential areas where a clinician may make a mistake, are examined and explained in depth. The final section presents 15 authentic cases covering diagnostic challenges in critical care units, all provided by leading experts from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Centre, USA. With contributions from internationally recognised neurologists, this comprehensive text is highly illustrated with neurological images, and many chapters feature additional editorial notes and appendices. Access to a selection of clinical videos via a QR code is also provided with this book.

"Case: This 68-year-old right-handed man was evaluated after an episode of delirium. Three months prior, in the span of two days, he became confused and agitated. At the hospital, he was found to have a urinary tract infection (UTI). Within three days after treatment, he returned to his baseline cognitive function and remained stable since. Although he initially reported no cognitive problems, upon further questioning he acknowledged word-finding difficulties and forgetfulness for at least the previous 2 years. His daughter reported that he repeated questions and stories"--

The many powerful lessons in this case-based book convey clinical pearls on diagnostic or therapeutic issues in movement disorders.

Epilepsy is amongst the most frequently encountered of neurological disorders, yet its diagnosis and management is fraught with pitfalls. Issues surrounding differential diagnosis, seizure type, underlying causes, EEG interpretations, treatment options and prognoses can often trip-up clinicians. Common Epilepsy Pitfalls: Case-Based Learning, is a comprehensive guide to anticipating and managing the pitfalls in the diagnosis and management of epilepsy. Real-life cases are presented along with pragmatic recommendations for courses of action that guide the reader through accurate and effective epilepsy diagnosis and treatment. Cases have been chosen to answer key questions such as: the first seizure – is it epilepsy? Which drug? When should stopping treatment be considered? What to do in an epileptic emergency? Containing detailed coverage of psychiatric, social and family issues – and authored by world experts in epilepsy management – this text is invaluable for neurologists, internists, family practitioners and advanced medical students.

Clinical case studies have long been recognized as a useful adjunct to problem-based learning and continuing professional development. They emphasize the need for clinical reasoning, integrative thinking, problem-solving, communication, teamwork and self-directed learning – all desirable generic skills for health care professionals. This book is a teaching tool that bridges the gap between textbook information and everyday experience of clinicians 'in the trenches'. Leading practitioners bring a practical approach to these complex conditions, highlighting specific areas of diagnostic uncertainty in evaluation and treatment. Each case is taken from real-world clinical practice and reviews the diagnostic and treatment process in a systematic manner, identifying common challenges and potential pitfalls. This concise and useful guide in the Common Pitfalls series provides a step-by-step guide for everyday clinical practice, invaluable to anyone dealing with cerebrovascular disease on a front-line basis. The intended readership is trainees and non-specialist practitioners in neurology, stroke medicine, and neurosurgery.

Functional Neurologic Disorders, the latest volume in the Handbook of Clinical Neurology series, summarizes state-of-the-art research findings and clinical practice on this class of disorders at the interface between neurology and psychiatry. This 51-chapter volume offers an historical introduction, chapters on epidemiology and pathophysiolology, a large section on the clinical features of different type of functional neurologic symptoms and disorders (including functional movement disorders, non-epileptic seizures, dizziness, vision, hearing, speech and cognitive symptoms), and then concluding with approaches to therapy. This group of internationally acclaimed experts in neurology, psychiatry, and neuroscience represent a broad spectrum of areas of expertise, chosen for their ability to write clearly and concisely with an eye toward a clinical audience. This HCN volume sets a new landmark standard for a comprehensive, multi-authored work dealing with functional neurologic disorders (also described as psychogenic, dissociative or conversion disorders). Offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach for the care of patients with functional disorders seen in neurologic practice, leading to more efficient prevention, management, and treatment Provides a synthesis of research efforts incorporating clinical, brain imaging and neurophysiological studies Fills an existing gap between traditional neurology and traditional psychiatry Contents include coverage of history, epidemiology, clinical presentations, and therapy Edited work with chapters authored by leaders in the field, the broadest, most expert coverage available

Getting the right diagnosis is a key aspect of health care - it provides an explanation of a patient's health problem and informs subsequent health care decisions. The diagnostic process is a complex, collaborative activity that involves clinical reasoning and information gathering to determine a patient's health problem. According to Improving Diagnosis in Health Care, diagnostic errors-inaccurate or delayed diagnoses-persist throughout all settings of care and continue to harm an unacceptable number of patients. It is likely that most people will experience at least one diagnostic error in their lifetime, sometimes with devastating consequences. Diagnostic errors may cause harm to patients by preventing or delaying appropriate treatment, providing unnecessary or harmful treatment, or resulting in psychological or financial repercussions. The committee concluded that improving the diagnostic process is not only possible, but also represents a moral, professional, and public health imperative. Improving Diagnosis in Health Care, a continuation of the landmark Institute of Medicine reports To Err Is Human (2000) and Crossing the Quality Chasm (2001), finds that diagnosis-and, in particular, the occurrence of diagnostic errorsâ€"has been largely unappreciated in efforts to improve the quality and safety of health care. Without a dedicated focus on improving diagnosis, diagnostic errors will likely worsen as the delivery of health care and the diagnostic process continue to increase in complexity. Just as the diagnostic process is a collaborative activity, improving diagnosis will require collaboration and a widespread commitment to change among health care professionals, health care organizations, patients and their families, researchers, and policy makers. The recommendations of Improving Diagnosis in Health Care contribute to the growing momentum for change in this crucial area of health care quality and safety.

Brain dysfunction is a major clinical problem in intensive care, with potentially debilitating long-term consequences for post-ICU patients of any age. The resulting extended length of stay in the ICU and post-discharge cognitive dysfunction are now recognized as major healthcare burdens. This comprehensive clinical text provides intensivists and neurologists with a practical review of the pathophysiology of brain dysfunction and a thorough account of the diagnostic and therapeutic options available. Initial sections review the epidemiology, outcomes, relevant behavioral neurology and biological mechanisms of brain dysfunction. Subsequent sections evaluate the available diagnostic options and preventative and therapeutic interventions, with a final section on clinical encephalopathy syndromes encountered in the ICU. Each chapter is rich in illustrations, with an executive summary and a helpful glossary of terms. Brain Disorders in Critical Illness is a seminal reference for all physicians and neuroscientists interested in the care and outcome of severely ill patients.