The diagnosis and management of dementia in older adults presents major challenges to the clinician and to society at large. The age-related increase in prevalence of dementia combined with increasing life expectancy is expected to result in a worldwide epidemic…
Clinical Vignette A 19-year-old woman is brought to the emergency room after she experiences her first ever generalized seizure. An unenhanced brain computed tomography (CT) and basic blood work are normal. She is initially drowsy and disoriented but gradually awakens,…
This chapter is an overview of the examination of higher cortical function as it relates to cortical anatomy and associated functions. Detailed anatomic drawings of the cerebral cortex are provided for one's review while reading this chapter. By the end…
Primary sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea syndrome, narcolepsy, periodic limb movements (PLMs), and rapid eye movement (REM) behavior disorder, are common and often underdiagnosed. These conditions result in excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and/or disrupted sleep, may have a profound…
Clinical Vignette Tracy, a 65-year-old right-hand–dominant receptionist is referred to orthopedic surgery for right carpal tunnel release following progressively worsening pain and paresthesia in her right hand. Surgery is performed under conscious sedation without complications, and the patient is discharged…
Clinical Vignette A 50-year-old woman is referred to a neurologist because of severe headaches. She first developed headaches during adolescence, and they worsened in the setting of menopause. A typical headache is unilateral and localized to the right frontotemporal and…
Clinical Vignette After a day of skiing, six teenagers packed into a small hatchback on their way home. Conditions were icy, and the driver lost control of the vehicle near the base of the mountain, rear-ending another vehicle at approximately…
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a worldwide major source of lifelong morbidity and mortality. It is the leading cause of death in North America for individuals between the ages of 1 and 45. The societal cost is substantial, with approximately…
Clinical Vignette A 45-year-old man with a history of bipolar disorder and binges of alcohol abuse gradually developed global headaches that abruptly worsened over a 6-day period. He presented to the emergency room with excruciating headaches, especially while lying flat…
Clinical Vignette A 66-year-old woman experienced the near immediate onset of a terrible temporal pain that radiated into her forehead. She almost lost consciousness. She became nauseated, vomited, and felt disoriented. Her family called emergency medical services, who brought her…