Neurologists describe sleep and its components, variations, abnormalities, and response to treatment through the lens of the polysomnogram (PSG) . Although the clinical manifestations of sleep disorders remain paramount, the PSG provides a unique physiologic correlate for most of those…
Whatever its underlying psychology, sexual function depends on two complex and delicate neurologic pathways: (1) a connection between the brain and the genitals and (2) a reflex loop between the genitals and spinal cord. Both involve the central nervous system…
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common disabling neurologic illness of North American and European young and middle-aged adults. It is also the primary example of a central nervous system (CNS) autoimmune demyelinating illness. Neurologists base their diagnosis on the…
Chronic pain is a complex, endless disturbance with unique qualities and psychiatric comorbidities. Traditional medical approaches to chronic pain emphasized diagnosis, distinguished between its psychologic and physiologic components, and sought its eradication. Currently, multidisciplinary pain teams focus on symptomatic management,…
Many perinatal cerebral injuries, brain malformations, and genetic mutations create distinctive and life-long neurologic, neuropsychologic, and physical impairments. Although usually apparent in infancy, some of these disorders do not become evident until childhood or adolescence. One explanation for the delay…
This chapter describes several common visual disturbances that frequently occur in psychiatric patients, including decreased visual acuity, glaucoma, visual field loss, and visual hallucinations ( Box 12.1 ). In addition, it reviews the causes of visual impairments that may have…
Transient ischemic attacks ( TIAs ) and strokes cause readily recognizable constellations of transient or permanent neurologic deficits. Psychiatrists should recognize their physical and neuropsychologic manifestations, including amnesia, depression, and altered level of consciousness. Psychiatrists should also distinguish TIAs and…
Neurologists generally follow the International Headache Society’s (IHS) classification that recognizes three major headache categories. Primary Headaches include tension-type , migraine , and cluster headaches . Although not life-threatening, they may create excruciating pain, incapacitate patients, and reduce a patient’s…
Since the inception of the discipline of neurology in the 19th century, neurologists have studied language, language impairment ( aphasia ), and related disorders to deduce how the normal brain functions and to advance the study of neurolinguistics. In practice,…
Physicians have long used the term dementia to define a progressive decline in cognitive function that impairs daily activities. Criteria for this diagnosis include memory impairment plus one or more of the following: aphasia, apraxia, agnosia, or disturbance in executive…