Focal neurological deficits

Alternative names:

neurological deficits - focal

Home care:

Home care depends on the type of neurologic loss and the cause of the loss. (See the specific causative disorder)

Call your health care provider if:

• any loss of movement, sensation, or function occurs.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting neurological deficits in detail may include:

• location
  • Where is the loss of function?
    • right arm?
    • right leg?
    • left arm?
    • left leg?
    • another location (be specific)?

• quality
  • What deficits are present?
    • loss of vision?
    • numbness?
    • abnormal sensations?
    • loss of movement?
    • loss of strength?
    • loss of hearing?
    • speech problem or language problem?
    • other (be specific)?

• other
  • What other symptoms are also present?

The physical examination will include a detailed examination of nervous system function.

Diagnostic tests vary depending on other symptoms that are present and the suspected cause of the loss of nervous function.

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to focal neurological deficits to your personal medical record.