Hawkes C.H., Sethi K.D., Swift T.R. (eds.) Instant Neurological Diagnosis: A Companion to Neurobowl

Oxford University Press, 2016. — 401 p. — ISBN 978–0–19–936195–3Experienced neurologists work fast. They ask few questions, maybe perform a brief examination, and come up with the right answer. Sometimes they do neither and their conclusions are accurate — but how do they do it? Traditionally, the diagnostic process includes pattern recognition and probabilistic, causal, or deterministic methods. The aeronautical expert uses so-called demons — which are essentially memorized diagnostic shortcuts that help to solve problems rapidly. In this text they are called Handles. Another complementary diagnostic process is the use of caveats, or Red Flags, which are negative Handles in the sense that if one encounters a Red Flag, then the diagnosis should be reconsidered. This book provides diagnostic shortcuts, collected by the authors through their own observations, with many others identified at grand rounds and conferences. Thus a diagnosis may be reached rapidly by applying a mixture of Handles and Flags. The Handles and Flags are grouped into regions based on standard neurological history and examination, and others in relation to specific diseases. The book contains thirteen chapters, which for the most part focus on a particular neurological condition, namely demyelination, headache, epilepsy and sleep, myopathy and motor neuron disorders, movement disorders, stroke, peripheral neuropathy, cerebellar ataxia, and dementia. The remaining chapters are concerned with the clinician’s initial impressions (first encounters), cranial nerves, limbs and trunk, spinal lesions, and cerebrospinal fluid. At the end of each chapter is a summary of the salient points and a few key references. Most Handles, are illustrated by a table, figure, or video clip to reinforce a particular message.First Encounters
Cranial Nerves
Limbs and Trunk
Demyelination
Headache
Epilepsy and Sleep Disorders
Myopathy and Motor Neuron Disorders
Movement Disorders
Stroke
Spinal Lesions and Cerebrospinal Fluid
Peripheral Neuropathy
Cerebellar Ataxia
Dementia