| Subject | Contents |
| Definition | Focal neurological deficits is a loss of movement , sensation, or function in a specific location. The loss is related to problems in the brain or nervous system. |
| Alternative Names | Neurological deficits - focal |
| Considerations | A focal neurologic deficit involves a change in a nerve function that occurs in a specific location (as opposed to a general loss of consciousness , for example). The type, location, and severity of the neurologic change can indicate the area of the brain or nervous system that is affected. Focal neurologic deficits affect a specific location (for example, the left face, right face, left arm, right arm, left leg, right leg, even just a small area such as just the tongue) or a specific function (for example, speech may be affected, but not the ability to write). Focal neurologic changes can include any function. Sensation changes include paresthesia ( abnormal sensations ), numbness , or decreases in sensation. Movement changes include paralysis , weakness , loss of muscle control, increased muscle tone, and decreased muscle tone . Other types of focal loss of functions include: Speech or language changes such as aphasia or dysarthria (impaired speech and language skills), poor enunciation, poor understanding of speech, impaired writing, impaired ability to read or to understand writing, inability to name objects (anomia) Vision changes such as reduced vision, decreased visual field , sudden vision loss , double vision (diplopia) Neglect or inattention to the surroundings on one side of the body Loss of coordination , fine motor control , or ability to perform complex movementsHorner's syndrome : one-sided eyelid drooping ( ptosis ), absent sweating on one side of the face, and retraction of one eye into the socket Poor gag reflex, swallowing difficulty , and frequent choking |
| Common Causes | StrokeBrain tumorCerebral palsy Disorders of a single nerve or nerve group (for example, see carpal tunnel syndrome ) Infection Trauma Neurodegenerative illness Vascular malformation |
| 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 | If any loss of movement , sensation, or function occurs, you should call your health care provider. |
| 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. |
| | |