Neurologic deficit

Information

A neurologic deficit refers to abnormal function of a body area. This altered function is due to injury of the brain, spinal cord, muscles, or nerves.

Examples include:

Abnormal reflexes
Inability to speak
Decreased sensation
Loss of balance
Mental function problems, such as memory loss
Vision changes
Walking problems
Weakness of the arms or legs

Gallery

Nervous system — The central nervous system is comprised of the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system includes all peripheral nerves.

References

Deluca GC, Griggs RC. Approach to the patient with neurologic disease. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 368.

Klatt EC. The central nervous system. In: Klatt EC, ed. Robbins and Cotran Atlas of Pathology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 19.

Last reviewed January 28, 2021 by Evelyn O. Berman, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology and Pediatrics at University of Rochester, Rochester, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team..

Related specialties

Neurology

Our experts

News and Patient Stories: Neurologic deficit

Mikah’s Story

Living a normal life with a rare form of glioblastoma One day in January 2018, Mikah Phillips came home from school with a headache. After it persisted, his…

Mika smiling confidently and looking straight into the camera

Renowned neuroscientists to join UF Health, propel discovery of treatments for neurological diseases

March 18, 2019

Three renowned neuroscientists from top U.S. research institutions will join the newly established Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at UF…

Department of Neurology, Department of Neuroscience, Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, +5 more

My Location