Skip to Content

Focal neurological deficits

Definition

A focal neurologic deficit is a problem in nerve, spinal cord, or brain function that affects a specific location, such as the left face, right arm, or even a small area such as the tongue.

It also refers to any problem with a specific nervous system function such as memory or emotion.

The type, location, and severity of the problem can indicate the area of the brain or nervous system that is affected.

In contrast, a non-focal problem is NOT specific -- such as a general loss of consciousness.

Alternative Names

Neurological deficits - focal

Considerations

A focal neurologic problem can affect any function:

  • Movement changes include paralysis, weakness, loss of muscle control, increased muscle tone, loss of muscle tone, or involuntary movements (such as tremor)
  • Sensation changes include paresthesia (abnormal sensations), numbness, or decreases in sensation

Other examples of focal loss of function include:

  • Horner's syndrome: one-sided eyelid drooping, lack of sweating on one side of the face, and sinking of one eye into the socket
  • Inattention to the surroundings or a part of the body (neglect)
  • Loss of coordination, or loss of fine motor control (ability to perform complex movements)
  • Poor gag reflex, swallowing difficulty, and frequent choking
  • Speech or language difficulties such as aphasia (a problem understanding or producing words) or dysarthria (a problem making the sounds of words), 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)

Causes

Anything that damages or disrupts any PART of the nervous system can cause a focal neurologic deficit. Examples include:

Home Care

Home care depends on the type and the cause of neurologic loss. (Refer to the specific disorder causing the problem.)

When to Contact a Medical Professional

If any loss of movement, sensation, or function occurs, call your health care provider.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

The health care provider will take your medical history and perform a physical examination.

Medical history questions detailing neurological deficits may include:

  • When did the problem start and how fast is it changing?
    • Was it sudden or gradual?
    • Has it worsened over seconds, minutes, hours, days, or months?
    • How long have you had the problem?
  • Where is the loss of function?
    • Left arm?
    • Left leg?
    • Right arm?
    • Right leg?
    • Another location (be specific)?
  • What deficits are present?
  • What other symptoms do you have?

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

Diagnostic tests vary depending on other symptoms and the suspected cause of the nerve function loss. Tests used ot evaluate focal neurologic deficits are aimed at locating the place in the nervous system that is involved. Common examples are:

  • CT scan of the back, neck, or head
  • EMG (electromyogram)/NCV (nerve conduction velocities)
  • MRI of the back, neck, or head

References

Griggs RC, Jozefowicz RF, Aminoff MJ. Approach to the patient with neurologic disease. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier. 2007: chap 418.

Review Date: 6/24/2009
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com

Disclaimer: The information contained in this website, and its associated websites, is provided as a benefit to the local community, and the Internet community in general; it does not constitute medical advice. We try to provide quality information, but we make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to this website and its associated sites. As medical advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each patient and healthcare is constantly changing, nothing provided herein should be used as a substitute for the advice of a competent physician. Furthermore, in providing this service, Adventist HealthCare does not condone or support all of the content covered in this site. As an Adventist health care organization, Adventist HealthCare acts in accordance with the ethical and religious directives for Adventist health care services.

Adventist HealthCare · 301-315-3030 · 1801 Research BLVD, Suite 400, Rockville, MD 20850

Submit an Online Information Request