Localization in Clinical Neurology

Abstract

Neurology differs from other medical specialties in its emphasis (some might call it a preoccupation or obsession) on anatomy. Neurologists and neurosurgeons have difficulty convincing other physicians that knowing the exact location of a lesion is an important and necessary step in understanding what caused the lesion, what the symptoms and clinical problems are likely to be, and what treatment could or should be given. Anatomic localization is often critical in the care of patients with lesions of either the central or peripheral nervous systems. Some radiologists and other specialists would have us believe that neuroimaging tests such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging will make clinical localization obsolete. The opposite has proved to be true, since the most perfect cranial imaging tests will not show the nature of a spinal cord problem, and clinical localization is clearly necessary to decide when and which investigations are needed and in