Podiatric manifestations in patients with acute and chronic neurologic disorders.

Abstract

It is impossible to delineate, in the short space provided, the entire spectra of possible and potential podiatric manifestations of acute and chronic neurologic disease. An attempt has been made to delineate the neuroanatomic, neurophysiologic, etiologic, and diagnostic procedural knowledge required to fully comprehend, evaluate, and manage neurologic complaints in presenting patients. By following a specific outline for evaluation, a functional and meaningful differential diagnosis can be formulated. By properly employing the ancillary procedures discussed, a correct diagnosis will be attained. Concurrently, at this point in evaluation, a grasp of the location and gravity of the discovered lesion will allow us to intelligently treat or refer the patient for proper management. Since the vast majority of neurologic manifestations involve and cross-effect several bodily systems, not all neurologic diagnoses are or will be easy. Only through a constant awareness of the mechanisms, symptomatology, clinical findings, and a careful, precise, and thorough neurologic evaluation and test selection will these patients be helped.