Bickerstaffs Neurological Exam

When teaching neurology to postgraduates the authors found that whilst most students have a good general idea of the different parts of the neurological examination, they are uncertain of the best methods of carrying out the various tests, of the purpose that lies behind them, the true meaning of abnormal findings, how to overcome technical difficulties and avoid arriving at false conclusions. This book is intended to present in detail those methods which have stood the test of time and to select from the newer methods those which are rapidly proving their value. It is not in any sense a textbook of neurology, nor is it a guide to neurological diagnosis. It will however provide the reader to become sufficiently conversant with the technique of examination to be able to approach a neurological case with that confidence which is so often lacking. In the Sixth Edition of this deservedly popular book, the general layout and structure of the chapters has been retained. One chapter has been added on general medical investigation and the chapter on neuroradiology and imaging has been thoroughly rewritten and greatly expanded to take account of the vast technical and theoretical advances in this field, particularly in imaging techniques.

As teachers of neurology to postgraduates, the authors found that most students had a good general idea of the parts of a neurological examination but were unclear about many other specifics. These included, among others, the best methods of carrying out the various tests; the purpose of each test; how to overcome technical difficulties; the true meaning of abnormal findings; and how to avoid arriving at false conclusions. This book details methods that have stood the test of time and additionally outlines some newer methods that are are already proving their value. In no sense is this book either a textbook of neurology or a guide to neurological diagnosis. It does, however, aim to help the reader become sufficiently conversant with specific exam techniques to be able to approach neurological cases with much more confidence. In the sixth edition of this deservedly popular book, the general layout and structure of the chapters have been retained, a chapter on general medical investigation has been added, and the chapter on neuroradiology and imaging has been thoroughly rewritten and greatly expanded to document the vast technical and theoretical advances, particularly in imaging techniques.