Neurologic

Neurologic refers to the nervous system or to phenomena and conditions pertaining to the nervous system. It is often used interchangeably with neurological in medical and scientific contexts, though some style guides distinguish the noun form "neurological" as more common in clinical writing. The nervous system comprises the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), the peripheral nervous system (cranial and spinal nerves and ganglia), and the autonomic nervous system.

Neurologic evaluation is a clinical process that seeks to determine the integrity of the nervous system. It typically includes assessment of mental status, cranial nerve function, motor and sensory systems, reflexes, coordination, and gait. Findings guide the differential diagnosis and may indicate focal or diffuse pathology.

Neurologic disorders cover a broad range of diseases and injuries, including stroke, epilepsy, movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease, dementias such as Alzheimer's disease, neurodegenerative conditions, multiple sclerosis, neuromuscular disorders like myasthenia gravis and peripheral neuropathies, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injury, infections, and inflammatory or autoimmune conditions. Acute presentations may require emergent imaging and monitoring.

Diagnostic tools commonly used in neurology include neuroimaging (computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging), electroencephalography, electromyography and nerve conduction studies, and laboratory tests to identify infections, metabolic abnormalities, or inflammatory processes. Treatments vary by condition and may involve medications, rehabilitation, surgery, and supportive care, with an emphasis on preserving function and quality of life.

Neurologic knowledge integrates anatomy, physiology, pathology, and neuropharmacology to understand how the nervous system maintains function and how disease disrupts it.