Lower extremity neurological evaluation of the older patient

The phrase "lower extremity neurological evaluation" is a misnomer. The evaluation focuses on deficits that manifest in the lower extremity, but the expert knowledge of the competent examiner may indicate that the cause is remote from the lower limbs. Moreover, the skilled examiner must evaluate the patient in toto to determine the etiology of any abnormalities manifesting in the lower extremities. For these reasons and others, the neurological evaluation of the older patient is of particular importance and should be performed routinely.