The neurologic examination and lesion localization

As is true of animals with diseases of other organ systems, cats with neurologic disease should be approached in a systematic, problem-oriented manner (Table 1-1). The neurologic examination and process of lesion localization are the principal components of the evaluation. Lesions involving specific areas of the nervous system cause predictable neurologic deficits or problems ranging from monoparesis to seizures. By recognizing one of these problems and relating it to a particular anatomic region of the nervous system, a differential diagnosis of diseases that typically involve this area can be established. Although the neurologic examination and process of lesion localization are essential to developing the differential diagnosis, results of the history are equally important in predicting which disease or group of diseases is most likely present (Table 1-2). Identification of problems related to other organ systems on the physical examination, furthermore, should suggest that polysystemic diseases, such as infectious conditions, are potentially involved. After the differential diagnosis has been developed and the relative likelihood of each individual disease or group of diseases has been established, appropriate diagnostic procedures may be done. This should allow identification of the underlying cause and initiation of treatment, when indicated.