The clinical approach to neurologic disorders

The role of the clinician in the study of genetically determined disorders of the nervous system is to detect and describe clinical syndromes. His tools are the history and the physical examination. His task is to recognize those striking signs or symptoms, or those significant collections of lesser findings, which suggest a new disease state. His greatest responsibility is to weigh the significance of such findings against the effects of human variation, growth, maturation and senescence, and the life situation of the patient or his family. His unique contribution is his ability to recognize and pursue the uncertain entity, until chance observation, the evolution of the illness, or new technics of study make its exegesis possible.