A specific location -- such as the left face, right face, left arm, right arm, left leg, right leg, even just a small area such as just the tongue
A specific function -- for example, speech may be affected, but not the ability to write
The problem occurs in the brain or nervous system. It may result in a loss of movement or sensation. The type, location, and severity of the change can indicate the area of the brain or nervous system that is affected.
In contrast, a non-focal problem is NOT specific -- such as a general loss of consciousness.
Alternative Names:
Neurological deficits - focal
Considerations:
Focal neurologic changes can include any function. Sensation changes include paresthesia (abnormal sensations), numbness, or decreases in sensation. Movement changes include paralysis, weakness, loss of muscle control, increased muscle tone, and loss of muscle tone.
Other types of focal loss of function include:
Speech or language difficulties such as aphasia or dysarthria (impaired speech and language skills), poor enunciation, poor understanding of speech, impaired writing, impaired ability to read or to understand writing, inability to name objects (anomia)
Vision changes such as reduced vision, decreased visual field, sudden vision loss, double vision (diplopia)
Neglect or inattention to the surroundings on one side of the body
Review Date: 2/15/2005
Reviewed By: Luc Jasmin, MD, PhD, Departments of Anatomy & Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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