Diseases of the nervous system : a text-book of neurology and psychiatry / by Smith Ely Jelliffe and William A. White.

  • Jelliffe, Smith Ely, 1866-1945.
Date:
[1919], ©1919
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Diseases of the nervous system : a text-book of neurology and psychiatry / by Smith Ely Jelliffe and William A. White. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    28/1050 (page 22)
    CHAPTER I. METHODS OF EXAMINATION OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. The student of diseases of the nervous system, be they vegetative, sensorimotor or mental, should have at his command a practical, sys¬ tematic series of methods for examining his patients. Such a scheme of case-examination should above all be orderly, and sufficiently extensive to enable him to make a rapid sizing-up of the character of the dis¬ turbance under investigation. It should not be burdened with details for which an application will be found in only the rarest of disorders. A comprehensive neurological history should include a careful study of the I. Family History. II. History of Patient. III. History of the Present Illness. IV. General Observations. V. Physical Examination. VI. Vegetative Examination. VII. Sensorimotor Examination. VIII. Mental Examination. For the sake of convenience the chief factors to be covered are hei e given in the form of printed questionnaires. Such printed schemes have their advantages and their disadvantages. But if carefully and thinkingly followed the advantages far outweigh the disadvan¬ tages. bor the beginner in neurology, to whom this book is addressed especially, such questionnaires well grounded in the mind, are the first step in the development of a technic of case-examination which will pro\ e invaluable. It is not thought that other forms may not prove as satisfactory, but some definite scheme is indispensable. Questionnaires. The heading, size, form of binding, of ruling, etc., will be determined-by local conditions and by special needs. The definite facts which are noted in the questionnaires are not by any means all of the facts to be collected, and such printed question blanks ai e gi\ en purely as guides, rather than as finished products. As practical blanks for out-patient dispensary work they are invaluable and also for note-taking in private work. In hospital work with nervous disorders, where it is hoped that autopsy material may put opportunities for anatomical research in one’s hands, such blanks are naturally too didactic and inelastic. The main outlines, however, are still desirable. A general-status blank is often advisable. Inasmuch as this country as . een Pllt on a war basis for some years facts concerning military sei \ ice should be included. Such a blank is here given in short form *