Preoperative evaluation of patients with neurological disease.

A thorough evaluation of patients with neurological diseases undergoing surgery can reduce perioperative morbidity and mortality, especially stroke. Various neurological disorders and neurosurgical procedures may influence the nature and extent of preoperative evaluation, selection and conduct of anesthesia, and perioperative management and care. Although anesthesiologists primarily perform a preoperative evaluation of neurological patients, neurologists can contribute further valuable information about the neurological condition and perioperative management of various neurological diseases to obtain the best possible outcome. This article outlines the basic elements of preoperative evaluation and highlights specific considerations for neurological patients undergoing surgery.