What should a family physician know about neurology?

Ten per cent of patients visiting their family physician have a neurological complaint, and 1% to 2% eventually are diagnosed as having a definite neurological problem. Although most neurological problems can be managed effectively by the family physician, many physicians have trouble conducting a neurological examination confidently, interpreting the results of their findings, or deciding what tests should be done. The author outlines what the family practitioner should know about the field, including certain basic concepts about the nervous system, the appropriate attitude toward neurological problems and patients, characteristics of an efficient, high-yield neurological screening examination, and emergency management of common and treatable neurological conditions.