Special Tests for Neurologic Examination

Special Tests for Neurologic Examination

James Scifers, DScPT, PT, SCS, LAT, ATC
$79.95
This product is not returnable.
Publication Date: January 3rd, 2008
Publisher:
Slack Incorporated
ISBN:
9781556427978
Pages:
432

Description

Ideal for students and clinicians to access quick clinical information, Special Tests for Neurologic Examination offers invaluable evaluation and assessment tips and techniques for neurologic conditions commonly found in patients. Organized in an easy-to-use format, this book is the perfect guide for practicing clinical skills and reviewing for licensure and certification examinations.

Dr. James R. Scifers describes and illustrates special tests for the upper extremity, lower extremity, and spine. This resource provides performance criteria for each special test, important information on specificity and sensitivity, and valuable references for further investigation.

Inside you’ll find:
• Techniques for dermatome, myotome, reflex screening, and concussion testing
• Examples of various concussion grading scales and neuropsychological tests
• Special design that facilitates use of the book as a user-friendly study guide and quick clinical reference
• Data on test specificity and sensitivity to assist clinicians in determining the value and strength of various clinical examination procedures
• Additional resources for further study and exploration

A facilitative and comprehensive approach to learning, practicing, and reviewing neurologic special tests makes Special Tests for Neurologic Examination a must-have for students and clinicians alike. With a focus on commonly used evaluative procedures for differentiating and diagnosing neurologic disorders, the book serves as a valuable companion to the popular Special Tests for Orthopedic Examination.

About the Author

James R. Scifers, DScPT, PT, SCS, LAT, ATC is the founding Program Director for the Western Carolina University Athletic Training Education Program. He also serves as an Associate Professor in the School of Health Sciences and the Department of Physical Therapy at Western Carolina University.

Dr. Scifers received his bachelor of science degree in athletic training from East Stroudsburg University, his master of physical therapy degree from Emory University, and his doctor of science in physical therapy degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. He is a North Carolina licensed athletic trainer and physical therapist and holds certification as a Board Certified Specialist in Sports Physical Therapy.

Dr. Scifers has more than 18 years of clinical practice in the professional, collegiate, secondary school, and clinical settings. He has served as Program Director for the Athletic Training Education Programs at Salisbury University and Lock Haven University and also as a professor in the University of Kentucky Department of Physical Therapy.

Praise for Special Tests for Neurologic Examination

“By providing students with a clear, concise, and well-illustrated text on neurologic examination techniques, Dr. Scifers has filled an obvious void in the athletic training, physical therapy, and allied health literature. Special Tests for Neurologic Examination is much more than a collection of special tests and examination techniques. The descriptions and figures have been carefully selected and the inclusion of alternate (regional) names for selected techniques minimizes the confusion experienced by students who are often required to master a large number of tests. The publication of this text is both timely and appropriate.”

— John M. Hauth, EdD, ATC, East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania

"Special Tests for Neurologic Examination by Dr. James R. Scifers is a great text that compiles information about various neurologic examination and evaluation techniques into an easy-to-use guide for students, clinicians, and educators. I highly recommend, Special Tests for Neurologic Examination. This text would be a valuable addition to any athletic training or physical therapy curriculum, as a supplement to larger evaluation texts."

-Jessica Walter, MSEd, ATC, LAT, Cumberland University, Athletic Training & Sports Health Care

"The author is applauded for using an evidence-based approach providing data relative to the reliability, sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratios of many tests. Conditions and special tests are described in an outline format that is easy to follow, and most figures are valuable in identifying the pertinent aspects of the special tests. This text has many excellent chapters that will help one acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for examining a patient with a suspected neurologic disorder."  

— Michael Tamburello, PT, PhD, ATC, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, Journal of Athletic Training

 "It is a valuable resource for experienced clinicians who need a quick guide to cranial nerve testing, concussion testing and grading, and other neurological tests. The overall organization is easy to follow. This is a valuable resource for athletic training students and experienced athletic trainers who see athletes post-concussion. It may serve as a quick reference in the training room or clinic, or as a teaching tool."   

— Barbara Jean Billek-Sawhney, PT, EdD, GCS, Slippery Rock University, Doody Enterprise, Inc.