This book has been written for those who wish to understand the clinical concepts underlying neurological levels. It is designed to be studied sequentially, from beginning to end.

Each chapter first presents basic neurological information and then its clinical significance, applying it to the diagnosis of the most common neurological disorders. Thus, the teaching approach shifts from concept to practice and from the general rule to its specific application.

Clinical experience, however, remains the key to understanding. The most a book can offer is to present, clearly and concisely, suggested assessment methods. Some of the information presented here has been simplified to make it clearer.

For example, the clinical findings for each neurological level have been standardized to make both the basic concepts and the clinical data easier to understand. Clinical experience is what should reveal the variations and exceptions that exist in specific patients. For as Goethe said: “One sees only what one knows.”

This book is an expression of my teaching experience at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, where I observed orthopedic, neurosurgery, neurology, physical medicine, and general medicine residents, as well as physical therapists, seeking this knowledge. I hope this information and the particular way it has been organized will provide the understanding required for the assessment of neurological levels.