An Analysis of the Neurological Consultations in Seoul National University Hospital - An Analysis of 1115 Cases-

Abstract

We reviewed 1,115 neurologic consultations from March 1989 to February 1990 in Seoul National University Hospital, which comprised 4 percent of all admitted adult patients. The average age of the cases was 51 years. Internal medicine was the requesting service in more than half of the cases, but the rate of consultation in each service was the highest in psychiatry and thoracic surgery. Weakness of the extremities was the most common reason for consultation. The cases diagnosed as ischemic cerebrovascular disease were 22.9 percent. It must be reemphasized to control stroke-prone factors. Determining the underlying causes of impaired consciousness posed a special diagnostic problem. Metabolic encephalopathy was its leading cause. Iatrogenic neurologic conditions were found in 10 percent of patients. The most common antecedents were cardiac surgery and the side effects of drugs. These findings indicate the need for improved surveillance of neurologic problems in hospitals, earlier recognition of neurologic dysfunction, research into its mechanism, and additional education about the prevention of iatrogenic misfortune.