Diagnosis of Stupor and Coma.

An auspicious beginning for a series of monographs titled Contemporary Neurology is set forth in this volume. The authors have effectively approached the goal of bringing fundamental information to bear upon the pathogenesis and diagnosis of and Following a lucid summary of pertinent pathological physiology, there is consideration of respiratory, ocular, and motor phenomena associated with progressive depression of consciousness. This discussion concerns patients with supratentorial mass lesions, infratentorial mass or destructive lesions, and metabolic brain diseases. The detailed description of signs and symptoms does not include evaluation of varying states of consciousness in terms of the responses of patients to stimuli. Such documentation provides more precise evaluation not included in the designations stupor or coma. Very useful, however, is the emphasis on development of constellations of signs over time. Although much of this knowledge is frequently applied by the seasoned clinical neurologist, he can benefit from attention