Book excerpt: This indispensable title rethinks the neurologic examination in a format tailored, modified, and specialized for neurocritical illness. Generously illustrated, this book provides a detailed clinical assessment of the acutely ill neurologic patient. It explains why certain neurologic signs appear and provides fundamentals of localization. Certain situations demand certain structured examinations. Eventually, all information has to be integrated logically. Different examination techniques may be needed. Recognition of deterioration and increased vigilance with important mimickers and confounders are part of our professional fabric. Other necessary skills include predicting a clinical course and outcome, coordinating effective transfers of unstable patients, and communicating expected clinical changes. Neurologists traditionally have carefully considered the examination findings before acting and localized findings before ordering tests; these heuristics must remain. An indispensable title designed for all learners, Examining Neurocritical Patients preserves the beauty of a comprehensive clinical neurologic examination and serves as a high-yield master class for every health care professional tasked with clinical assessment of a neurocritically ill patient.