Late Dr C Miller Fisher used to say, ‘you learn neurology stroke by stroke’. What he meant is that by analyzing each of stroke in detail, i.e. structures involved, site of lesion, nature of lesion, etiopathogenesis of the lesion and resulting functional disability; a student can master the fundamentals of neurology. Even though technology and molecular biology has advanced rapidly and tremendously, still Dr Fisher's statement remains largely true. I would slightly modify the statement, if I may, to say that ‘you learn neurology case by case’. Each case needs to be analyzed in detail as above through symptom analysis to deduce the structures involved and all the above-mentioned steps to arrive at a diagnosis and management. Needless to mention that in emergency, you may not complete all the steps before starting management, and sometimes management steps are clear even when the diagnosis is not entirely clear. In such situations, management takes precedence over the final diagnosis. However, fundamental point is that each case needs in-depth analysis. No two cases are identical. They vary from each other in either gross or subtle way to merit detailed analysis.

Clinical Neurology needs knowledge of obtaining a correct history, a thorough neurological examination and the ability to infer the localization correctly. This helps to narrow the differential diagnosis based on the clinical findings.

Neurology is considered a difficult subject by students of all levels. Correct diagnosis of a neurological case requires patiently hearing the story of patients, its chronological build up and sound neuroanatomical knowledge. With practice a student becomes adept at connecting the dots and localize the site of lesion in the nervous system. This process requires arduous and patient history taking and learning to separate the grain from chaff and build a meaningful history. This process requires training in good centers with meticulous teachers providing knowledge from subject experts, good textbooks, attending clinical case discussions and constantly applying this information on patients. Training from experienced teachers and time-tested method of bedside clinical case discussions in the wards are key to achieve this. This book aptly titled Ward Rounds in Clinical Neurology is a compilation of case discussions of both long and short cases on all areas of neurology in question–answer format just as a case is discussed in a clinical ward round. The book is bound to attract students of all levels desirous of learning neurology step by step from great teachers and will help them in their day to day practice and even in diagnosing difficult cases at the same time enriching their knowledge of the subject.

This book began as a result of many important reasons observed in the examination and teaching pattern of neurology in India.

We wish to acknowledge all the authors who despite their busy clinical obligations contributed to various chapters in the book.

“Wherever there is Lord Krishna, the master of all mystics, and wherever there is Arjuna, the supreme archer, there will also certainly be opulence, victory, extraordinary power, and morality. That is my opinion”.