Neurological examination

TE-Nervous system diagram

Neurological examination is a comprehensive assessment performed by healthcare professionals to evaluate the function and status of a patient's nervous system. The examination can be used to identify abnormalities in the nervous system, and to pinpoint the location of the abnormality.

Overview

The neurological examination is a crucial part of the clinical assessment of a patient, especially in cases where a neurological disorder is suspected. It is typically performed in a systematic manner, starting with a patient's medical history, followed by a physical examination, and then specific neurological tests.

Medical History

The medical history is an important part of the neurological examination. It involves a detailed discussion with the patient about their symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle. This information can provide valuable clues about the underlying cause of the patient's neurological symptoms.

Physical Examination

The physical examination involves a thorough assessment of the patient's general appearance, vital signs, and physical health. This can provide important information about the patient's overall health and can help to identify any physical signs of a neurological disorder.

Neurological Tests

The neurological tests are the main part of the neurological examination. They are designed to assess the function of the nervous system and to identify any abnormalities. These tests typically involve assessments of the patient's mental status, cranial nerves, motor system, sensory system, reflexes, and coordination.

Mental Status

The mental status examination is used to assess a patient's level of consciousness, orientation, memory, and other cognitive functions. This can help to identify conditions such as dementia, delirium, and other cognitive disorders.

Cranial Nerves

The cranial nerve examination involves testing the function of the 12 cranial nerves. This can help to identify conditions such as Bell's palsy, trigeminal neuralgia, and other cranial nerve disorders.

Motor System

The motor system examination involves assessing a patient's muscle strength, tone, and bulk. This can help to identify conditions such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and other motor system disorders.

Sensory System

The sensory system examination involves testing a patient's sense of touch, pain, temperature, and vibration. This can help to identify conditions such as neuropathy, stroke, and other sensory system disorders.

Reflexes

The reflex examination involves testing a patient's reflexes. This can help to identify conditions such as spinal cord injury, brain injury, and other reflex disorders.

Coordination

The coordination examination involves testing a patient's balance and coordination. This can help to identify conditions such as ataxia, cerebellar disease, and other coordination disorders.

See Also

• Neurology
• Neurological disorder
• Neurological test
• Cranial nerve examination
• Motor system examination
• Sensory system examination
• Reflex examination
• Coordination examination