Upper limb neurological examination

Upper limb neurological examination is a critical component of the neurological examination, which is a process used by healthcare professionals to assess a patient's nervous system function. It involves the evaluation of the motor function, sensory function, and reflexes of the upper limbs.

Overview

The upper limb neurological examination is a key part of the clinical examination in neurology. It is used to identify any abnormalities in the nervous system that may be causing symptoms in the upper limbs, such as weakness, numbness, or pain. The examination can help to localize the site of the neurological lesion and determine the likely underlying cause.

Procedure

The upper limb neurological examination typically involves the following steps:

1. Inspection: The healthcare professional visually examines the upper limbs for any visible abnormalities, such as muscle wasting, tremors, or abnormal movements.
2. Palpation: The healthcare professional feels the upper limbs to assess muscle tone and identify any areas of tenderness.
3. Motor examination: The healthcare professional assesses the strength of the upper limb muscles by asking the patient to perform various movements against resistance.
4. Sensory examination: The healthcare professional tests the patient's sensation in the upper limbs using a variety of stimuli, such as light touch, temperature, and pain.
5. Reflex examination: The healthcare professional tests the reflexes in the upper limbs by tapping certain areas with a reflex hammer.

Interpretation

The findings of the upper limb neurological examination can provide valuable information about the patient's neurological status. For example, weakness in the upper limbs may indicate a problem with the motor neurons, while numbness or tingling may suggest a problem with the sensory neurons. Abnormal reflexes can also provide clues about the location and nature of the neurological lesion.

See also

• Lower limb neurological examination
• Cranial nerve examination
• Neurological history taking