what does a neurological exam consist of?

Answer 1

The nero exam tests your mentation (e.g. memory, orientation to person, place, time (and sometimes event -- e.g. "do you know why you are in hospital?"), your motor (e.g. strength, coordination) and sensory (e.g. taste, light touch ...) pathways, and reflexes (which are dependent on intact sensorimotor pathways). Most neurological exams test 11 of the 12 cranial nerves, i.e. CN II-XII; most skip olfaction (CN I) unless it is clinically indicated.

Neurovital signs include temperature, pupil size, shape and reaction to light, pulse, and blood pressure. In the ICU, intracranial pressure (ICP) and cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) may be monitored (using devices like external ventricular drains and arterial lines).

For people with spinal cord tumors, infections, or cord trauma, spinal signs may also be included. Sensation to different dermatomes and best motor response from different myotomes may be recorded.

In the GPs office, the neurological exam usually consists of pupil checks, grip strengths, basic gait analysis, and coordination.

In the neurologist's office, the neurological exam may be probative (general to more focused), starting with observation, chatting, and then "beginning" the formal exam wityh cranial nerve assessment (though the neurological exam has already begun unbeknownst to most patients).

As you can imagine, the neurological exam is dependent on the expertise of the examiner and the urgency of the situation. On scene at a motor vehicle rollover, a patient's Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and pupillary reaction to light may be all there is for "CNS" in the systems examination.

For a good overview, or if you want to learn more, check out:
http://edinfo.med.nyu.edu/courseware/neurosurgery/

Answer 2

FIrst off, your mental status, alert? Oriented? speech clear? Hand grips strong and equal? Foot pushes strong and equal?
Your gait, do you walk with a limp? or normally. The MD will also use a light to check your retina and neuro responses, ask you to look up, look down, close your eyes and touch your nose. Holding your arms out etc...there is alot to a neuro exam..I thought this was going to be easy...I give up

Answer 3

A general neuro exam consists of tests of sensation, cerebellar function (balance, coodination), reflexes, muscle strength, tests of cranial nerves, and gait. More in depth tests and exams are done as needed.

Answer 4

1)History 2)Higher functions like speech 3)Examination of cranial nerves 4)Examination of sensations 5)Examination of motor functions 6)Abnormal movements like tremor,ataxia 7) Tendon reflexes 8)Gait 9) Examination of cardiovascular and other systems 10) Laboratory tests including CSF and 11) Radiological tests