WHEN NEUROLOGICAL EXAMINATION IS NEEDED
Neurological exam is performed when there is suspicion of damage to the central or peripheral nervous system, neuromuscular transmission, and primary muscular damage.
WHAT IS A NEUROLOGICAL EXAMINATION
A neurological exam is an evaluation of a person’s nervous system. The examination consists of two main parts – a review of the patient’s medical history and a physical examination. Physical examination includes assessment of mental status (the patient’s level of awareness and interaction with the environment), cranial nerves (nerves that come directly from the brain), motor functions – the presence of weakness of individual muscles, arm, leg or general muscle weakness; study of coordination, balance and gate; evaluation of reflexes; sensory examination – decreased or increased sensitivity in different areas of the body and limbs, the presence of spontaneous or induced pain.
RESULTS
The neurological examination determines the type and location of the damage in the nervous system. To determine the etiology (cause), additional studies may be needed – laboratory, imaging – x-ray, computed tomography (scanner), magnetic resonance imaging; neurophysiological – electromyography (EMG), electroencephalography (EEG), evoked potentials; Doppler sonography; fundoscopy (examination of the fundus). In some cases, especially in the case of severe disorders that cannot be resolved in an outpatient setting, hospitalization is required.
Secondary neurological examination is necessary to evaluate the outcome of treatment and, if necessary, to correct it.
Neurological examination at home is performed for patients who cannot be transported to a doctor’s office.
The usual duration of the primary neurological examination is 30 minutes, and the secondary – 20 minutes.
