Neurological examination is one of the most feared examinations for undergraduate students in Medicine. This article will deal with the basics, with the use of a schema for the neurological examination.
It should always be kept in mind that the patient should be examined as a whole. While focusing on neurological examination, we must never forget that we are examining the 'patient' and due respect and care should always be shown to the patient.
Schema for Neurological Examination:
- Mental Examination
- Appearance
- Behavior
- Consciousness
- Delusions & Hallucinations
- Orientation
- Cranial Nerve Examination
- All 12 cranial nerves on both sides
- Motor System Examination
- Attitude of limbs
- Bulk (Nutrition of muscles)
- Power of Muscles
- Tone of Muscles
- Reflexes
- Deep Tendon reflexes
- Biceps
- Supinator
- Triceps
- Knee
- Ankle
- Superficial reflexes
- Coordination
- Finger-nose test
- Knee-heel test
- Alternating movements
- Gait
- Involuntary Movements
- Cerebellar Examination
- Sensory Examination
- Somatic Sensations (Primary)
- Touch, Pain, Temperature, Joint position (proprioception) and vibration sensations
- Cortical Sensations
- Meningeal Irritation Signs
- Spine and Neck Examination
- Fundus Examination
The details of examination of these individual steps will be dealt with subsequently.
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