Neuro Examination Flashcards
Define neurolocalization
Localizing a lesions within a specific part of the nervous system
List the 3 locations where a neurologic lesion can be in
- brain
- spinal cord
- neuromuscular
The level of awareness of a patient is ________________-
mentation
Give an example of mentation status
BAR, QAR, obtunded, stuporous, comatose
Obtunded means?
reduced responsiveness to stimuli
If a patient is described as stuporous, it means it is?
Only responsive to noxious stimuli
What is used to assess a comatose patient?
Modified Glasgow Coma Scale (MCGS)
What is a patient termed ambulatory?
Is able to walk without assistance on at least 3 limbs for minimum of 3-5 steps without falling
When a patient won’t stop moving around and head presses into objects, it is termed?
Compulsive gait
Lack of coordination/control of movement is:
Ataxia
List the 3 different ataxias and describe them
- proprioceptive: spinal cord dysfunction
- vestibular: vestibular dz; leaning, falling to the side
- cerebellar: cerebellum lesions, hypermetria
What is the function of a UMN?
carry voluntary mov commands from brain to SC
What is the function of the LMN?
carry signals from SC to muscle
What are some signs associated with UMN?
hyperreflexia, spasticity, slow atrophy
LMN signs
paralysis, fast atrophy/focal
What are the 3 things used to describe UMN/LMN signs?
RAT (reflexes, atrophy, tone)
What is the term used for reduced voluntary control?
Paresis
What is the term used for absent voluntary control?
Paralysis
What is the difference btw head turn and head tilt?
Head turn: whole head is abnormally turned
Head tilt: one side lower than the other
What is a cause of a truncal sway?
Cerebellar dysfunction
Tetanus or C1-C5 myelopathy are associated with what posture abnormality?
Sawhorse stance
List the 3 types of back posture abnormalities
- scoliosis
- kyphosis
- lordosis
Diabetic cats are usually seen in a ________________ stance
plantigrade
If a patient has a disk herniation, what is a possible presentation of it?
Chair sitting
Decerebrate posture is described as:
Head and all limbs EXTENDED
Decerebellate posture is described as:
Head and forelimbs extended + Pelvic Limbs FLEXED
Describe the appearance of Schiff-Sherrington Posture
- head and Thoracic limb extended with paralysis of pelvic limns
What is the most sensitive proprioceptive test?
Proprioceptive placing/knuckling
Describe tactile placing
Cover patient’s eyes, bring top of paws to edge and they should lift the paw to the top of the table
List some proprioceptive tests
- hopping
- wheelbarrow
- extensor postural thrust
-hemiwalking
What reflex is termed as a test for the whole enlargement?
Withdrawal reflex
T/F you should always test for nociception
FALSE - only when needed (p is paralyzed)
T/F withdrawal means there is pain
False
If there is deficit in both limbs, where will the site of injury be?
C1-C5 (UMN)
If there is a lesion in T3-L3, with deficit in the pelvic limb, it would mean upper or lower MN?
Upper
L4-S3 (LMN) lesion is characterized by:
normal TL and deficit in pelvic limb
