Neurologic System Flashcards
History (Subjective)
A. Headache
B. Head injury - hx trauma, hx MVA, hx concussions
C. Dizziness/Vertigo, syncope, fainting
D. Seizures/Convulsions
E. Tremors, shaking in the hands or face
F. Weakness or paralysis, any problem moving any body part
G. Incoordination, problems with balance, gait
H. Numbness or tingling in any body part
I. Difficulty swallowing, drooling
J. Difficulty speaking
K. Significant past history - CVA (stroke), spinal cord injury, meningitis, encephalitis, congenital defect or alcoholism
L. Environmental hazards - insecticides, lead, organic solvents
M. Medications
Physical Exam/Assessment (Objective)
use the sequence - mental status, cranial nerves, motor system, sensory system, reflexes
Cranial Nerve I
olfactory nerve
Assessing: Cranial Nerve I
assess nasal patency, then with patient’s eyes closed present an aromatic substance
Cranial Nerve II
optic nerve
Assessing: Cranial II
test visual acuity and visual fields by confrontation
then examine the ocular fundus to determine color, size and shape of optic disc
Cranial Nerve III
oculomotor
Cranial Nerve IV
trochlear
Cranial Nerve VI
abducens
Assessing: Cranial Nerves III, IV, VI
assess consensual light reaction and accommodation
assess extraocular movements (H)
assess for nystagmus
Cranial Nerve V
trigeminal nerve
Cranial Nerve V: Motor function
assess the muscles of the jaw by palpating the temporal and masseter muscles as the pt clenches their teeth - muscles should feel equally strong
Cranial Nerve V: Sensory function
- with patient’s eyes closed, test light touch sensation by touching a cotton swab to forehead, cheeks and chin
- corneal reflex - NOT routinely done, pt looking forward lightly touch cornea with cotton swab
Cranial Nerve VII
facial nerve
Cranial Nerve VII: Motor Function
note symmetry, mobility of facial structures with the following - smile, frown, close eyes tightly, lift eyebrows, show teeth, puff cheeks out.
Cranial Nerve VII: Sensory Function
apply to tongue solution of sugar, salt or lemon - ask patient to identify
Cranial Nerve VIII
acoustic/vestibulocochlear
Cranial Nerve VIII
test hearing acuity by normal conversation, whispered voice test, Weber and Rinne
Cranial Nerve IX & X
glossopharyngeal and vagus
Cranial Nerve IX & X: Motor Function
depress the tongue with tongue blade - note pharyngeal movement as pt says “aahh”
the uvula should rise in the midline, tonsillar pillars should move medially - note gag reflex and that voice sounds smooth
Cranial Nerve XI
spinal accessory nerve
Assessing: Cranial Nerve XI
- examine the sternomastoid and trapezius muscles for symmetry and equal size
- assess strength by resistant ROM - movements should feel equally strong bilaterally
Cranial Nerve XII
hypoglossal nerve
Assessing: Cranial Nerve XII
inspect the tongue, ask the pt to protrude tongue, then ask pt to say “light, tight, dynamite” - note than lingual speech sounds are clear and distinct