Neurological and vascular assessmenrts Flashcards
What is the first part of a neurological assessment?
FAST test
How do you check Face during a FAST test?
Ask the patient to ‘blow’ their face up, push their cheeks and assess whether the cheeks can withstand the push
How do you check arms during a FAST test?
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How do you check speech during a FAST test?
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What is checked during general observations during a neurological assessment?
- Mood changes
- Abnormal posture
- Abnormal walking
What is checked during an assessment of the neck during a neurological assessment?
Stiffness in the neck - meningitis causes inflamed spinal and brain meninges which limits neck movement and kernigs sign
Carotid bruits - turbulent flow in carotid artery as vascular issues are common causes of neuro issues
What causes carotid bruits?
Turbulence in the carotid artery, most commonly due to atherosclerosis
How do you check neck stiffness during a neurological assessment?
While the patient is supine, as then to touch their chin to their chest and hold for 10 seconds
What is Kernig’s sign?
While the patient is supine flex, both the knee and hip, then extend knee. If the knee is hard to extend it could be a sign on meningitis
What is checked during a face assessment during a neurological assessment?
- lack of facial expression
- asymmetry
What is checked for speech during a neurological assessment?
dysarthria
dysphasia
What is checked during a dysarthria assessment?
listen to a patient and note if they have any trouble speaking
Can be tested with the phrase-
“Yellow lorry”
“Baby hippopotamus”
What is dysarthria?
difficulty speaking due to muscle control of the mouth
What is dysphasia?
difficulty with structuring words and understanding language
What examination is done for dysphasia?
- Listen to the patient speak and check if its fluid and appropriate
- Ask the patient commands, and see if they correctly understand them
