Neurological Assessement

Question 1

What are some neurological observations in infants

Answer 1

Eye opening - if not then ask parent to call infants name, if no response then attempt to wake them by rubbing or stroking limbs or squeeze hands. If infant responds to speech or gentle touch score a 3 on the chart, if the infant responds to a physical stimulus score a 2.

Only use physical stimulus if there is no response to speech or touch, apply stimulus (gentle squeeze of ear lobe) for 20seconds , an infant that doesn’t respond will score a 2.

Verbal response and play scores a 6 on the chart
Direct light - move bright pen torch both pupils should constrict, remove light and pupil should dilate to original size

Question 2

What are some neurological observations in children

Answer 2

If child not opening eyes ask parent to call the name, if child doesn’t respond then attempt touch to waken them.
Assess pupil size and reaction to light

Finger nail pressure physical stimulus. If patient responds by flexing arm then apply a supraorbital pressure (use thumb, locate bony notch towards midline and apply pressure) or squeeze their trapezius (take 5cm of trapezius muscle and twist, score 5 on chart if patient tries to remove hand)

Normal flexion = weakened attempt to remove stimuli, scores 4
Abnormal flexion = purposeless general flexion of both arms, scores 3 and indicates brain damage
Extension = arms extended, shoulders and hands rotated internally, scores 2 on chart, indicates brain damage