neurological assessment Flashcards
how to asses for mental capacity
can they understand
retain
process
convey
what are the red flags for a headache
Unconsciousness of lack of full consciousness
Any focal neurological deficit since the injury
Any suspicion of a skull fracture/ or penetrating head injury
Any seizure since the injury
A high-energy head injury
Persistent headache
Any episodes of vomiting since the injury
Any history of bleeding and clotting disorders
Current anticoagulant therapy
Current drug of alcohol intoxication
what should you be considering as a general assessment for neurological assessments
General mental function • Orientated to time, place, and person • Kempt/unkempt • Conscious level-Glasgow Coma Score. • Speech • Do they comprehend simple commands, can they form sentences and name objects?
what do you include in a mini mental status examination
- Orientation
- Attention
- Learning skills
- Calculations
- Abstraction
- Judgement
- Construction
what is the method for examining the optic nerves
Examine in a dim light
▫ Shine light into one eye, this should cause both pupils
to constrict
▫ Shine the light source from below and from the side to
observe consensual and direct light responses
how to test facial movement
Raise both eyebrows ▫ Frown ▫ Close both eyes tightly, try to open them ▫ Smile ▫ Puff out both cheeks
how to test the cerebellum function
AVVV
ataxia
vertigo
vomiting
visual disturbances
what should you do as a part of a neurological assessment
AVPU • FAST test • Observe their natural movement and conversation • Assess general behaviour • GCS score • Mental Status Examination • Abbreviated Mental Test
why would you do a neuro examination
- Persistent or sudden onset of a headache
- Headache that changes or is different
- Loss of feeling or tingling
- Weakness or loss of muscle strength
- Sudden loss of sight or double vision
- Memory loss
- Impaired mental ability
- Anxiety
