Neurological Assessment

Question 1

What are the 4 parts of a thorough neorological assessment?

Answer 1

▪ Conscious level (Glasgow Coma Scale)

▪ Limb movements

▪ Pupil size and reaction to light

▪ Vital signs

Question 2

Define consciousness

Answer 2

• Consciousness is a general awareness of

oneself and the surrounding environment

Question 3

What are the 2 components of consciousness?

Answer 3

arousal and awareness

Question 4

When assessing arousal, which part of the brain does this encompass?

Answer 4

Brain stem

in particular Reticular activating system

Question 5

When assessing awareness, which part of the brain does this encompass?

Answer 5

cerebral cortex

Question 6

Give examples of the major causes of altered consciousness?

Answer 6

• Direct damage to anatomical structures
due to trauma or disease

• Change in energy substrates necessary for
brain function

• Toxic effects of endogenous or exogenous
substances

• Psychogenic causes

Question 7

What are the 3 comonents of a GCS?

Answer 7

Eye pupil dilation

Verbal

Motor