Neurological Exam

Question 1

Regarding Short-Term memory, what criteria must the patient meet in order to have a “normal” response?

Answer 1

Be able to reiterate 3-4 words that were said 5 minutes earlier

Question 2

Regarding Long-Term memory, what criteria must the patient meet in order to have a “normal” response?

Answer 2

Be able to recall information about the patients own life & experiences that occurred days, weeks, or years earlier…

Question 3

How would you test reasoning?

Answer 3

Ask a patient to explain a proverb such as:
“The early bird catches the worm”

Look for the ability of the patient to provide an abstract rather than a literal interpretation of the proverb

If the patient is unable to perform this test, dementia may be indicated

Question 4

What does the term obtunded mean in regard to consciousness level?

Answer 4

Arousable with repeated stimulation

Question 5

What does the term stuporous mean in regard to consciousness level?

Answer 5

“light coma”: Require a painful stimulus for arousal

Question 6

What does the term comatose mean in regard to consciousness level?

Answer 6

“deep coma”. Unable to be aroused regardless of the stimulus

Question 7

According to the Glasglow Coma Scale, a score of 13-15 means…

Answer 7

minor coma

Question 8

According to the Glasglow Coma Scale, a score of 9-13 means…

Answer 8

moderate coma

Question 9

According to the Glasglow Coma Scale, a score of <8 means…

Answer 9

coma

Question 10

According to the Glasglow Coma Scale, a score of 5-8 means…

Answer 10

severe coma

Question 11

What 3 responses does the Glasgow Coma Scale take into account? How many “points” are each worth?

Answer 11

Eye opening: 4
Verbal Response: 5
Motor Response: 6

E + V + M = Total Glasglow Coma Score

Question 12

What area of the brain is effected in receptive aphasia? Where is the area located? What impairments may a person have?

Answer 12

Wernickes: difficulty comprehending language

Wernicke located on the posteriosuperior aspect of the temporal lobe in the dominant hemisphere

Question 13

What area of the brain is effected in expressive aphasia? Where is the area located? What impairments may a person have?

Answer 13

Broca’s Area: Difficulty producing spoken language

Broca located on the inferior aspect of the frontal lobe of the dominant hemisphere just anterior to the primary motor strip

Question 14

Describe Dysarthrias

Answer 14

Cerebellar disease: Problems with speech articulations

Question 15

Describe Dysphonias

Answer 15

CN X: Difficulties with sound production

Question 16

How would you test a patients Orientation?

Answer 16

Ask about patient knowledge of the present circumstances… what is your full name? in which city/town were you born?

Normal: Able to answer all correctly and within an hour of the correct