Neurological Examination Flashcards
what is a neurological examination?
- series of tests conducted by a neurologist to evaluate the integrity of the nervous system for many reasons
- Ex. Post-trauma/stroke, suspected neurodegenerative changes, following exposure to a neurotoxic agent
localization of neurological exam (where could damage have occurred?)
- Cerebral Hemisphere (Telencephalon)
- Internal Capsule
- Brainstem (Where? Diencephalon, Mesencephalon, Metencephalon, or Myelencephalon?)
- Spinal Cord
- Cranial Nerves
- Neuromuscular Junction
- Muscle
common components to know before conducting neurological exam
- patient history
- Cranial nerve function
- Motor function (ex. Reflex)
- Somatosensory function
- Coordination
- Mental status
components to know: patient history
- Age, education, and handedness -> right-handed people have language centers in left part of brain
- Past medical history
- Use of medication and/or recreational drugs
- Family medical history
- Disease process
components to know -> patient history -> disease process
- Temporal profile: sudden vs. Gradual; acute vs. Chronic
- Change over time: static, improvement, worsening
- Identify triggers/relievers of symptoms
- Gauge severity of symptoms
cranial nerves
- All are peripheral (“peripheral damage” refers to cranial nerves; “central damage” refers to brain stem)
- Olfactory
- Optic
- Oculomotor
- Trochlear
- Trigeminal
- Abducens
- Facial
- Vestibulocochlear
- Glossopharyngeal
- Vagus
- Accessory
- Hypoglossal
- “Oh, Only Officers Try To Allow For Very Good Vacations And Holidays”
- “Some Say Money Matters, But My Brother Says Big Brains Matter More”
cranial nerves: olfactory
- sensory
- smell
cranial nerves: optic
- sensory
- vision
cranial nerves: oculomotor
- motor
- eye/eyelid movement
cranial nerves: trochlear
- motor
- eye movement
cranial nerves: trigeminal
- both
- facial sensation, jaw muscles
cranial nerves: abducens
- motor
- eye movement
cranial nerves: facial
- both
- taste from anterior tongue, muscles of facial expression
cranial nerves: vestibulocochlear
- sensory
- sound, balance
cranial nerves: glossopharyngeal
- both
- taste from posterior tongue, muscles of pharynx
cranial nerves: vagus
- both
- ear canal sensation, motor control of heart, lungs, viscera, larynx, etc.
cranial nerves: accessory
- motor
- movement of muscles of head rotation and shoulder shrug