Neurological History

Question 1

How to take a LOC History?

Answer 1

Initially ask the patient to tell the story.
What happened before during and after?
- Onset (gradual/sudden?), Time of the day
- What were they doing at the time?
- How did they feel before the episode?
- Associated symptoms: Dizziness, nausea, vertigo, aura, palpitations, sweating, weakness, sensory symptoms slurred speech, headache, tongue biting or incontinence.
- How long did it take to recover? Any amnesia, aggression, crying or weakness after the episode?
- Previous episodes? If so, whether similar to the current one?
- Was the episode witnessed? If so, what did the witness say?
- Can we contact them to get a description?

Question 2

Risk Factors for Neurological Disease

Answer 2

Head/spinal trauma
Metabolic/endocrine disorders e.g. diabetes
Cancer (metastases?)
Epilepsy
Hypertension
Atrial Fibrillation
Heart diseases

Question 3

Relevant Family Medical History

Answer 3

Diabetes
Cerebral haemorrhage
Cerebrovascular disease/stroke
Ischaemic heart disease
Migraine
Epilepsy