wk 3 - neurological assessment Flashcards
features of upper neurone lesions
features of lower motor neuron lesions
what sub groups make up the nervous system?
NS into CNS and PNS
CNS- brain and spinal cord
PNS - somatic and autonomic systems
Autonomic- efferent and afferent (efferent divides into sympathetic and parasympathetic systems)
Somatic- efferent (motor) and afferent (sensory)
causes of neurological disorders
hereditary
developmental
trauma
ischaemia
compression
infection
autoimmune
nutritional/metabolic
iatrogenic
classification of neuropathies (4)
- Mononeuropathy: Abnormality of a single nerve
- Mononeuritis multiplex: Asymmetrical abnormality of several individual nerves
- Radiculopathy: Abnormality of a nerve root
- Polyneuropathy: Widespread, symmetrical abnormality of many nerves, usually characterised as sensory/motor/autonomic ‘glove and stocking’ distribution
how to assess someones level of consciousness
-patients response to a question and answer schedule
-can they follow simple instructions
-respons to stimuli
-patient awareness
if these are concerning then a referral is required
what are indications of level of consciousness besides interacting with the patient?
history
indicators being:
-transient ischemic attacks (angina)
-CVA (stroke)
-epileptic attack
-hypoglycaemic state associated with diabetes
what structures are concerned with maintaining consciousness
cerebral cortex and reticuclar formation of the brain stem
principles of neurological assessment (4) (follow for OSCE also)
- general examination
- face
- limbs, motor assessment
- limbs, sensory assessment
- general examination
subjective: history/ presenting complaint
observation: level of consciousness, speech/ cognitive function, gait, posture, temperature
assess
symptoms of sensory nerve
loss of sensation, tingling, numbness, pain, burning
symptoms of motor nerve
muscle weakness, stiffness, abnormal gait
