A neurological assessment is an evaluation of a person’s nervous system , which includes the brain, spinal cord, and the nerves that connect these areas to other parts of the body. A neurological exam is done to assess for any abnormalities in the nervous system that can cause problems with daily functioning.
When to Conduct a Neurological Assessment
A neuro assessment is conducted if a person has experienced trauma or head injury , or reports a range of symptoms that may include dizziness, blurry vision, confusion, or difficulty with motor functions. This is done to detect neurological damage or disease. The physician may order an EEG (electroencephalography) or an EMG (electromyography) or scans such as the fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging).
Yes, these tests are different. A neuropsychological exam evaluates an individual’s ability to read, speak, reason, comprehend others, dedicate information to memory, and stay focused. This assessment includes more than just tests, but tests are a key component. It will help health providers determine whether changes in cognitive function have been caused by normal aging or by other conditions.
Yes, these tests are different. The mini mental status exam is used to rule out cognitive decline , such as in dementia . The MMSE assesses an individual’s sense of location, ability to complete simple math, sense of time and date, overall cognitive function, and simple abilities such as listing common objects.
The BCSE is similar to the MMSE, as they are both designed to assess overall cognitive function. The BCSE is used when, for example, Alzheimer’s or dementia or learning difficulties are suspected. This brief exam, completed in about 10-20 minutes, also gauges a person’s estimation of time, verbal fluency, memory, and other abilities.
What More Can You Expect in a Neuro Exam?
The typical neurological exam will include a general physical assessment and a discussion of symptoms and medical history, putting any neurological abnormalities into context. The health provider will use tools such as lights, reflex hammers, tuning forks, as well as tools for an eye examination to test these various functions. This exam looks for problems such as strokes, tumors, Parkinson’s disease, tremors, multiple sclerosis, and many other disorders.
Vital signs include breathing patterns, oxygen level, heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature. A person with compromised neurological function will have changes in these signs.
Gait, balance, and coordination are controlled by the cerebellum. Irregular movement may mean there is a problem, such as multiple sclerosis, Huntington's, or stroke.
Vision as well as hearing are always evaluated because if one cannot see or hear well, it won’t be possible to process, understand, and remember information registered through the eyes and ears. Your pupils size, shape, and how they react, can also inform you if there is a problem.
The Neuro Exam Step-by-Step
These following nerves and functions are generally tested in such an exam:
The cranial nerves control eye muscles, jaw muscles, and the tongue. Other cranial nerves include the optic nerve for vision, the vestibulocochlear nerve for hearing and balance, and the olfactory nerve for smell. Difficulties with any of these may indicate a neurological problem.
For the sense of smell, test tubes are filled with common odors like cinnamon or coffee, which are placed under each nostril. You will be asked to identify the odors.
The neurologist will ask you to wrinkle your nose and bare your teeth to test your facial nerves.
Explore More About Neurological Assessment
For a comprehensive understanding of neurological assessment, read our complete guide: