Neurologic examination
Neurologic examination
A Neurologic examination (pronounced: /nʊərəˈlɒdʒɪk ɪgzæmɪˈneɪʃən/) is a comprehensive assessment performed by a healthcare provider to evaluate the function and status of a patient's nervous system. The examination can be used to identify abnormalities in the central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, and autonomic nervous system.
Etymology
The term "Neurologic examination" is derived from the Greek words "neuron" (nerve) and "logos" (study), combined with the Latin word "examinatio" (examination).
Procedure
The Neurologic examination typically includes several components:
- Mental status examination: This assesses the patient's level of consciousness, orientation, memory, and other cognitive functions.
- Cranial nerve examination: This evaluates the function of the twelve cranial nerves, which control sensory and motor functions in the head and neck.
- Motor system examination: This assesses muscle strength, tone, and involuntary movements.
- Sensory examination: This evaluates the patient's ability to perceive different types of sensory stimuli.
- Reflex examination: This tests the patient's reflexes to provide information about the integrity of the spinal cord and peripheral nerves.
- Coordination and gait examination: This assesses the patient's balance and coordination.
Related Terms
- Neurology: The branch of medicine dealing with disorders of the nervous system.
- Neurologist: A doctor who specializes in treating diseases of the nervous system.
- Neuropathy: Disease or dysfunction of one or more peripheral nerves, typically causing numbness or weakness.
- Neurophysiology: The study of the functioning of the nervous system.
- Neuroanatomy: The study of the structure of the nervous system.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Neurologic examination
- Wikipedia's article - Neurologic examination
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