Neurological assessment

Neurological assessment

1. NEUROLOGICAL ASSESSMENT BY : MISS. SHWETA SHARMA M.SC. NURSING 2 nd YEAR COLLEGE OF NURSING AIIMS, JODHPUR

2. DEFINITION •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. •It focuses on the nervous system to assess and identify any abnormalities that affect function and activities of daily living.

3. It helps to: Identify which component of the neurological system are affected. If possible, determine the precise location of the problem. Screening for the presence of discrete abnormalities in patients at risk for the development of neurological disorders.

4. ARTICLES

5. HISTORY TAKING • Onset, character, severity, location, duration and frequency of signs and symptoms. • Complaints • Precipitating, aggravating and relieving factors • Progression, remission and exacerbation • Ask about any associated symptoms (other features of neurological disease): Headache, numbness, pins and needles, cold or warmth, weakness, unsteadiness, stiffness or clumsiness, nausea or vomiting , visual disturbance, altered consciousness

6. • Enquire about other medical problems, past and present. These may give clues to the diagnosis. • Ask about pregnancy, delivery and neonatal health. • Consider if there may be a genetic basis or predisposition. For example: Huntington's chorea is unusual in that it is a familial disease that does not present until well into adult life. A family history of, e.g. type 2 diabetes, cerebral aneurysm, neuropathies, epilepsy, migraine or vascular disease may be important.

7. COMPONENTS OF NEUROLOGICAL ASSESSMENT Mental status examination Cranial nerve assessment Motor system assessment Sensory system assessment Coordination and Gait Reflex testing

8. MENTAL STATUS EXAMINATION General appearance and behavior Speech Mood and affect Thought and perception Cognition Judgement and insight

9. MUSCLE STRENGTH

10. SENSORY EXAMINATION

11. CO-ORDINATION

12. GAIT Ask the patient to: • Walk across the room, turn and come back • Walk heel-to-toe in a straight line (Tandem walking) • Walk on their toes in a straight line • Walk on their heels in a straight line • Hop in place on each foot • Do a shallow knee bend • Rise from a sitting position

13. REFLEXES

14. NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES Monitor the condition of the patient. Monitor the vital signs of the patient. Maintain the proper position of the patient. Maintain appropriate environment surrounding patient. Collect the personal data with patient &family members Set the equipment needed for neurological examination. Thorough neurological examination should be done & recorded accurately. Assist doctor if any investigation is to be done within assessment.