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Neurological examination is the assessment of mental status, cranial nerves , motor function, sensory function, coordination, and gait for the diagnosis of neurological conditions. Findings should always be compared with the contralateral side and upper limb function should be compared to lower limb function to determine the location of the lesion. This learning card provides information about several examination methods and explains a selection of neurological terms used in the evaluation of neurological conditions. References: [2] [3] [4]. For information on disorders of the cranial nerves , see cranial nerve palsies. Olfactory nerve.
The reflex exam is fundamental to the neurological exam and important to locating upper versus lower motor neuron lesions. There are five deep tendon reflexes and a number of superficial and visceral reflexes covered here. We are not big believers in grading reflexes grading muscle power is much more useful. The 25 The 25 Visit the
NCBI Bookshelf. Boston: Butterworths; A wag once remarked, with considerable truth, that a consultant is a doctor who makes a rectal examination. Rectal examination consists of visual inspection of the perianal skin, digital palpation of the rectum, and assessment of neuromuscular function of the perineum. The clinical situation and experience of the examiner will often dictate which of several methods to employ in performing the rectal examination.