VAN Assessment

Question 1

What are the three components of the VAN assessment?

Answer 1

V-Vision
A-Aphasia
N-Neglect

Question 2

What tests are performed to assess for aphasia in VAN patients?

Answer 2

1. Name two objects.
2. Repeat a phrase (speech) - “Today is a sunny day.”
3. Follow 2 commands - Close your eyes, open your eyes. Make a fist.

Question 3

What test is performed to assess for neglect in VAN patients?

Answer 3

1. Evaluate eyes for dysconjugate gaze or strabisumus (crossed eyes)
2. “Close your eyes. Tell me if I am touching your right arm, left arm, or both.” Then touch both sides. A pt with neglect will only have feeling on one side.

Question 4

What test is performed FIRST to assess VAN patients?

Answer 4

Assess for weakness.

• Close eyes, lift both arms, and count to 10.
• Evaluate for pronator drift or dropping of arms.

Question 5

What test is performed second to assess VAN patients?

Answer 5

VAN