Neurological Assessment Flashcards
(22 cards)
What are the main components of a full neurological assessment?
Mental status, cranial nerves, motor function, sensory function, reflexes, coordination, gait.
What are key signs of a medical emergency in neuro assessment?
Sudden confusion, unilateral weakness, slurred speech, unequal pupils, seizures, GCS drop.
What does AVPU stand for?
Alert, Voice, Pain, Unresponsive.
What might disorientation suggest?
Head injury, intoxication, hypoxia, stroke, or metabolic derangement.
What does confusion with fluctuating consciousness suggest?
Delirium – possibly due to infection, drugs, or metabolic causes.
What is the function of Cranial Nerve I (Olfactory)?
Sense of smell.
How do you test Cranial Nerve II (Optic)?
Visual acuity, visual fields, and pupillary light reflex (with CN III).
What do CN III, IV, and VI (Oculomotor, Trochlear, Abducens) control?
Eye movement and pupil response.
What signs suggest CN III palsy?
Ptosis, “down and out” eye, dilated pupil.
What is the function of Cranial Nerve V (Trigeminal)?
Facial sensation and muscles of mastication.
How is Cranial Nerve VII (Facial) tested?
Facial expressions, taste on anterior tongue.
What is a key difference between upper and lower motor neuron facial weakness?
UMN spares the forehead; LMN (e.g. Bell’s palsy) affects the whole face.
What does Cranial Nerve VIII (Vestibulocochlear) control?
Hearing and balance.
What do Cranial Nerves IX and X (Glossopharyngeal and Vagus) control?
Swallowing, gag reflex, voice quality.
How is Cranial Nerve XI (Accessory) tested?
Shoulder shrug and head turn against resistance.
How is Cranial Nerve XII (Hypoglossal) tested?
Tongue movement and deviation.
What should you assess in motor function?
Tone, power, and bulk in limbs.
What is a sign of upper motor neuron lesion (UMN)?
Increased tone (spasticity), brisk reflexes, upward plantar reflex.
What is a sign of lower motor neuron lesion (LMN)?
Decreased tone (flaccidity), muscle wasting, fasciculations, diminished reflexes.
What sensory modalities should be tested?
Light touch, pinprick, vibration, proprioception, temperature
What tests are used to assess coordination?
Finger-to-nose, heel-to-shin, rapid alternating movements.
What is Romberg’s test and what does it assess?
Standing with feet together, eyes closed – tests proprioception or vestibular function.
