Question

Summary the normal and abnormal findings for neurological system

Answer 1

Ans. neurological examination , also called a neuro examination, is an evaluation of a person's nervous system that can be done in the healthcare provider's office. It may be done with instruments, such as lights and reflex hammers.

The nervous system consists of the brain, the spinal cord, and the nerves from these areas. There are many aspects of this examination, including an assessment of motor and sensory skills, balance and coordination, mental status (the patient's level of awareness and interaction with the environment), reflexes, and functioning of the nerves.

A neurological examination is the assessment of sensory neuron and motor responses, especially reflexes, to determine whether the nervous system is impaired. This typically includes a physical examination and a review of the patient's medical history but not deeper investigation such as neuroimaging. It can be used both as a screening tool and as an investigative tool, the former of which when examining the patient when there is no expected neurological deficit and the latter of which when examining a patient where you do expect to find abnormalities. If a problem is found either in an investigative or screening process, then further tests can be carried out to focus on a particular aspect of the nervous system.

In general, a neurological examination is focused on finding out whether there are lesions in the central and peripheral nervous systems or there is another diffuse process that is troubling the patient. Once the patient has been thoroughly tested, it is then the role of the physician to determine whether these findings combine to form a recognizable medical syndrome or neurological disorder such as Parkinson's disease or motor neurone disease. Finally, it is the role of the physician to find the cause for why such a problem has occurred, for example finding whether the problem is due to inflammation or is congenital.

Normal finding- : The nervous system consists of the brain, spinal cord, 12 nerves that come from the brain, and the nerves that come from the spinal cord. The circulation to the brain, arising from the arteries in the neck, is also frequently examined. In infants and younger children, a neurological examination includes the measurement of the head circumference. The following is an overview of some of the areas that may be tested and evaluated during a neurological examination:

Mental status. Mental status (the patient's level of awareness and interaction with the environment) may be assessed by conversing with the patient and establishing his or her awareness of person, place, and time. The person will also be observed for clear speech and making sense while talking. This is usually done by the patient's healthcare provider just by observing the patient during normal interactions.

Motor function and balance. This may be tested by having the patient push and pull against the healthcare provider's hands with his or her arms and legs. Balance may be checked by assessing how the person stands and walks or having the patient stand with his or her eyes closed while being gently pushed to one side or the other. The patient's joints may also be checked simply by passive and active movement.

Sensory examination : The patient's healthcare provider may also do a sensory test that checks his or her ability to feel. This may be done by using different instruments: dull needles, tuning forks, alcohol swabs, or other objects. The healthcare provider may touch the patient's legs, arms, or other parts of the body and have him or her identify the sensation.

Normal finding : - nerve cells, cerebral blood flow and metabolism,   slower reflexes, delayed response and change in balance.

- increased risk falls , Decreased brain weight, age related neuronal loss, enlarged varicose veins, short term memoy, ablity to learn new material tend to be affected relatively early.

Abnormal findings-:   There are many types of neurological disorders, including:

Alzheimer’s disease (AD)

Epilepsy

Multiple sclerosis

Parkinson’s disease

Migraines

Strock

Scoliosis

Depression

Dementia.