A neurological exam, also called a neuro exam, 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. It usually does not cause any pain to the patient. The nervous system
consists of the brain, the spinal cord, and the nerves from these areas. There are many aspects of this exam, 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. The extent of the exam depends on many factors, including the initial problem that the patient is experiencing, the age of the patient, and the condition of the patient. A complete and thorough evaluation of a person's nervous system is important if there is any reason to think there may be an underlying problem, or during a complete physical. Damage to the nervous system can cause problems in daily functioning. Early identification may help to find the cause and decrease long-term complications. A complete neurological exam may be done: During a routine physical Following any type of trauma To follow the progression of a disease If the person has any of the following complaints: Headaches Blurry vision Change in behavior Fatigue Change in balance or coordination Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs Decrease in movement of the arms or legs Injury to the head, neck, or back Fever Seizures Slurred speech Weakness Tremor What is done during a neurological exam?During a neurological exam, the healthcare provider will test the functioning of the nervous system. The nervous system is very complex and controls many parts of the body. 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 exam 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 exam:
Which test would the nurse perform for a patient who reports hearing impaired balance?Whisper Test
The whispered voice test is an effective screening test used to detect hearing impairment if performed accurately.
Which part of the ear would be affected in a patient with impaired hearing impaired balance?How does the ear affect balance? The inner ear is composed of two parts: the cochlea for hearing and the vestibular system for balance. The vestibular system is made up of a network of looped tubes, three in each ear, called the semicircular canals.
Which finding can be assessed during an Otoscopic examination?The otoscope exam helps to assess the condition of the external auditory canal (EAC), tympanic membrane (TM), and the middle ear.
Which cranial nerve would be damaged in a patient who has a hearing impairment?If the eighth cranial nerve is injured, it can't convey information from the inner ear efficiently, resulting in hearing loss on one side. Hearing loss may result from traumatic brain injury, which is often caused by a blunt force trauma to the head or another external force.
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