What Is a Neurological Exam?

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A neurological exam is an evaluation of the nervous system. Your brain, spinal cord, and nerve cells are the main components of the nervous system, which is a complex network that’s involved with everything you do and experience.  Your nervous system controls your senses, your ability to think and reason, and the voluntary and involuntary movements in your body, including your heartbeat and your breath. A neurological exam is painless, non-invasive, and adaptable to the age and capabilities of each individual. Read on for more information. 


Why do I need a neurological exam?

Your doctor may order a neurological exam if you’ve suffered a stroke or traumatic brain injury. A neurological exam is also often part of a routine physical examination, or one may be ordered if you have recently been in an accident. A neurological exam may be recommended if you are exhibiting signs of a potential nervous system disorder. Some symptoms doctors look out for include:

  • Chronic or severe headaches

  • Dizziness and vertigo

  • Numbness or tingling

  • Blurry vision

  • Behavior changes

  • Changes in balance or coordination

  • Weakness or reduced ability to move

  • Memory problems or confusion 

Not all of the symptoms above point to a neurological disorder on their own, but please don’t discount any of them. Let your doctor determine which ones hold weight. Relay as much information about your symptoms to your doctor as you can. It may help to keep a record of your symptom frequency and severity, as well as any additional information about what may have triggered your symptoms.


What is a neurological exam?

There are many ways to test neurological functioning. Your doctor will decide the best approach depending on several factors, including whether they’re testing for a potential diagnosis or performing a general wellness check. Your symptoms, your age, and your capabilities will also be considered when deciding the types of assessments used.  There are, however, some common components of a neurological exam. Here’s a general overview of what you can expect.  


Discussion of your symptoms and medical history

During your neuro exam, the doctor will ask about your medical history, medical conditions in your family, current symptoms, and any medications you’re taking. Some of the questions the doctor asks may seem unrelated to your current condition, but they are important. It can help to remember that your nervous system is involved in every other bodily system, so even things that may not seem related are. 


Neurological testing

At this time, the doctor may perform a series of assessments to test your neurological functioning. Some may be passive, and others may require your participation. The areas tested may include:

  • Sensory system

  • Motor skills

  • Strength and muscle tone

  • Hearing and speech

  • Vision 

  • Reflexes

  • Mental awareness

  • Environmental interaction

  • Walking and coordination

  • Language fluency and comprehension

  • And so many more


Your doctor will choose the tests that best help increase understanding about your condition and what may be causing your symptoms. 


Other tests

Depending on your specific symptoms or the results of some of the above tests, your doctor may want to move forward with some additional testing. These may include: 

  • Blood test 

  • Genetic test

  • CT scan

  • MRI

  • Biopsy

  • Electroencephalography (EEG)

  • Ultrasound imaging

  • Or more

Ask your doctor if you have questions about the purpose of any exam ordered as part of your neurological evaluation.  In many cases, the more information your doctor can gather about your symptoms and your condition, the more accurate your diagnosis will be—and the more effective your treatment. At other times, certain assessments are meant to rule out or confirm a specific diagnosis. 


Neurological rehabilitation in San Diego | Bella Vista Health Center

Neurological rehabilitation is an important part of recovery from stroke or a traumatic brain injury. If your doctor has recommended neurological rehab, it’s best to start right away in order to maximize your recovery.  At Bella Vista Health Center, we offer a wide range of services to help restore your balance and coordination, strength, communication fluency, and other skills that may have been lost or damaged. Our practitioners will work collaboratively with your neurologist and other members of your healthcare team to provide you with the very best care so you can recover quickly, return to independent living, and optimize your quality of life.