The neurologic exam (Proceedings)
The neurologic exam is the most important diagnostic test in the evaluation of neurologic disease.
A routine should be used for every exam, just as for a physical examination
• Easier to perform a complete exam if you have a pattern, especially in non typical scenarios (e.g. spinal cord trauma, painful or fractious animals)
• Examine neurologically normal patients!
Goals of NE
Is patient neurologically normal?
If yes, where is the neuroanatomic localization of abnormality?
Diagnostic plan formulated from list of likely causes
• Signalment and history are as important as physical and neurologic examinations in ranking potential causes of signs
An accurate exam is essential in working towards these goals
Components of NE
6 basic categories
Initial observations are valuable
Pay attention to the patient while taking your history
Alert (bright, quiet)
Posture, body position at rest
o Other abnormalities associated with movement – e.g. intention tremors, circling, dysmetria