A neurological assessment evaluates the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. It focuses on identifying any abnormalities that may affect daily functioning. The assessment helps determine which parts of the neurological system are affected and the precise location of any issues. It involves taking a patient history, examining mental status, cranial nerves, motor skills, sensation, coordination, gait, and reflexes. As part of the assessment, nurses are responsible for monitoring patients, maintaining proper positioning, and assisting with any required investigations.

1. NEUROLOGICAL
ASSESSMENT
BY:
MISS. SHWETA SHARMA
M.SC. NURSING 2nd YEAR
COLLEGE OF NURSING
AIIMS, JODHPUR

2. DEFINITION
•A neurological assessment is an evaluation of a person's nervous
system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and the nerves that
connect these areas to other parts of the body.
•It focuses on the nervous system to assess and identify any
abnormalities that affect function and activities of daily living.

3. It helps to:
• Identify which component of the
neurological system are affected.
• If possible, determine the precise location
of the problem.
• Screening for the presence of discrete
abnormalities in patients at risk for the
development of neurological disorders.

4. ARTICLES

5. HISTORY TAKING
• Onset, character, severity, location, duration and frequency of signs and
symptoms.
• Complaints
• Precipitating, aggravating and relieving factors
• Progression, remission and exacerbation
• Ask about any associated symptoms (other features of neurological
disease): Headache, numbness, pins and needles, cold or warmth,
weakness, unsteadiness, stiffness or clumsiness, nausea or vomiting , visual
disturbance, altered consciousness

6. • Enquire about other medical problems, past and present. These may
give clues to the diagnosis.
• Ask about pregnancy, delivery and neonatal health.
• Consider if there may be a genetic basis or predisposition. For
example: Huntington's chorea is unusual in that it is a familial disease
that does not present until well into adult life. A family history of, e.g.
type 2 diabetes, cerebral aneurysm, neuropathies, epilepsy, migraine
or vascular disease may be important.

7. COMPONENTS OF NEUROLOGICAL
ASSESSMENT
• Mental status examination
• Cranial nerve assessment
• Motor system assessment
• Sensory system assessment
• Coordination and Gait
• Reflex testing

8. MENTAL STATUS EXAMINATION
• General appearance and behavior
• Speech
• Mood and affect
• Thought and perception
• Cognition
• Judgement and insight

12. MUSCLE STRENGTH

13. SENSORY EXAMINATION

15. CO-ORDINATION

18. GAIT
Ask the patient to:
• Walk across the room, turn and come back
• Walk heel-to-toe in a straight line (Tandem walking)
• Walk on their toes in a straight line
• Walk on their heels in a straight line
• Hop in place on each foot
• Do a shallow knee bend
• Rise from a sitting position

19. REFLEXES

24. NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES
• Monitor the condition of the patient.
• Monitor the vital signs of the patient.
• Maintain the proper position of the patient.
• Maintain appropriate environment surrounding patient.
• Collect the personal data with patient &family members
• Set the equipment needed for neurological examination.
• Thorough neurological examination should be done & recorded accurately.
• Assist doctor if any investigation is to be done within assessment.