Fundamental functions, or disturbances of the “sensorium,” are a prerequisite to instrumental functions. They include arousal, basic attention, “mental control,” and psychomotor speed. The multimodal aspect of orientation to time…
Language is the usual “medium” for communication during mental status assessment. Like fundamental functions, the examiner must assess language early as disturbances can affect the rest of the examination. The…
Obtaining a history and observing the patient are the first steps in a comprehensive mental status examination (MSX). Obtaining a history involves a skilled interview, a targeted cognitive history, and…
The mental status examination (MSX) employs a cognitive domain approach, examining fundamental aspects, such as arousal and attention, and instrumental aspects, such as language, memory, perception, and executive abilities. The…
The interpretation of the mental status examination depends on an understanding of behavioral neuroanatomy. As in the rest of neurology, the examination leads to localization, followed by a differential diagnosis…
It is helpful to understand how the extended mental status evaluation is altered by the commonest mental status conditions seen in the clinical setting. These can be grouped into delirium,…
This chapter aims to provide the foundation for mental status testing. The first step is to establish the goal or purpose for assessing cognition. This guides the decision on what…
Introduction Chronic low back pain represents a significant burden to the United States. Approximately 37% of the general adult population suffers from low back pain with an estimated cost of…
Introduction Instability in the lumbar spine is a well-recognized entity for both degenerative and traumatic processes. Less well defined is instability following an index decompressive or fusion procedure. This complex…
Introduction Degenerative disease of the lumbar spine is a common cause of disability and pain, with lumbar spondylolisthesis affecting 11.5% of the US population and lumbar stenosis affecting more than…
