Examination of Lower Extremity Muscle Strength PURPOSE The purpose of the examination of lower extremity muscle strength is to localize neurologic pathology by looking for characteristic distributions of muscle weakness….

Examination of Tone PURPOSE The purpose of the examination of tone is to assess for spasticity that can occur due to disorders of the corticospinal tract or for rigidity that…

Examination of Upper Extremity Muscle Strength PURPOSE The purpose of the examination of upper extremity muscle strength is to localize neurologic pathology by looking for characteristic distributions of muscle weakness….

Approach to the Motor Examination PURPOSE The purpose of the motor examination is to localize neurologic pathology by looking for characteristic distributions of muscle weakness. WHEN TO EXAMINE MOTOR FUNCTION…

Examination of Smell PURPOSE The purpose of testing smell is to assess for dysfunction of the olfactory (first) cranial nerves. WHEN TO EXAMINE SMELL Testing the sense of smell does…

Examination of Taste PURPOSE The main purpose of testing taste is to look for evidence of dysfunction of the sensory fibers of the facial (seventh) cranial nerve that convey taste…

Examination of the Sternocleidomastoid and Trapezius Muscles PURPOSE The main purpose of the examination of the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles is to assess for dysfunction of the spinal accessory (eleventh)…

Examination of Tongue Movement PURPOSE The main purpose of the examination of motor function of the tongue is to look for evidence of dysfunction of the hypoglossal (twelfth) cranial nerve….

Examination of Palatal Function PURPOSE The main purpose of assessment of the palate during the neurologic examination is to look for evidence of dysfunction of the vagus (tenth) nerve. In…

Examination of Hearing PURPOSE The main purpose of the examination of hearing during the neurologic examination is to assess for gross dysfunction of the acoustic (eighth) nerves. WHEN TO EXAMINE…