Visual Field Examination
Visual Field Examination PURPOSE The purpose of the visual field examination is to assess the function of the visual pathway that begins in the eyes and ends in the occipital…
Examination of Visual Acuity
Examination of Visual Acuity PURPOSE The main purpose of the examination of visual acuity during the neurologic examination is to determine how well the optic nerves are functioning. WHEN TO…
Funduscopic Examination
Funduscopic Examination PURPOSE The main purpose of optic funduscopy in the neurologic examination is to look for swelling of the optic disc. In the clinical context in which subarachnoid hemorrhage…
Examination of the Pupils
Examination of the Pupils PURPOSE Examination of Resting Pupillary Size and Symmetry and the Pupillary Response to Light The purpose of the assessment of pupillary size and symmetry and the…
Approach to the Examination of the Cranial Nerves
Approach to the Examination of the Cranial Nerves PURPOSE The purpose of the examination of the cranial nerves is to localize neurologic disease by looking for evidence of cranial nerve…
Testing Orientation, Concentration, Knowledge, and Constructional Ability
Testing Orientation, Concentration, Knowledge, and Constructional Ability PURPOSE The purpose of testing parameters of cognitive function is mainly to look for evidence of any diffuse or focal brain disorder that…
Memory Testing
Memory Testing PURPOSE The purpose of memory testing is to look for evidence of difficulty remembering that can occur from illnesses that affect cognition in general (such as dementing diseases)…
Language Testing
Language Testing PURPOSE The purpose of language testing is to look for evidence of dysfunction of the hemispheric cortical regions that are involved in the production or comprehension of spoken…
Approach to the Mental Status Examination
Approach to the Mental Status Examination PURPOSE The purpose of the examination of mental status is to look for evidence of disorders that can affect the level of consciousness (alertness)…
Taking a Neurologic History
Taking a Neurologic History PURPOSE The purpose of the neurologic history—the most important component of neurologic evaluation—is to obtain information helpful in determining the localization and the mechanism of the…
