Miscellaneous Neurologic Signs Miscellaneous neurologic signs—some of them reflexes, some closely related to the defense and postural reflex mechanisms, and others more varied in nature—are elicited in certain diseases of…
The Examination in Coma Workup of the patient with coma or altered mental status is often complex and always urgent. The neurologic examination is only one of several diagnostic methods…
The Autonomic Nervous System The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is the system that controls nonstriated muscles and glands. There are three divisions of the ANS: sympathetic (thoracolumbar), parasympathetic (craniosacral), and…
Gait and Station It is possible to learn more about neurologic status from watching a patient walk than from any other single procedure, and observation of gait should always be…
Cerebellar Function The cerebellum is tasked with bringing finesse to the motor system. Although not primarily involved in the mechanisms for production of muscle power, it is necessary for normal…
Associated Movements An associated movement (AM) is an unintentional, involuntary, spontaneous, automatic movement that accompanies some other voluntary (or involuntary) movement. The associated, or synkinetic, movement is often one that…
Pathologic Reflexes Pathologic reflexes are responses not generally found in the normal individual. Some are responses that are minimally present and elicited with difficulty in normals but become prominent and…
The Deep Tendon or Muscle Stretch Reflexes When a normal muscle is passively stretched, its fibers resist the stretch by contracting. Reflexes elicited by application of a stretch stimulus to…
The Superficial (Cutaneous) Reflexes Superficial reflexes are responses to stimulation of either the skin or mucous membrane. Cutaneous reflexes are elicited by a superficial skin stimulus, such as a light…
Introduction to the Reflexes The reflex examination is important for several reasons. Reflex changes may be the earliest and most subtle indication of a disturbance in neurologic function. The testing…
