Memory and Semantic Knowledge
Memory is the process of encoding, storing, and retrieving information in the brain. There are many aspects of memory. This chapter is concerned with examining the most clinically important aspects…
Arousal, Attention, and Other Fundamental Functions
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 and Speech
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…
The Neurobehavioral History and Behavioral Observations
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…
Overview of the Mental Status Examination
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…
Essential Behavioral Neuroanatomy
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…
Common Clinical Disorders Affecting Mental Status Testing
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,…
Principles of Mental Status Testing
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…
