PSY 2C 08: BRAIN, BODY AND
BEHAVIOUR
UNIT–I: BRAIN AND BEHAVIOUR
TOPIC:
Objectives and Approaches of
Neurological Assessments
, OBJECTIVES AND APPROACHES OF NEUROLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
Neurological assessment
A neurological assessment is an evaluation of a person's nervous system, which includes the brain,
spinal cord, and the nerves that connect these areas to other parts of the body. A neurological
exam is done to assess for any abnormalities in the nervous system that can cause problems with
daily functioning.
Goal of Neurological Assessment
● The purpose of a neurological assessment is to detect neurological disease or injury in your
patient, monitor its progression to determine the type of care you'll provide, and gauge the
patient's response to your interventions (Noah, 2004).
● A neurological exam is done to assess for any abnormalities in the nervous system that can
cause problems with daily functioning.
● A complete exam includes evaluation of an individual’s speech, awareness of environment,
motor function and balance (walking ability, muscle strength, and tone), sensation,
reflexes, coordination, and the 12 cranial nerves of the brain. These nerves are involved in
smell, vision, pupil activity, eye movement, taste, hearing, swallowing, and movement of
the face, neck, and shoulders. The health provider will use tools such as lights and reflex
hammers to test these various functions of the body; the typical neurological exam will
also include a general physical examination and discussion of symptoms and medical
history to put any neurological abnormalities into context.
When to Conduct a Neurological Assessment?
A neuropsychological assessment is conducted if a person has experienced trauma or head
injury, or reports a range of symptoms that may include dizziness, blurry vision, confusion or
difficulty with motor functions. It often includes non-invasive measures of brain activity
including an EEG (Electroenchephalography), which captures brain wave activity; an EMG
(Electromyography), which captures nerve activity from the brain or spinal cord to a peripheral
nerve such as in the arm or leg, and brain scans such as fMRI (functional magnetic resonance
imaging). If a neurodevelopmental condition such as Autism Spectrum Disorder or a
neurodegenerative disorder such as Alzheimer's Disease or Parkinson's is to be ruled in or out,
BEHAVIOUR
UNIT–I: BRAIN AND BEHAVIOUR
TOPIC:
Objectives and Approaches of
Neurological Assessments
, OBJECTIVES AND APPROACHES OF NEUROLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
Neurological assessment
A neurological assessment is an evaluation of a person's nervous system, which includes the brain,
spinal cord, and the nerves that connect these areas to other parts of the body. A neurological
exam is done to assess for any abnormalities in the nervous system that can cause problems with
daily functioning.
Goal of Neurological Assessment
● The purpose of a neurological assessment is to detect neurological disease or injury in your
patient, monitor its progression to determine the type of care you'll provide, and gauge the
patient's response to your interventions (Noah, 2004).
● A neurological exam is done to assess for any abnormalities in the nervous system that can
cause problems with daily functioning.
● A complete exam includes evaluation of an individual’s speech, awareness of environment,
motor function and balance (walking ability, muscle strength, and tone), sensation,
reflexes, coordination, and the 12 cranial nerves of the brain. These nerves are involved in
smell, vision, pupil activity, eye movement, taste, hearing, swallowing, and movement of
the face, neck, and shoulders. The health provider will use tools such as lights and reflex
hammers to test these various functions of the body; the typical neurological exam will
also include a general physical examination and discussion of symptoms and medical
history to put any neurological abnormalities into context.
When to Conduct a Neurological Assessment?
A neuropsychological assessment is conducted if a person has experienced trauma or head
injury, or reports a range of symptoms that may include dizziness, blurry vision, confusion or
difficulty with motor functions. It often includes non-invasive measures of brain activity
including an EEG (Electroenchephalography), which captures brain wave activity; an EMG
(Electromyography), which captures nerve activity from the brain or spinal cord to a peripheral
nerve such as in the arm or leg, and brain scans such as fMRI (functional magnetic resonance
imaging). If a neurodevelopmental condition such as Autism Spectrum Disorder or a
neurodegenerative disorder such as Alzheimer's Disease or Parkinson's is to be ruled in or out,
