Neurological Examination and Conditions Flashcards

What cranial nerves are tested during a standard neurological examination?

Answer: All 12 cranial nerves (I-XII), testing smell, vision, eye movement, facial sensation/motor, hearing, taste, palate, voice, neck muscles, and tongue

The neurological exam systematically tests all 12 cranial nerves: I (olfactory), II (optic), III/IV/VI (oculomotor), V (trigeminal), VII (facial), VIII (vestibulocochlear), IX/X (glossopharyngeal/vagus), XI (accessory), XII (hypoglossal).

What is the difference between upper motor neuron (UMN) and lower motor neuron (LMN) lesions?

Answer: UMN causes spasticity, hyperreflexia, and Babinski sign; LMN causes flaccidity, areflexia, fasciculations, and muscle atrophy

UMN lesions (brain, spinal cord) cause spastic paralysis, increased reflexes, positive Babinski sign, and clonus. LMN lesions (anterior horn cells, peripheral nerves) cause flaccid paralysis, decreased reflexes, fasciculations, and muscle wasting.

What is the Glasgow Coma Scale and what does it measure?

Answer: A 3-15 point scale measuring consciousness through eye opening, verbal response, and motor response

The GCS rates consciousness on a 3-15 scale: Eye opening (1-4), Verbal response (1-5), Motor response (1-6). Score 15 = fully conscious, 3 = deep coma. Used for traumatic brain injury and altered consciousness assessment.

What are the common types of headache and their distinguishing features?

Answer: Tension (bilateral, pressing), migraine (unilateral, pulsating, with aura), cluster (severe unilateral orbital pain with autonomic symptoms)

Tension headaches present as bilateral, pressing pain. Migraines are typically unilateral, pulsating, with nausea and photophobia, sometimes preceded by aura. Cluster headaches cause severe unilateral orbital pain with lacrimation and nasal congestion.

What are the cardinal features of Parkinson's disease?

Answer: Resting tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability (TRAP)

Parkinson's disease is characterized by the TRAP mnemonic: Tremor (at rest, pill-rolling), Rigidity (cogwheel type), Akinesia/Bradykinesia (slowness of movement), and Postural instability, resulting from dopaminergic neuron loss in the substantia nigra.

What is the role of neuroimaging in neurological assessment?

Answer: CT for acute stroke and trauma; MRI for detailed brain structure; functional imaging for specific clinical questions

CT is preferred for acute emergencies (hemorrhage, trauma). MRI provides superior soft tissue detail for tumors, MS, and structural abnormalities. Functional imaging (PET, fMRI) evaluates metabolism and brain activity for specific indications.