Neurological Exam
Reviewed
A neurological exam (neuro exam) is a group of questions and tests to check for disorders of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. It is used to check health, diagnose symptoms, assess injury, or monitor known conditions. The exam is performed by a neurologist or other provider and involves various tests of mental status, cranial nerves, coordination, reflexes, sensory nerves, and autonomic functions.
Preparation and collection
No special preparation is needed.
Understanding this test
Use the reference interval and units printed by the laboratory that performed the test. A result outside that interval is not a diagnosis by itself, and a result inside it does not rule out every condition. Your symptoms, history, medicines, timing, and related tests can change what the result means.
- The neurological exam is a clinical assessment and does not provide a definitive diagnosis by itself. Abnormal results require additional testing to confirm a condition.
- Normal results do not rule out all nervous system disorders; ongoing symptoms should still be discussed with a healthcare provider.
- The exam is subjective and depends on patient cooperation and provider skill.
What to do next
If any part of the exam is not normal, your provider will likely order additional tests such as blood/urine tests, imaging (MRI), cerebrospinal fluid analysis, biopsy, or nerve function tests (EEG, EMG) to help diagnose a condition. If the exam is normal but symptoms persist, consult your provider.