Neurological Exam
Reviewed
Also called: neuro exam, neurological examination
A neurological exam is a group of questions and tests to check for disorders of your nervous system.
Specimen: No specimen is required.
Why this test may be ordered
- To check the health of your nervous system during a routine checkup.
- To help find out whether a nervous system disorder is causing symptoms such as pain, tremors, weakness, balance problems, numbness, sensory changes, slurred speech, confusion, or seizures.
- To help assess nerve damage after an injury (e.g., traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury).
- To monitor a known nerve condition and see if treatment is helping.
Preparation and collection
You don't need any special preparations for a neurological exam.
A neurological exam is often done by a neurologist. The exam is usually done in a provider's office. If you've had a serious injury, the exam may be done in the emergency room or in the hospital. Next, the provider will do specific tests to check how different parts of your nervous system are working.
There is no risk to having a neurological exam.
Understanding results
The results of a neuro exam can tell you and your provider: Whether there's an issue with your nervous system Where any issue might be located What kind of issue it is (for example, whether it's being caused by nerve disease) How serious the issue is
- Any part of the exam not normal: If the results of any part of your neurological exam are not normal, your provider will probably order more tests. Limitation: This is because the results of a neuro exam alone are not usually enough to diagnose a condition. Next step: The additional tests your provider orders will depend on what type of condition your provider thinks you could have.
- Problems with thinking, memory, or mental health: If you have problems with your thinking, memory, or mental health, it could mean that the nerves that control these activities are damaged. Limitation: This is because the results of a neuro exam alone are not usually enough to diagnose a condition. Next step: If you have questions about your results, talk with your neurologist or other provider.
- Reflexes not as expected: If certain reflexes don't happen the way they usually do, it could mean you have some nerve damage, especially in your spinal cord. Limitation: This is because the results of a neuro exam alone are not usually enough to diagnose a condition. Next step: The additional tests your provider orders will depend on what type of condition your provider thinks you could have.
- 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 you have questions about your results, talk with your neurologist or other provider.
- What symptoms are you experiencing?
- What is your medical history?
- Can you tell me the date, time, and where you are?
- Can you remember a list of items and repeat them?
- Can you identify certain smells? (if testing cranial nerves)
Evidence source
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Practices and reference ranges may differ in your country.