Neurological Examination

Abstract

The second of two articles written for Res Medica.

The first of these two articles dealt with the examination of the cranial nerves, and the present article is concerned with the examination of the remainder of the nervous system.  This comprises the examination of the limbs and trunk, and three main aspects have to be considered:

(1) the motor functions,

(2) the sensory functions, and

(3) the reflexes.

It is usual to proceed by testing all three aspects first in the uppere limbs, then on the trunk, and finally on the lower limbs, b u t there can be no objection to testing first the motor functions of all regions of the body, followed by the sensory functions and then the reflexes, if the student finds this approach easier.