Neurological Assessment

Introduction[edit | edit source]

In order to provide the best care and plan the best treatment a thorough assessment must be undertaken. It is the most important step in the rehabilitation process, helps to guide our clinical reasoning and decision when making informed decisions about the rehabilitation process. Johnson & Thompson (1996) outlined that treatment can only be as good as the assessment on which it was based. So in order for us to progress and manage our treatment plan and ensure we are identifying out patients problems the assessment should be an ongoing and continuous process. A neurological assessment focuses on the nervous system to assess and identify any abnormalities that affect function and activities of daily living. It should allow us to create individual, patient-centred goals and ultimately a tailor-made treatment plan based on the client's needs.

Database[edit | edit source]

History of Present Condition[edit | edit source]

  • Progression of the Condition
  • Date of Onset of Signs & Symptoms
  • Medical Management
  • Medical Observations
  • Other management
  • Previous Therapy
  • Results of Specific Investigations (X-rays, CT Scans, Blood Tests)

Past Medical History [edit | edit source]

  • Co-morbidities and other non-related conditions
  • Special Equipment, Technology Dependency
  • Previous Surgery
  • Medication History

Subjective Assessment[edit | edit source]

The subjective assessment is used to provide a detailed picture of how the present condition affects the patient. 

Social History[edit | edit source]

  • Social Situation
  • Family Support
  • Accommodation
  • Social Service Support

Activity[edit | edit source]

  • Normal Daily Routine
  • Employment
  • Leisure Activities

Mobility[edit | edit source]

  • General
  • Indoor
  • Outdoor
  • Steps & Stairs
  • Falls

Personal Care[edit | edit source]

  • Washing
  • Continence
  • Dressing

Other[edit | edit source]

  • Vision
  • Hearing
  • Swallowing
  • Fatigue
  • Pain
  • Perceptions of own Problems/Main Concern
  • Expectations of Treatment

Objective Assessment[edit | edit source]

Posture and Balance[edit | edit source]

  • Alignment
  • Neglect
  • Sitting Balance
  • Standing Balance

Voluntary Movement[edit | edit source]

  • Range of Movement
  • Strength
  • Endurance
  • Coordination 
    Finger to Nose Test
    Heel to Shin Test
    Rapidly Alternating Movement

Involuntary Movement[edit | edit source]

  • Tremor
  • Clonus
  • Chorea
  • Associated Reactions

Tone[edit | edit source]

  • Decreased / Flaccid
  • Increased
    Spasticity (Clasp-knife)
    Rigidity (Cogwheel or Lead Pipe)

Reflexes[edit | edit source]

  • Deep Tendon Reflexes
    Biceps (C5/6)
    Triceps (C7/8)
    Knee (L3/4)
    Ankle (S1/2)
  • Plantar Response (Babinski’s Sign)

Sensory[edit | edit source]

  • Light Touch
  • Pin Prick
  • Two Point Discrimination
  • Vibration Sense
  • Joint Position Sense
  • Temperature
  • Vision and Hearing

Functional Activities[edit | edit source]

  • Bed Mobility
  • Sitting Balance
  • Transfers
  • Upper Limb Function
  • Mobility
  • Stairs

Gait[edit | edit source]

  • Pattern
  • Distance
  • Velocity
  • Use of Walking Aids
  • Orthoses
  • Assistance
  • Cognitive Status
  • Attention
  • Orientation
  • Memory