A general neurological examination is a thorough assessment of the nervous system, which I carry out as a specialist neurologist. The purpose of the examination is to determine the presence, nature and extent of neurological disorders. This page provides comprehensive information about the general neurological examination, including preparation, the procedure and what to expect if you have a central or peripheral nervous system problem.
What is a general neurological examination?
A general neurological examination helps diagnose various neurological conditions such as stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, neuropathies and many other disorders. For example:
Stroke
Prompt recognition and treatment of stroke is key to minimising the long-term consequences. Examination can reveal symptoms such as weakness on one side of the body, speech problems and loss of coordination.
Epilepsy
Diagnosing epilepsy involves identifying the different types of seizures and their frequency. The examination may include a detailed description of the seizure and additional tests such as an EEG.
Multiple sclerosis
This autoimmune disease can cause a variety of symptoms such as blurred vision, muscle weakness and coordination problems. A neurological examination helps to detect these symptoms and make a diagnosis.
Parkinson's disease
Examination includes assessment of tremor, muscle stiffness, slow movements and balance problems. Early diagnosis can significantly improve quality of life with timely treatment.
Neuropathies
Different types of neuropathy can cause symptoms such as pain, tingling and weakness in the arms and legs. A general neurological examination can help identify the affected nerves and the cause of the neuropath
The examination can also detect other neurological diseases such as migraines, brain tumours, dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and many others. Each of these disorders requires a specific diagnosis and therapeutic approach, which is why a general neurological examination is a necessary step in making an accurate diagnosis and planning optimal treatment.
Why is a general neurological examination important?
A timely and accurate general neurological examination can have a significant impact on the outcome of treatment. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can improve quality of life and reduce the risk of complications associated with neurological disorders.
How to prepare for a general neurological examination?
There is no special preparation for a general neurological examination, but it is useful to bring:
- A list of all symptoms and when they started to appear
- Medical history and details of previous medical conditions
- A list of medications you are currently taking
- Information on family history of illness, especially neurological disorders
What does a general neurological examination cover?
- Medical history: I will discuss your symptoms, past illnesses, family history and possible risk factors.
- Physical examination: I will check your general physical condition, including blood pressure, pulse and other basic health indicators.
- Urological examination: this is the main part of the examination and includes an assessment of the following functions:
- Mental status: assessment of consciousness, orientation, memory and other cognitive functions.
- Cranial nerves: Examination of the 12 cranial nerves responsible for sensory and motor functions of the head and neck.
- Motor function: testing muscle strength, tone, coordination and reflexes.
- Sensory function: testing sensation of touch, pain, temperature and proprioception.
- Reflexes: Assessment of basic reflexes such as the knee reflex, Achilles reflex and others.
- Gait and balance: Observation of gait, standing and balance.
What to do after the general neurological examination?
After the examination, I may recommend additional diagnostic tests such as:
- Laboratory analysis
- Neuroimaging (CT, MRI)
- Electroencephalography (EEG)
- Electromyography (EMG)
- Lumbar puncture
Based on the results of the general neurological examination and any additional investigations, I will make a diagnosis and suggest a treatment plan, which may include medication, physical therapy, lifestyle modification or other interventions.
Holistic approach and natural methods in healing
As a neurologist, I try to incorporate natural methods into my treatment as much as possible, including dietary modification, physical therapy and stress reduction techniques. I believe in a holistic approach to health, which means looking at the whole condition of the patient, not just specific symptoms or problems. In this way, I aim to provide support for all aspects of your health, thereby achieving a long-term improvement in your quality of life.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does a general neurological examination take? A general neurological examination usually takes between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on the complexity of your symptoms and the tests needed.
- Will the general neurological examination be painful? Most parts of a general neurological examination are not painful. Some tests, such as reflex or sensitivity tests, may be uncomfortable but should not cause pain.
- Do I need to bring my medical records? Yes, I recommend that you bring all relevant medical documentation, including the results of any previous tests, a list of medications you are taking and any family medical records.
- What if a neurological problem is detected? If a neurological problem is detected during a general neurological examination, I will discuss the next steps with you, including additional diagnostic tests, possible treatments and plans for further treatment.
- How often should I have a general neurological examination? The frequency of your check-ups depends on your condition and my recommendations. Some patients need regular check-ups, others only come when new symptoms appear or existing symptoms worsen.
- What can I do to improve my neurological health? Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular physical activity, avoiding stress and stopping smoking, can have a positive impact on your neurological health. Following your doctor's advice and taking your prescribed medication regularly is also crucial.
Contact me for more information
If you have any further questions or would like to book an appointment, please contact me. I'm here to help!
For any further information or to book an appointment, please visit my Contact page and fill in the form or call me. I am here to help and provide the care you need. Don't delay your health - contact me today!
Maja Roje Novak, M.Sci.Dr,
Specialist in Neurology