Neuro Exam Checklist

A comprehensive neurological assessment typically evaluates the following seven components: mental status, cranial nerves, motor function, sensory function, reflexes, coordination, and gait. This assessment helps identify any abnormalities or deficits in the patient's neurological functioning and guides further diagnostic testing and treatment planning.

When documenting a neurological exam, it is essential to use clear, concise language and provide specific details about the patient's performance on each assessment component. The documentation should include the patient's level of consciousness, orientation, speech, and any abnormalities in cranial nerve function, muscle tone, strength, reflexes, sensation, coordination, and gait.

A normal neurological exam indicates that the patient's brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves function within the expected parameters. The patient should be alert and oriented, with normal speech and language skills. Cranial nerves, motor function, deep tendon reflexes, and coordination should also be normal.