Neurological Exam

A neurological exam is a group of questions and tests to check for disorders of your nervous system. It's sometimes called a 'neuro' exam. Your nervous system includes your: Brain and spinal cord, which are also called your central nervous system; Peripheral nerves that carry signals back and forth between your central nervous system and all parts of your body, including your skin, muscles, and organs; Your nervous system plays a role in almost every part of your health and well-being.

Because it controls so many body processes, a neurological exam has many different types of tests. The tests you have will depend on why you're having the exam. There are nerve tests to check for problems with your: Muscle movement, balance, and coordination.

These activities are controlled by nerves called motor nerves.; Breathing, heartbeat, digestion, and other processes that happen without thinking. Autonomic nerves control these activities.; Sense of touch, smell, hearing, and vision. Sensory nerves carry this information from your senses to your brain.; Thinking and memory.

Certain parts of your brain control these and other types of complex mental activity, including your emotions.;

Why this test is done

You may need a neurological exam if you have symptoms that may be from a nervous system disorder. Because your nerves affect every part of your body, nervous system disorders can cause many different types of symptoms, including:

• Pain in your back, neck, head, or along a nerve, such as sciatica
• Tremors
• Weak or stiff muscles
• Problems with balance and/or coordination
• Numb or tingling skin
• Changes in any of your senses (hearing, vision, taste, smell, and touch)
• Slurred speech
• Confusion or other changes in mental ability
• Seizures

You may also need a neurological exam if you have had an injury that may have damaged your peripheral nerves, spinal cord, or caused a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

How to prepare

You don't need any special preparations for a neurological exam.

Other names for this test

neuro exam