Assessing neurological function is a critical aspect of patient care, especially for healthcare professionals working in the correctional setting. Recognizing signs of neurological impairment can aid in early detection and prompt intervention. Here’s a guide to conducting a basic neurological assessment:

Understanding Neurological Assessment

The nervous system is intricate, governing various bodily functions. A neurological assessment aims to evaluate the central and peripheral nervous systems to identify any impairments that could affect a patient’s motor, sensory, or cognitive functions.

Conducting the Assessment

 1. Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)

The GCS assesses a patient’s level of consciousness, using eye, verbal, and motor responses to assign a score. It helps gauge the severity of impairment and monitor changes over time.  See more information about how to perform this assessment here.

 2. Mental Status

A mental status exam evaluates the patient’s orientation to person, place, time, and situation. It assesses memory, attention, and language abilities. Changes in cognition can indicate neurological issues.  Find more information about mental status examination here.

3. Cranial Nerves Examination

Examine the twelve cranial nerves for sensory and motor functions, such as vision, smell, facial movements, and swallowing.  Here is a resource for cranial nerve examination.

 4. Motor Function

Assess muscle strength in various body parts by asking the patient to perform specific movements against resistance or by testing the grip strength.  Find more information on testing for muscle strength here.

 5. Sensory Function

Check sensory perception by evaluating responses to touch, pain, temperature, and proprioception (awareness of body position).  Find more information and a demonstration evaluating sensory perception here.

 6. Reflexes

Test deep tendon reflexes (e.g., knee jerk reflex) to assess the integrity of the spinal cord and nerves.  Here you will find more information about testing deep tendon reflexes.

Recognizing Red Flags

Certain signs might indicate neurological impairment:

• Sudden severe headache or change in headache pattern.
• Weakness or numbness in limbs or face.
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech.
• Loss of coordination or balance.
• Vision changes or disturbances.
• Altered mental status or confusion.

If any of the assessments reveal abnormalities, or if a patient exhibits concerning symptoms like the red flags above, consult with the facility provider immediately.  Your findings may indicate the need to send the patient to the emergency department for further diagnostic tests like CT scans and MRIs, or to a specialist in the community.

Remember, this guide provides a basic overview of neurological assessment. Correctional Nurses may require additional training and practice before being able to independently conduct a comprehensive evaluation of neurological function.