If you’re having symptoms like headaches, numbness, dizziness or memory changes, a health care provider might recommend that you have a neurological exam. The term can sound scary but the exam is usually simple and painless. It’s designed to better understand how your brain and nervous system are working and to uncover clues about what’s causing your symptoms.
What is a neurological exam?
A neurological exam is a series of tests that check how well different parts of your nervous system, like your brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles, are functioning and how well they are working together.
Why you might need a neurological exam
“You may need a neurologic exam if your provider has concerns regarding any abnormal signs or symptoms of the nervous system,” said Jonathan Daniels, MD, a neurologist with Banner - University Medicine. The exam helps uncover possible causes for your symptoms.
Symptoms like these may mean you need a neurological exam:
- Frequent or severe headaches
- Numbness or tingling
- Weakness in your arms or legs
- Balance or coordination problems
- Dizziness
- Memory or concentration changes
- Vision or speech problems
- Other concerns about problems related to your nervous system
What to expect during a neurological exam
“The neurological exam is a broad series of maneuvers and tests which evaluate certain aspects of your nervous system function,” Dr. Daniels said. It may include all or some of these evaluations, based on your concerns and history:
- Medical history and symptom review: Your provider will ask about your symptoms and when they started, your medical history and the medications you are taking.
- Mental status and memory: These tests measure your awareness, memory, attention and ability to follow instructions.
- Cranial nerve testing: This testing checks your vision, eye movement, facial movement and sensation, hearing, swallowing and speech.
- Strength and muscle testing: These tests measure muscle strength, tone and resistance in your arms and legs.
- Reflex testing: Checking reflexes with a small hammer helps assess your nerve pathways.
- Sensory testing: These tests see if you can feel touch, temperature or vibration and compare both sides of your body.
- Balance and coordination: Walking, posture and finger-to-nose or heel-to-shin tests check your balance and coordination.
In the neurological exam tests, doctors are looking for:
- Differences between the right and left sides of your body
- Changes in reflexes or sensation
- Signs of nerve or brain involvement
Even small differences can provide important clues and not all exams find something serious.
“If you need a neurological exam, please be open and honest about any medical problems you've had, surgeries or procedures or any medications or supplements you may be taking. That information will help your provider find a correct diagnosis and ways to treat your problems,” Dr. Daniels said.
Is a neurological exam painful or risky?
Most tests are quick and painless. Some may feel unusual but they should not hurt. There are no risks and you don’t need to do anything special to prepare for them.
What happens after the exam
Based on the exam findings, your provider may order more testing, such as:
- CT, MRI or X-ray imaging tests
- Brainwave studies (EEG)
- Blood work
- Other neurological studies
After the exam and any additional tests are finished, your provider will:
- Discuss their findings with you
- Explain how they may relate to any problems or illness that you have
- Recommend how to move forward
The exam can provide important information because many disorders look similar but are managed and treated differently. For example, weakness in your ankle or foot could be due to problems with the muscles in your leg, the nerves in the leg, a pinched nerve in the back, your spinal cord or your brain. The neurologic exam helps identify the problem.
In the past, there weren’t a lot of treatments available for most neurological problems. Today, there are a lot of treatment options. And in conditions that don’t have cures, there are strategies that can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
When should you see a neurologist?
You should see a neurologist if you have:
- Symptoms that are new, unexplained or getting worse
- Ongoing headaches, numbness or weakness
- Changes in memory, balance or coordination
- Symptoms along with known neurologic disorders such as stroke, seizures, multiple sclerosis, headaches, problems with balance or walking, tremor or a family history of neurologic disorders
Call 911 or go to the emergency department if you or someone else has:
- Sudden weakness
- Loss of any of your senses
- Inability to chew or swallow
- Loss of consciousness
- Abnormal movements
FAQs
What does a neurological exam test?
It evaluates your brain, nerves, muscles and coordination.
How long does a neurological exam take?
Most exams take 15 to 30 minutes.
Do I need to prepare for a neurological exam?
No special preparation is usually needed.
Is a neurological exam painful?
No. Most parts are simple and painless.
What happens if something abnormal is found?
Your provider may order additional tests to learn more.
The bottom line
A neurological exam is a way to evaluate how your brain and nervous system are working. It helps your provider better understand your symptoms so you can decide on your next steps.
If you have neurological symptoms, a Banner Health provider can review your concerns and help you figure out what you should do next.
