Tests a Neurologist Will Conduct
When you suffer any type of head trauma or injury, your first course of action should always be to seek medical treatment, even if the bump or bruise seems relatively minor. In those instances when you don’t immediately go to an emergency department or urgent care facility, you should make an appointment to see your primary care physician as soon as possible. Your doctor will conduct a preliminary assessment and determine whether you need to be referred to a specialist, such as a neurologist.
What Is a Neurologist?
A neurologist is a medical doctor with specialized training to treat conditions involving the nervous system. A neurologist typically focuses on injury or illness involving the brain or spinal cord. When you go to a neurologist, you can expect to undergo a series of tests to gauge your muscle strength, memory, and coordination.
The Neurological Exam
Based on the nature of your injury or condition, the initial neurological exam can take a few minutes or last for a lengthy period of time. The early part of the examination often looks like any other medical exam—the neurologist will listen to your heart and lungs and take your pulse. The neurologist might also conduct the following tests:
- Cranial nerve function—The cranial nerves control smell, vision, hearing, and balance, among other things. The neurologist will test whether any of these functions have been compromised.
- Motor system and coordination—The neurologist may ask you to walk, bend, step, sit, or perform other routine body functions to determine whether your motor skills and hand-eye coordination have been affected.
- Cognitive abilities—You may be subjected to math and language skills tests, as well as exercises that require you to use memory, computational skills, or verbal skills.
- Sensation—The neurologist will use tools to determine if you have lost any sensitivity to touch or temperature.
- Vegetative nervous system—It’s common for a neurologist to assess your subconscious, or autonomic, nervous system, which affects breathing, digestion, and other body functions.
Contact Us to Set Up an Appointment
At Advantage Healthcare Systems, we have extensive experience working successfully with individuals who suffer a concussion or other type of traumatic brain injury. Call us toll-free at 1-877-487-8289 or fill out the form provided below to schedule an assessment. We offer locations across Texas, including Fort Worth, Dallas, and San Antonio.
