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Neurological Examination for Multiple Sclerosis
Overview
Neurological Examination for Multiple Sclerosis —Overview
Before conducting a neurological examination for multiple sclerosis (MS), the doctor will collect information about your symptoms. The kinds of symptoms, as well as how and when they occur, are important in evaluating whether you might have MS. Even symptoms that you might have had several years ago can be important.
The neurological examination will cover both how well you think and how well you move.
Mental ability and emotional condition
The doctor may ask you to repeat a series of numbers or answer simple questions about dates, places, and current events. The doctor can usually judge your emotional condition during the exam by paying attention to your actions and statements.
If the doctor suspects mental problems caused by multiple sclerosis (MS), he or she may order tests designed to identify more subtle changes than the ones that may be evident from the brief mental section of the neurological examination.
Coordination, strength, senses, and reflexes
The doctor will look for injury to the 12 pairs of nerves in the head (cranial nerves) that relate to:
- Sense of smell.
- Sense of taste.
- Vision.
- Eye movement.
- Sensation in the face and scalp.
- Muscle coordination in the face and neck.
- Hearing and balance.
- Swallowing and the gag reflex.
- Movement of the tongue.
To evaluate muscle strength, the doctor will have you push with the arms and legs against the doctor's hand. Dexterity, muscle tone, and muscle control will also be tested.
You will be examined for the ability to:
- Feel pain (a pinprick), a light touch, temperature, and vibration (a tuning fork).
- Sense the position of the arms or legs.
Also, your reflexes will be tested.
The neurological history and examination may take as long as 2 hours but usually take 1 hour or less.
Why It Is Done
Neurological Examination for Multiple Sclerosis —WhyDoneOrUsed
A brief neurological examination is part of any complete physical exam. If you report symptoms that suggest a problem with the nervous system, the doctor may do a more thorough neurological exam. Such an exam will always be done if you have symptoms that suggest MS.
Results
Neurological Examination for Multiple Sclerosis —Results
Findings on the neurological exam may include the following.
Normal
All tested functions are within normal ranges.
Abnormal
Abnormal findings may include evidence of nervous system abnormalities, such as weakness, blindness, coordination or balance problems, or changes in sensation.
Credits
Current as of: April 30, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Current as of: April 30, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
