What Are the Components of a Pediatric Neurological Assessment?
A comprehensive pediatric neurological assessment includes:
1. History Taking: Detailed history of the child's prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal periods, including [milestones]() and family history of neurological disorders. 2. Physical Examination: General physical examination to check for any dysmorphic features or physical anomalies. 3. Neurological Examination: This consists of several sub-components: - Mental Status Examination: Assesses the child's level of consciousness, attention, memory, language, and other cognitive functions. - Cranial Nerve Examination: Evaluates the function of the twelve cranial nerves. - Motor System Examination: Checks muscle strength, tone, and bulk, as well as coordination and gait. - Sensory System Examination: Tests for sensation to light touch, pain, temperature, vibration, and proprioception. - Reflexes: Assessment of deep tendon reflexes, superficial reflexes, and pathological reflexes like the Babinski sign.
