How does a neurological consultation take place?

First, the patient is questioned by the practitioner. It tells him the type of pain, its location, the factors that trigger or soothe it and its evolution. The neurological examination consists of several stages. According to the neurologist, the tests requested from the patient are not always the same.

The specialist solicits the patient with several exercises and maneuvers. If possible, it is best to do them while standing in order to check the person’s balance. To begin with, the neurologist can examine the motor plane. These tests analyze the strength of the patient’s muscles:

• the Barré, Mingazzini and Barré maneuvers on the upper limbs: they check whether the patient has a possible motor deficit.
• muscle testing: muscle tone is estimated by passively mobilizing the limbs.
• osteotendinous reflexes: with a reflex hammer, the neurologist strikes the patient’s tendon. He then observes the response of the muscles.
• cranial nerve examinations: the neurologist asks the patient to perform some movement tests.

Once the examination of the motor plan is completed, the practitioner assesses the patient’s sensitivity. For this part, the four limbs, the trunk and the face are gauged. The neurologist asks questions about how the patient feels when he touches him or tries to mobilize a part of his body.

Another stage of the neurological consultation: the study of the visual field. The patient stares at the neurologist’s nose. The examiner wiggles two fingers in the four quadrants of the visual field so that the patient catches them while they are in motion. This exercise highlights a homonymous lateral hemianopia, an amputation to the left or to the right of the visual field. The practitioner can also test memory as well as orientation in time and space.

Finally, the neurologist can study the language of the person who auscultates him to discern language disorders (aphasia), difficulty performing gestures (apraxia) or an inability to recognize loved ones or everyday objects (agnosia). .

How to prepare for an appointment with a neurologist?

Before having an appointment with a neurologist, it can take several months. This specialist is one of the exceptions to the treatment path, because you do not need a prescription from your attending physician to consult him. To better organize the medical visit, clearly identify the pain you are suffering from such as headaches, tremors or balance disorders. Also bring your previous medical examinations.

In preparation for the consultation, find out about your family history. If neurological disorders are common in your family, the practitioner may be able to more easily find the cause and prescribe drug treatment or not.

Resource page www.gncdubai.com