Neurological Testing

Neuropsychological testing is an assessment that evaluates an individual’s cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning.  This type of testing is typically used to identify areas of brain dysfunction, such as stroke, dementia, or neurodevelopmental disorders.  Neuropsychological testing consists of a battery of tests that assess various aspects of cognition, including memory, attention, language, spatial abilities, problem-solving, and executive functioning.  The results can help develop individual treatment plans for patients with neurological disorders.  Neurological testing is an important tool for understanding the relationship between brain function and behavior. 

During neurological testing, also called neuro exams, the team carries out various tests to identify medical conditions affecting the nervous system. The exact procedure and amount of testing needed depends on your symptoms and any suspected medical conditions.

Neurological testing typically involves tests designed to examine your coordination, muscle strength, and memory.

What can I expect during neurological testing?

Generally speaking, the following nerves and bodily functions are tested:

Coordination and reflexes

During neurological testing, motor system and coordination tests check your general mobility, coordination, and fine motor skills.

For instance, the well-known knee jerk test using a reflex hammer is an example of this type of test. It involves tapping the patellar tendon, which stretches the tendon and the quadriceps muscle in the thigh a little, causing the quadriceps to contract and the lower leg to jerk up.

Vegetative nervous system

Also known as the autonomic nervous system, this system controls the body's subconscious vital functions, such as breathing, pulse, and regulation of digestion and body temperature. 

Neurological testing also includes questions about blood pressure measurements, bowel movements, and urination. Other tests may consist of checking your pupils in response to light and your ability to sweat normally.

Cranial nerves

Cranial (brain) nerves control the tongue, jaw muscles, and eye muscles. Other cranial nerves include the vestibulocochlear nerve (balance and hearing), the olfactory nerve (smell), and the optic nerve (vision).

If someone has a problem with their hearing, sense of smell, sense of taste, speech, or vision, they may have a neurological disorder.

Sensation

The Associates In Behavioral Science team also checks for the ability to feel pain and touch using soft fabric and a needle. The team may hold test tubes containing cold and warm water against your skin to test your ability to feel different temperatures.

Cognitive abilities

This category includes math and language tests and questions concerning memory retention and orientation, which may involve asking about the date, time of year, your job, or where you are. Problems concentrating, listlessness, or long-lasting fatigue might be signs of a condition.

What conditions are diagnosed with neurological testing?

Associates in Behavioral Science perform a range of neurological testing and exams to diagnose different neurological conditions that involve the nervous system, including: 

• Parkinson's disease
• Strokes
• Epilepsy
• Chronic migraines
• Meningitis
• Multiple sclerosis

These conditions can cause various symptoms, such as varying degrees of paralysis in an arm or leg, dizziness, speech problems, unusual sensations, muscle weakness, or confusion.

Call Associates in Behavioral Science or book an appointment online today if you need neurological testing.