ALTERATIONS IN THE CENTRAL/PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM General Assessment of the Nervous System

Assessment Family history and genetic risk Current health problems Level of consciousness and orientation Memory and attention Language and higher levels of cognition

Assessment (Cont’d) Cranial nerves Sensory function Motor function Cerebellar function

Glasgow Coma Scale

Posturing

Electroencephalography (EEG) Graphically records the electrical activity of the cerebral hemispheres Sleep deprivation requirement Anticonvulsants possibly withheld

Lumbar Puncture Insertion of spinal needle into the subarachnoid space (between the third and fourth lumbar vertebrae) Contraindicated in patients with increased intracranial pressure Empty bladder Position Spinal headache possible from spinal tap

Additional Tests Blood cultures necessary Skull and spine x-ray tests Cerebral angiography CT scan—possible use of contrast medium, assess for allergic response MRI Positron emission tomography Single-photon emission CT Magnetoencephalography (MEG)