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

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

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

4. Glasgow Coma Scale

5. Posturing

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

7. 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

8. 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)