Neurological Exams: Nerve Deficits

The physician tests muscle tone by passively flexing and extending the arms and legs. Normal muscle tone elicits slight resistance to passive motion. Other movements test for proximal (trunk) and distal (distant) weakness. Muscle symmetry is also observed.

Neurological Tests
If warranted, the spine specialist may order specific neurological studies such as a Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) or Electromyogram (EMG). These tests measure nerve performance.

Imaging Studies
MRI and/or CT scans of the spine can be ordered to help the spine specialist make the correct diagnosis.

Conclusion
The neurological examination, along with a detailed mechanical examination (movement of the arms, legs, and trunk), can greatly help the physician in making the correct diagnosis. The findings of the examination are then correlated with the history of the patient’s ailment and diagnostic studies to make the correct diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is made, appropriate treatment is initiated. This usually consists of non-surgical measures but if those fail, or occasionally initially, surgical intervention is considered.