Screening Adult Neurologic Populations, 3rd Revised edition (Original PDF from Publisher)

Essential Neurologic Screening Methods: A Comprehensive Guide

In the contemporary healthcare landscape, characterized by managed care and an emphasis on quality, the judicious utilization of swift and affordable screening methodologies has attained paramount importance in the evaluative process. From traumatic brain injuries to age-related cognitive decline, occupational therapists dedicated to serving adults grappling with neurological challenges must possess the proficiency to deftly employ a diverse array of screening tools.

This updated edition of a foundational text serves as an indispensable instruction manual, articulating the most prevalent screening methods for individuals with neurological impairments in a manner that is both functional and comprehensible. It meticulously delineates ten primary domains of neurologic screening, encompassing:

1. Cognition: Assessing intellectual abilities, memory, and executive functioning
2. Vision: Evaluating visual acuity, field of vision, and oculomotor control
3. Perception: Exploring spatial awareness, body schema, and perceptual integration
4. Sensation: Determining tactile, thermal, and proprioceptive sensibilities
5. Peripheral Nerve Function: Assessing the integrity of sensory and motor pathways
6. Motor Function: Evaluating muscle strength, range of motion, and deep tendon reflexes
7. Basal Ganglia and Cerebellar Function: Examining balance, postural control, and involuntary movements
8. Cranial Nerve Function: Assessing the functioning of the twelve cranial nerves
9. Dysphagia: Identifying difficulties with swallowing
10. Mental Status: Assessing orientation, attention, and cognitive abilities

Each chapter delves into the practical implications of potential impairments, providing detailed screening procedures, identifying red flags (telltale signs and symptoms), and outlining available in-depth assessments and screening forms. Step-by-step instructions and a wealth of illustrative photographs guide clinicians through the screening process with unparalleled clarity.

Meticulously crafted to empower therapists with the ability to swiftly identify potential impairments, meticulously document observed dysfunctions, and discern the necessity for further in-depth evaluation, this indispensable text remains a cherished reference tool for students transitioning from classroom to clinical practice. Its comprehensive nature and accessible format ensure its continued relevance in the ever-evolving field of neurologic rehabilitation.