Screening Adult Neurologic Populations: A Step-by-Step Instruction Manual

Quick and cost-efficient screening methods are essential in the assessment process of adults with neurological difficulties, and this updated classic text provides a functional, easy-to-understand instruction manual with 10 primary areas of neurologic screening.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 260 pages
Publication date: 30 March 2019
Publisher: American Occupational Therapy

In the realm of managed healthcare and a relentless pursuit of quality, the judicious application of swift and cost-effective screening methodologies has assumed paramount importance in the assessment process. Spanning from brain injury to dementia, occupational therapists engaging with adults grappling with neurological challenges must possess the capability to efficiently employ a diverse range of screening methods to pinpoint deficiencies and ascertain their profound impact on a client's daily functioning. This revised edition of a timeless classic stands as a practical and accessible guide, meticulously detailing the most commonly employed screening techniques for clients with neurological disorders.

1. Cognition:
Within the realm of neurologic screening, cognition assumes a central position. It encompasses the intricate processes of thinking, reasoning, memory, attention, and problem-solving. Impairments in cognition can manifest in various ways, including difficulties with language, memory, attention, and executive function. Screening for cognitive deficits is crucial as it helps occupational therapists gain insights into a client's cognitive abilities and identify areas that may require further evaluation or intervention.

2. Vision:
Vision is a vital sensory system that plays a crucial role in daily activities. Screening for visual impairments is essential as it enables occupational therapists to identify vision problems that may hinder a client's ability to perform tasks such as reading, writing, driving, or navigating their environment. Common visual screening tests include visual acuity, color vision, depth perception, and field of vision.

3. Perception:
Perception refers to the process of interpreting and organizing sensory information from the environment. It encompasses various senses, including touch, taste, smell, hearing, and vision. Impairments in perception can affect a client's ability to perceive spatial relationships, recognize objects, and interpret sensory cues. Screening for perception deficits is vital as it helps occupational therapists understand how a client's sensory abilities may impact their daily functioning.

4. Sensation:
Sensation involves the perception of physical stimuli through the senses of touch, temperature, pain, and pressure. It plays a vital role in motor function, balance, and coordination. Screening for sensation deficits is crucial as it enables occupational therapists to identify sensory abnormalities that may contribute to mobility issues, pain, or discomfort. Common sensation screening tests include sensory tests, pain perception tests, and temperature perception tests.

5. Peripheral nerve function:
Peripheral nerve function refers to the functioning of the nerves that extend from the central nervous system to the body's limbs, organs, and tissues. Impairments in peripheral nerve function can result in a range of symptoms, including weakness, numbness, tingling, and loss of sensation. Screening for peripheral nerve function is essential as it helps occupational therapists identify nerve disorders that may affect a client's mobility, dexterity, or sensory function. Common peripheral nerve function screening tests include nerve conduction studies, electromyography, and sensory nerve tests.

6. Motor function (including deep tendon re?ex function):
Motor function encompasses the range of movements and actions performed by the body. It includes voluntary movements such as walking, lifting, and grasping, as well as involuntary movements such as breathing and swallowing. Impairments in motor function can manifest in various ways, including weakness, tremors, muscle spasms, and coordination problems. Screening for motor function deficits is crucial as it enables occupational therapists to identify motor disorders that may impact a client's ability to perform daily activities, maintain independence, or participate in occupational or recreational activities. Common motor function screening tests include strength tests, balance tests, and functional mobility assessments.

7. Basal ganglia and cerebellar function (balance, postural control, automated movements):
The basal ganglia and cerebellum play a critical role in motor control, balance, and coordination. Impairments in these areas can result in balance problems, postural instability, and difficulties with automatic movements. Screening for basal ganglia and cerebellar function deficits is essential as it helps occupational therapists identify neurological conditions that may affect a client's mobility, stability, or coordination. Common basal ganglia and cerebellar function screening tests include balance tests, postural stability tests, and functional movement assessments.

8. Cranial nerve function:
The cranial nerves are a group of nerves that originate from the brain and carry sensory and motor information to various parts of the body. Impairments in cranial nerve function can result in a range of symptoms, including facial paralysis, hearing loss, and vision problems. Screening for cranial nerve function deficits is crucial as it enables occupational therapists to identify neurological conditions that may affect a client's sensory or motor function. Common cranial nerve function screening tests include hearing tests, vision tests, and facial nerve assessments.

9. Dysphagia:
Dysphagia refers to the difficulty or discomfort with swallowing. It can be caused by a range of conditions, including neurological disorders, stroke, or cancer. Screening for dysphagia is essential as it helps occupational therapists identify swallowing disorders that may pose a risk to a client's nutrition and hydration. Common dysphagia screening tests include oral motor assessments, swallowing tests, and imaging studies such as esophagogastroduodenoscopy or magnetic resonance imaging.

10. Mental status:
Mental status encompasses a client's cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. It includes aspects such as alertness, attention, memory, and problem-solving abilities. Impairments in mental status can be caused by a range of conditions, including neurological disorders, psychiatric conditions, or substance abuse. Screening for mental status deficits is crucial as it helps occupational therapists identify cognitive or emotional issues that may impact a client's ability to function independently or participate in daily activities. Common mental status screening tests include cognitive assessments, mood assessments, and behavioral assessments.

Each chapter in this comprehensive text delves into the functional implications of impairment, screening procedures, red flags (signs and symptoms), available in-depth assessments, and screening forms. Step-by-step instructions accompanied by extensive photographs guide clinicians through the screening process, ensuring a seamless and efficient approach. Designed to empower therapists with the ability to readily identify potential impairment, document identified dysfunction, and determine the need for further in-depth evaluation, this bestselling text serves as a valuable reference tool for students to carry from the classroom to the clinic.

In conclusion, the appropriate use of quick and cost-ef?cient screening methods has become an indispensable tool in the assessment process, particularly in the realm of managed healthcare and a relentless pursuit of quality. By employing a diverse range of screening techniques, occupational therapists can gain a comprehensive understanding of their clients' neurological abilities and identify areas that require further evaluation or intervention. This revised edition of the classic text provides a comprehensive and accessible guide to the most commonly employed screening methods for clients with neurological disorders. Whether you are a student, practicing occupational therapist, or healthcare professional, this text is a valuable resource that will enhance your knowledge and skills in the field of neurologic screening.

Weight: 788g
Dimension: 220 x 280 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781569004661
Edition number: 3 Revised edition