2-3. GENERALIZED NEUROLOGICAL EXAMINATION COMPONENTS

Many patients will not require a detailed neurological examination, but a generalized neurological examination may be helpful. A simple means of gathering a great deal of information about the patient's neurological system is to observe the patient walking, talking, seeing, and hearing. Watching the patient enter the room is also important in giving the examiner information. As the patient enters the room, check the following:

• Posture and motor behavior.
• Dress, grooming, and personal hygiene.
• Facial expression.
• Speech.
• Manner, mood, and relation to persons and things around him.

NOTE: A person who has previously been well-groomed and now has poor personal hygiene, lack of concern for appearance, and inappropriate clothing for the time of year may have an emotional problem, a psychiatric disturbance, or an organic brain syndrome.