A neurological exam is a noninvasive test that checks how well your brain and nervous system are functioning. During a neurological exam, your health care provider will ask you about your symptoms and health history. You will also be asked to answer questions and perform movements and tasks that test your mental status, balance, reflexes, movement, muscle tone, hearing, walking, and thinking.
UPMC experts use neurological exams to assess your level of function if they suspect you are having or have had a stroke, or if you are having symptoms of another neurological disorder. Based on the results of your neurological exam, your doctor can order additional testing to further diagnose your condition.
What Is a Neurological Exam?
A neurological exam is a noninvasive test that checks how well your brain and nervous system are functioning. During a neurological exam, your health care provider will ask you about your symptoms and health history. You will also be asked to answer questions and perform movements and tasks that test your mental status, balance, reflexes, movement, muscle tone, hearing, walking, and thinking.
Types of neurological exams
Depending on your condition and symptoms, your doctor may perform different types of tests as part of your neurological exam.
Common tests include:
- Automatic nervous system testing — Checks breathing, blood pressure, and bowel/bladder control.
- Cognition/mental status testing — Checks your thinking, memory, and emotional state.
- Consciousness testing — Checks your ability to respond to basic commands, such as talking, opening your eyes, or moving a body part.
- Cranial nerve testing — Checks movements of your face and eyes, as well as your hearing and sense of smell.
- Movement testing — Checks your fine motor skills (writing), movement, walking, balance, and coordination.
- Reflex testing — Checks your automatic responses to triggers, such as tapping your knee with a hammer.
- Sensory testing — Checks your ability to feel pain, temperature, and touch.
Conditions we diagnose with a neurological exam
The neurological exam helps diagnose:
- Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
- Concussion.
- Epilepsy and seizure disorders.
- Headache disorders, including migraine.
- Infections, such as meningitis.
- Movement disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease.
- Multiple sclerosis.
- Neuromuscular disorders, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
- Stroke.
- Traumatic brain injury.
Why Would I Need a Neurological Exam?
You may need a neurological exam if you have symptoms of a stroke or another neurological disorder.
Symptoms include:
- Balance or coordination problems.
- Changes in hearing, vision, taste, smell, or touch.
- Confusion or changes in your ability to think.
- Muscle stiffness or weakness.
- Numbness or tingling in your upper or lower body.
- Pain in your back, neck, head, or near your nerves.
- Seizures.
- Slurred speech.
- Tremors.
Who’s a candidate for a neurological exam?
You may be a candidate for a neurological exam if your doctor suspects your symptoms are due to a stroke or another type of neurological disorder.
What are the risks and complications of a neurological exam?
There are no risks associated with a neurological exam.
What Should I Expect from a Neurological Exam?
Before: How to prepare for a neurological exam
Neurological exams don’t require any special preparation.
How long does a neurological exam take?
Neurological exams typically last between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your symptoms and the thoroughness of the examination.
During your neurological exam
Neurological exams can be performed in the hospital, doctor’s office, or the emergency department. Your exam may be performed by a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant specializing in neurological care.
What happens during a neurological exam?
During your exam, your healthcare provider will:
- Ask you questions about your health history, symptoms, and medications.
- Perform a general physical exam.
- Perform tests to check how well your brain and nervous system are functioning.
Recovery after a neurological exam
No recovery time is needed after a neurological exam.
When to call your doctor about complications
You should not experience any complications after a neurological exam. However, if your symptoms worsen, you should let your healthcare provider know right away.
Why Choose UPMC for Neurological Care?
When you choose UPMC for neurological care, you will receive:
- Access to world-class stroke expertise — UPMC is among the world’s best multidisciplinary centers for stroke and neurological care. When surgery is necessary, our neurosurgery team is experienced in advanced treatments, including traditional and investigational approaches that are not widely available.
- A full range of treatment options — We offer nonsurgical and minimally invasive stroke and neurological care, as well as traditional open surgical procedures, allowing us to effectively treat all types of neurological disorders while reducing your risk of complications.
- Multidisciplinary care — We partner with neurologists, rehabilitation specialists, and other medical experts to provide complete care that optimizes your recovery and quality of life.
By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2025-10-23.
