Neurological examination of the infant: A Comprehensive Review

Clin Anat. 2019 Sep;32(6):770-777. doi: 10.1002/ca.23352. Epub 2019 Mar 8.

Abstract

Clinicians are required to perform neurological examinations on infants to ensure they meet developmental milestones. A full neurological examination includes evaluating motor and sensory function, assessing the status of the cranial nerves, testing primitive reflexes, and atypical responses to further evaluate any developmental pathologies. The difficulty in maintaining infants' cooperation requires resourcefulness on the clinician's part to understand what is being tested and in what way to complete the examination. This literature will provide clinicians with guidance on the way to conduct a thorough neurological examination of infants. Clin. Anat. 32:770-777, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Keywords: anatomy; cranial nerves; neurological examination; pediatric examination; physical exam; primitive; reflexes.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cranial Nerves
  • Humans
  • Infant*
  • Infant, Newborn*
  • Motor Skills / physiology
  • Muscle Strength / physiology
  • Neurologic Examination / methods*
  • Reflex / physiology
  • Sucking Behavior / physiology