A Clean and Quick Neuro Exam

[Patriotic Sheepdog]

The Clean and Quick Coma Exam

In emergency situations, it is imperative that you gather as much data completely and as accurately in the least amount of time as possible. Often times we need to be good detectives before we can be a good provider of care. Of course, in a SHTF environment it may be difficult to get all the data we need or want. Patients that are in a coma or stupor can present a challenge to caregivers as the patient cannot or may not be able to verbally answer questions appropriately. Although they may be able to

[Fido]

Tip #1: If for some reason you think your patient is faking unconsciousness, hold thier hand over thier face then let it drop. If it falls straight down and smacks them in the face, they are out. If it falls down and misses the head, they are conscious and in control of thier motor functions. (Don't worry about hurting them, you cant hold the hand high enough to do that.)

Tip#2: To check for responsiveness to painful stimuli, rub a knuckle up and down the patients sternum. If the patient is at all responsive this will stimulate a response. (If you suspect your patient has a cervical spine injury do not try this technique)

Tip#3: If you do see posturing, either decorticate or decerebrate, these will indicate a non-survivable injury in a post-SHTF scenario.

Another way to assesss the Level of Consciousness in a patient isthe mnemonic, [B]AVPU[B]

A = Alert;
This patient is aware of thier surroundings and can answer questions appropriately

V= Verbal;
These patients are not alert to thier surroundings but will still respond to verbal commands and may still answer questions appropriately

P= Pain; These patients are non-verbal and will respond only to painful stimuli such as a strenum rub

U= Unresponsive; self explanatory

[Lowdown3]

Was just telling my wife how I loved the medical acronyms and how they helped me remember stuff. Is P-E-A-R-L still used for eyes? I remembered A-V-P-U.

Great thread, good job!

[Patriotic Sheepdog]

Pupils Equal And Reactive to Light

Is that what you mean?

[Lowdown3]

That's the one.