No, a neurological exam is not the same as a cognitive test. Both can measure memory, language, and attention. However, a neurological exam can provide a more in-depth analysis of your brain if you are experiencing symptoms such as tremors or weakness on one side of the body.
A neurological exam is a detailed evaluation of the brain and nervous system. A primary care physician or a neurologist typically conducts it.
A healthcare professional can use a neurological exam to check the overall health of your nervous system and identify any clinical signs of a nervous system disorder, such as:
The exam involves a series of
- Speech tests: test your fluency in speech and check whether your sentences make sense
- Memory retention tests: involve asking about the date or where you are
- Reflex test: measures your reflexes, such as your knee-jerk reflex
- Sensory tests: measure your ability to feel pain and touch
- Cranial nerve tests: examine functions such as vision and smell
- Motor system tests: check your muscle strength, which typically involves a doctor asking you to push against their arm
A cognitive test is a quick assessment of brain function. A neurologist often performs it, which involves pencil and paper tests and short tasks, such as repeating a list of words.
A cognitive test can check for any problems with:
- learning
- remembering
- thinking
- using judgment
While a cognitive test can help identify potential signs of nervous system disorders, like dementia, a neurologist cannot use it to provide a diagnosis.
The test typically takes around 15 minutes to complete, and they will record your results using a scoring system.
If you are having difficulty with cognitive skills, such as memory, learning, or thinking, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional.