How do you assess for motor function in a neurological exam?

Assessing motor function in a neurological exam primarily involves evaluating strength and movements. This is crucial for determining how well the muscles are functioning and whether there are any impairments in motor control. During this assessment, paramedics will typically ask the patient to perform specific movements, such as squeezing the examiner’s fingers or raising their arms and legs against resistance. This helps in identifying muscle weakness, coordination issues, or any signs of paralysis.

In this context, while measuring reflexes can provide information about the integrity of the nervous system, it does not directly assess voluntary motor control as effectively as evaluating strength and movements. Observing speech patterns is more related to evaluating cranial nerve function and cognitive processing rather than direct motor function. Checking sensory response focuses on the sensory pathways and not on the motor capabilities, which is why evaluating strength and movements remains the primary method for assessing motor function in a neurological examination.