Dazed and confused: the neurological examination of the unconscious patient

Raul Medina-Rioja, Department of Neurologidal Emergencies, Instituto Nacional de Neurologia y Neurocirugia Manuel Velasco Suarez, Mexico City, Mexico
Sergio Saldivar-Davila, Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario “Doctor José Eleuterio González”. Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
Javier A. Galnares-Olalde, Headache Disorders Clinic, Instituto Nacional de Neurologia y Neurocirugia Manuel Velasco Suarez, Mexico City, Mexico
Juan C. López-Hernández, Department of Neurologidal Emergencies, Instituto Nacional de Neurologia y Neurocirugia Manuel Velasco Suarez, Mexico City, Mexico
Alonso Morales-Rivero, Department of Psychiatry, Centro Medico ABC, Ciudad de México, Mexico
Antonio Arauz, Stroke Clinic, Instituto Nacional de Neurologia y Neurocirugia Manuel Velasco Suarez, Mexico City, Mexico

The neurological examination of unconscious patients is critical in emergency settings, where up to 5% of consultations are due to impaired consciousness. Despite the challenges posed by the lack of patient cooperation, various maneuvers can help establish the cause and localization of neurological issues. This paper presents an approach to the neurological examination in unconscious patients, emphasizing its importance in differential diagnosis and treatment planning.

Keywords: Clinical exam. Emergencies. Unconsciousness.