You will perform a history of a neurologic problem that your instructor has provided you or one that you have experienced and perform an assessment of the neurologic system. You will document your subjective and objective findings, identify actual or potential risks, and submit this in a Word document to the drop box provided. Submit your completed assignment by following the directions linked below. Please check the for specific due dates.
Title: A Comprehensive Assessment of Neurologic Dysfunction: A Case Study on Parkinson’s Disease
Introduction:
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects the central nervous system. This assignment aims to explore the history, assessment, and documentation of a case study involving a patient with Parkinson’s disease. The neurologic system assessment will be performed through a comprehensive subjective and objective examination, with a focus on identifying actual or potential risks associated with this condition.
Background and History of Parkinson’s Disease:
Parkinson’s disease was first described by James Parkinson in 1817 and is characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, resulting in a shortage of dopamine in the brain. It is estimated that approximately 1% of individuals aged 60 or older suffer from PD, with men being more commonly affected than women. The exact etiology of PD remains unclear, although it is thought to involve a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors.
Subjective Assessment:
In the subjective assessment, the patient’s medical history and subjective complaints will be obtained through an interview. Essential information to be gathered includes the patient’s age, sex, occupation, duration of symptoms, family history of neurologic disorders, and any past or present use of medications. Specific questions related to the cardinal motor symptoms of PD, such as tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability, will also be asked in order to evaluate the progression and severity of the disease.
Objective Assessment:
The objective assessment focuses on the physical examination of the patient. It involves a systematic evaluation of the neurologic system through a series of tests and measures. The examination begins with an assessment of the patient’s general appearance, mental status, and cognitive function. This includes evaluating the patient’s level of alertness, orientation, and any signs of depression or anxiety which are commonly associated with PD.
Next, a thorough assessment of the cranial nerves will be conducted to identify any abnormalities. Special attention will be given to cranial nerve I (olfactory nerve) and cranial nerve II (optic nerve) as olfactory dysfunction and visual disturbances are frequently seen in patients with PD.
The examination will then proceed to assess motor function and coordination. The patient will be asked to perform several tasks, including finger tapping, hand pronation/supination, and rapid alternating movements, to evaluate the presence of bradykinesia, rigidity, and impaired dexterity. The observation of resting tremors and the assessment of postural stability and gait will also be conducted to determine the severity of motor impairment.
In addition to motor function, the sensory system will also be assessed. The patient will be asked about any sensory disturbances such as paresthesia (tingling or numbness) and proprioceptive deficits. Light touch, temperature sensation, and pain perception will be evaluated using appropriate stimuli.
Assessment of the autonomic nervous system is crucial in PD. Symptoms such as orthostatic hypotension, urinary dysfunction, constipation, and excessive sweating are often observed and can significantly impact the patient’s quality of life. These symptoms will be assessed through focused questioning and physical examination.
Identification of Actual or Potential Risks:
Once the subjective and objective findings have been documented, the next step involves identifying actual or potential risks associated with Parkinson’s disease. These risks may include falls due to postural instability, development of freezing of gait, increased risk of aspiration due to dysphagia, cognitive decline, and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. It is essential to identify these risks early on in order to implement appropriate interventions and promote optimal patient outcomes.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the assessment of Parkinson’s disease involves a comprehensive evaluation of the neurologic system through a combination of subjective and objective assessments. The subjective assessment involves gathering relevant history and patient complaints, while the objective assessment involves a thorough physical examination. By identifying actual or potential risks associated with this condition, healthcare providers can develop personalized care plans and interventions to address the unique needs of individuals with Parkinson’s disease.