Clinical meaning
The complete neurological examination systematically evaluates the central and peripheral nervous systems through six domains: mental status (consciousness, orientation, cognition, language), cranial nerves (I-XII), motor system (bulk, tone, strength graded 0-5, pronator drift), sensory system (light touch, pain/temperature, vibration, proprioception), reflexes (deep tendon reflexes graded 0-4+, pathological reflexes), and coordination/gait (cerebellar function, Romberg test). Findings are correlated with neuroanatomical localization: upper motor neuron (UMN) lesions produce spastic paralysis, hyperreflexia, and positive Babinski; lower motor neuron (LMN) lesions produce flaccid paralysis, hyporeflexia, atrophy, and fasciculations. Recognizing patterns guides differential diagnosis and imaging selection.