three (3) minute neurological examination

Last reviewed 12/2022

The 3-minute neurological examination has been designed by neurologists to exclude sinister causes of headache including brain tumour and haemorrhage. The brief neurological examination is suitable for patients whose history suggests migraine or tension-type headaches.

Examination Notes
Romberg's test Patient falling with eyes closed.
Tandem gait test Heel-to-toe walking
Walking on heels Tests pyramidal tract.
Drift of outstretched arms Tests pyramidal tract.
Finger-nose test Tests coordination.
Fine finger movements Tests pyramidal and extrapyramidal tracts.
Hand tapping. Cerebellar and brainstem disease.
Visual fields to confrontation  
Eye movements  
Face and tongue movements  
Fundoscopy  
Reflexes  

Click here for video of three minute neurological examination