Screening for medical disease--nervous system disorders

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Hand Therapy
• Clinical Screening

Background:

• Nervous system disorders manifest as changes in sensation, strength, and cognition.
• Early recognition of neurological symptoms is vital for timely intervention and optimal patient outcomes.
• Hand therapists encounter patients with diverse neurological conditions in their practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize screening methods for nervous system disorders in hand therapy settings.
• To outline typical clinical findings associated with common neurological conditions.
• To provide recommendations for hand therapists regarding patient referral for suspected neurological disorders.

Main Methods:

• This article is a narrative review.
• It synthesizes information on screening for central and peripheral nervous system disorders.
• It discusses common neurological conditions encountered by hand therapists.

Main Results:

• The review covers central nervous system (CNS) disorders such as stroke, traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, CNS tumors, Parkinson disease, dementia, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis.
• Peripheral nervous system (PNS) disorders discussed include polyneuropathies, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and myasthenia gravis.
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, affecting both CNS and PNS, is also briefly addressed.

Conclusions:

• Hand therapists play a role in identifying potential nervous system disorders through screening.
• Familiarity with neurological signs and symptoms enables appropriate referral.
• Timely referral by hand therapists can significantly improve outcomes for patients with neurological conditions.