The aim of this study is to highlight the chief practical aspects of the techniques used in the neurological physical examination of the motor and reflex functions. Development. We recommend clinicians to carry out a brief but consistent and effective exploration in a systematic, flexible and orderly manner to check for abnormalities in the motor and reflex functions of the nervous system. Should any anomalies be detected, then a more detailed and thorough neurological exploration must be performed selectively. We present a detailed review of the practical aspects of the main techniques used in the physical examination of these neurological categories. The motor function is explored using techniques that examine muscle tone, muscle strength, muscle fatigability, hypokinesia, tremor, coordination and gait. Lastly, in this category several manoeuvres that are useful in hysterical or mimicking paralyses are also dealt with. Reflexes to examination are usually divided into: 1. Myotatic reflexes; 2. Cutaneomucous reflexes; 3. Spinal cord or defence automatism reflexes; 4. Posture and attitude reflexes. We also add the study of primitive pathological reflexes, remote reflexes, synkinesias and signs of meningeal irritation. Conclusions. We present a detailed description of the main clinical techniques used in the neurological physical examination of motility and reflexes, as well as an approach that allows them to be performed on adult patients. In addition, we underline the importance of physically examining the nervous system in contemporary medicine and the need to continually perfect the way these techniques are performed in order to achieve an efficient clinical practice.

ORGANIZACIÓN DEL EXAMEN NEUROLÓGICO Generalmente se enfoca la exploración comenzando con la exploración de las funciones mentales, se continúa con los diferentes NC, las funciones motoras, reflejas y sensitivas de los brazos, el tronco y las piernas, y se finaliza con el análisis de la postura y la marcha. Así, la mayoría de las técnicas y los datos del examen clínico neurológico se pueden organizar dentro de cinco grandes categorías: estado mental, NC, funciones motoras, funciones reflejas y funciones sensitivas [1,3,4]. Este orden asume un patrón regional. A medida que se realiza el examen de los NC, el cráneo se puede inspeccionar, pal-CLINICAL TECHNIQUES FOR USE IN NEUROLOGICAL PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS. I. GENERAL ORGANISATION, CRANIAL AND PERIPHERAL SPINAL NERVES Summary. Aims. The purpose of this work is to focus on the main practical aspects of the techniques used for the physical examination of the nervous system and to present an approach for the practice of this study in adult patients. Development. We recommend clinicians to carry out a brief but consistent and effective exploration in a systematic, flexible and orderly manner to check for alterations in the functioning of the nervous system. Should any anomalies be detected, then a more detailed and thorough neurological exploration must be performed selectively. The techniques and data from this examination are organised into five broad categories: mental status, cranial nerves, motor function, reflex function and sensory function. The practical aspects of the main techniques used in the physical exploration are reviewed and we also describe the technique to be employed for palpating the main peripheral nerves. Conclusions. The study offers a detailed description of the chief clinical techniques used in the physical exploration of the cranial nerves and for the palpation of the peripheral nerves; we also present an approach to performing the neurological examination. Furthermore, we highlight the importance of physically examining the nervous system in contemporary medicine and the need to continually perfect the way these techniques are performed in order to achieve an efficient clinical practice.

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