Understanding Neurological Integrity: Definition & Implications

“Neurologically intact” means a clinical assessment reveals no focal or global neurologic deficits.

Domains Assessed

1. Motor: Strength, tone, coordination, gait normal.
2. Sensory: Touch, pain, temperature, proprioception, vibration intact.
3. Cognitive: Orientation, memory, attention, executive function normal.
4. Language: Fluency, comprehension, repetition, naming intact.
5. Cranial nerves: II–XII normal (vision, eye movements, facial sensation/movement, hearing, swallow, tongue).
6. Reflexes: Deep tendon reflexes symmetric, normoactive; plantars flexor.
7. Mental status: Alert, oriented, appropriate affect.

Limitations

“Intact” is a screening judgment. Subtle deficits (mild cognitive impairment, early neuropathy) may require detailed neuropsychological or electrodiagnostic testing.