3 Things We Discover When Assessing the Nervous System and Brain

(*In the video below, we utilize an assessment involving perturbation to evaluate the nervous system and brain. This allows us to determine how the brain is functioning and make informed decisions regarding the neuro drills to employ.*)

Perturbation, within the realm of neuroscience and neurology, refers to disturbances or disruptions to the normal functioning of the nervous system.

In the video, Coach Andrew has his eyes closed and feet close, effectively compromising two crucial areas of his nervous system function (visual and proprioceptive).

Here are three aspects we can discern regarding the functionality of our nervous system through neuro assessments:

1. Brain Activity: It illustrates (as observed in the video) how the BRAIN STEM responds and restores him to a neutral position (*as seen in the video, the muscles on his right side that should be guiding him back to a stable position seem somewhat disoriented*).

2. Postural System State: Our posture is a reflexive aspect driven by the brain stem and cerebellum. If a client struggles with the aforementioned test, have them A) widen their feet initially to assess, then B) open their eyes for evaluation, and finally, C) widen their feet while opening their eyes.

Select neural drills accordingly and reevaluate the chosen posture to see if you get a positive outcome.

3. Balance and Coordination:  Evaluating the status of our balance and coordination through this assessment challenges the nervous system to integrate sensory information from various sources, including the inner ear, proprioceptive receptors, and visual inputs, to maintain postural stability and execute coordinated movements. 

Over time, we can modify the assessment and inputs, observing and allowing the client to feel improvements in balance, coordination, and proprioception, thereby reducing the risk of falls and enhancing overall motor function.  If you would like more assessments and neuro drills, watch our FREE case studies.  Here is the link.