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The straight leg raise is a test that can be performed during a physical examination, with the leg being lifted actively by the patient or passively by the clinician. If the straight leg raise is done actively by the patient, it is a test of functional leg strength, particularly the rectus femoris element of the quadriceps (checking both hip flexion and knee extension strength simultaneously).
Involuntary extension of the "normal" leg occurs when flexing the contralateral leg against resistance. To perform the test, the examiner should hold one hand under the heel of the "normal" limb and ask the patient to flex the contralateral hip against resistance (while the patient is supine), asking the patient to keep the weak leg straight while raising it.
The neurologic exam, straight leg raise, and femoral nerve stretch are typically normal. Abnormal signs may be revealed if the patient is observed walking until they exhibit NC . For example, a positive "stoop test" is observed if bending forward or stooping while walking relieves symptoms. [ 2 ]
A neurological examination is the assessment of sensory neuron and motor responses, especially reflexes, to determine whether the nervous system is impaired. This typically includes a physical examination and a review of the patient's medical history, [1] but not deeper investigation such as neuroimaging.
An upper limb neurological examination is part of the neurological examination, and is used to assess the motor and sensory neurons which supply the upper limbs.This assessment helps to detect any impairment of the nervous system, being used both as a screening and an investigative tool.
Distraction tests: positive tests are rechecked when the patient's attention is distracted, such as a straight leg raise test; Regional disturbances: regional weakness or sensory changes which deviate from accepted neuroanatomy; Overreaction: subjective signs regarding the patient's demeanor and reaction to testing
Diagnostic signs such as the straight leg raise test may be negative even if real pathology is present. [60] [65] The presence of a positive myelogram may represent a new disc herniation, but can also be indicative of a post operative scarring situation simply mimicking a new disc. Newer MRI imaging techniques have clarified this dilemma somewhat.
Mulder's sign is a physical exam finding associated with Morton's neuroma, which may be elicited while the patient is in the supine position on the examination table. The pain of the neuroma, as well as a click, can be produced by squeezing the two metatarsal heads together with one hand, while concomitantly putting pressure on the interdigital space with the other hand.