Assessment - Neural Integrity

• Neural Integrity:

  • Always indicated in the presence of peripheral pain which could be referred from the spine. If you do not complete neurological testing when indicated it is UNSAFE
  • This should then be performed during/at each session dependent on clinical presentation to monitor for improvement/worsening of symptoms
• Neural Integrity:

  • Indications for Neural Integrity:
  • Pain referred to or past the buttock/shoulder
  • Altered sensation, i.e. paraesthesia or anaesthesia
  • Referred pain from the spine can be: NOCICEPTIVE/SOMATIC PAIN or NEUROPATHIC/RADICULAR PAIN
  • Any changes found in neural integrity testing will support that the referred pain is neural in origin
• Neural Integrity - Motor Neurone Testing:

  • Upper motor neurone = refers to a motor neurone within the CNS, so the brain and spinal cord
  • Lower motor neurone = refers from the nerve root into the periphery