Describe differences with regard to assessing the central versus peripheral nerv

Question

Describe differences with regard to assessing the central versus peripheral nervous system. In other words let's say you are a country doctor and do not have access to modern tests such as MRI, CT, etc. You basically have some simple tools including a reflex hammer, pinwheel, tongue depressor, cotton balls, and opthalmoscope. What tests would you perform to tell whether your patient has a central versus peripheral nervous system problem? Explain your rationale.  

please note more than 200 words please

Explanation / Answer

The nervous system is divided into two system:

1. CNS -cental nervous sytem
2. PNS -peripheral nervous system
CNS : It is comprised of brain + spinal cord. This system handles all the involuntary information. Its main function is to organise and analyze information.
PNS : It is comprised of cranial nerves ( arising from brain )+ spinal nerves (arising from spinal cord ). this system is further divided into somatic nervous system and autonomous nervous system.
Now as you asked, what tests will doctor perform to find cns or pns problem ?
The basic test which is performed to find any of mental illness is NEUROLOGICAL EXAMINATION.
Neurological exam is an evaluation of person's nervous system. It is done with instruments such as light and reflex hammers. During this exam various areas tested and evaluated are :
Mental status. It checks the patient's level of awareness and interaction with the environment and assessed by conversing with the patient and establishing his or her awareness of person, place, and time. The person will also be observed for clear speech and making sense while talking.

Motor function. This is tested by having the patient push and pull against doctor's hands with his or her arms and legs.

Balance. it is tested by observing how the person stands and walks or having the patient stand with his or her eyes closed while being gently pushed to one side or the other.

Sensory exam. This is done by using instruments suc as dull needles, tuning forks, alcohol swabs. The doctor may touch the patient's legs, arms, or other parts of the body and have him or her identify the sensation (for example, hot or cold, sharp or dull).

Evaluation of the nerves of the brain. There are 12 cranial nerves. During a complete neurological exam, most of these nerves are evaluated to help determine the functioning of the brain. for example

Cranial nerve I (olfactory nerve)is the nerve of smell. The patient is asked to identify different smells with his or her eyes closed. The smell can be of lemon, mint or coffee.

Coordination exam.The patient is asked to walk normally or on a line on the floor.The patient may be instructed to tap his or her fingers or foot quickly or touch something, such as his or her nose with eyes closed.
These are few of the tests that help doctor to determine if the problem is related to CNS or PNS.

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