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Review
. 2020 Sep;47(5):598-603.
doi: 10.1017/cjn.2020.96. Epub 2020 May 21.

The Virtual Neurologic Exam: Instructional Videos and Guidance for the COVID-19 Era

Mariam Al Hussona #  1 , Monica Maher #  1 , David Chan  2 , Jonathan A Micieli  3 , Jennifer D Jain  4 , Houman Khosravani  5   6 , Aaron Izenberg  5 , Charles D Kassardjian  2   6 , Sara B Mitchell  5   6   7
Affiliations
Review

The Virtual Neurologic Exam: Instructional Videos and Guidance for the COVID-19 Era

Mariam Al Hussona et al. Can J Neurol Sci. 2020 Sep.

Abstract
in English, French

Objective: To outline features of the neurologic examination that can be performed virtually through telemedicine platforms (the virtual neurological examination [VNE]), and provide guidance for rapidly pivoting in-person clinical assessments to virtual visits during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

Methods: The full neurologic examination is described with attention to components that can be performed virtually.

Results: A screening VNE is outlined that can be performed on a wide variety of patients, along with detailed descriptions of virtual examination maneuvers for specific scenarios (cognitive testing, neuromuscular and movement disorder examinations).

Conclusions: During the COVID-19 pandemic, rapid adoption of virtual medicine will be critical to provide ongoing and timely neurological care. Familiarity and mastery of a VNE will be critical for neurologists, and this article outlines a practical approach to implementation.

Effectuer un examen neurologique à distance : instructions vidéo et orientations à l’ère de la pandémie de coronavirus (COVID-19).

Objectif :: Mettre en évidence les caractéristiques d’un examen neurologique pouvant être effectué à distance au moyen de plates-formes de télémédecine; fournir des orientations pour passer rapidement d’évaluations cliniques en personne à des « visites virtuelles » en ces temps de pandémie de coronavirus (COVID-19), voire à plus long terme.

Méthodes :: Seront décrits en détail les aspects d’un examen neurologique complet qu’on peut aborder à distance.

Résultats :: La présentation d’un examen neurologique de dépistage mené à distance sur une grande variété de patients de même que des descriptions détaillées d’actes nécessaires selon des scénarios spécifiques (tests cognitifs, examens de troubles neuromusculaires et de troubles du mouvement).

Conclusions :: En ces temps de pandémie de coronavirus (COVID-19), l’adoption rapide de la médecine à distance est essentielle si l’on veut offrir des soins neurologiques en temps opportun et de façon continue. Le fait d’être familier avec les examens neurologiques à distance et de les maîtriser deviendra donc crucial pour les neurologues. Voilà pourquoi la présente étude entend mettre en relief une approche pratique permettant la mise sur pied de tels examens.

Keywords: COVID-19; Neurological examination; Physical examination; Telemedicine; Virtual care.

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