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

Overview
Specialty Neurology
Date 2020 May 22
PMID 32434626
Citations 36
Authors
Affiliations
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Abstract

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.

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