brain, spinal cord, and nerve disorders
Neurologic Examination
Mental Status
Doctors evaluate the following: Attention Orientation to time, place, and person Memory Various abilities, such as thinking abstractly, following commands, using language, and solving math problems Mood The mental status evaluation consists of a series of questions and tasks, such as naming objects, recalling short lists, writing sentences, and copying shapes. The person’s answers are recorded and scored for accuracy. If the person reports feeling depressed, doctors ask if there have been any thoughts of suicide. 