The essential neurological examination during the COVID-19 pandemic / O exame neurológico essencial durante a pandemia de COVID-19

Abstract

Introduction: Due to the pandemic of the new coronavirus, Brazil and the world face an unprecedented emergency in history, with grave consequences for life human health, public health, and economic activity. In the health context, the need reassessing how to examine patients was of great importance. O social distancing, care with personal and environmental hygiene and other were some of the main issues addressed during that time, thus showing the importance of the discussion and re-elaboration of new measures. When associating exams neurological disorders, we highlight the term Neurophobia, or fear of neurology, a fact that many neuroscience professionals. Aiming at a better way to avoid such aversion, several studies pointing out the need for better teaching and facilitating guidelines understanding and application by professionals. In a pre-pandemic study, Recife questioned doctors and resistant people about the neurological tests essential for confirm the absence of neurological disease, resulting in the elaboration of 18 exam items easily applied by students and doctors in their assessments, being update needed for the new context. Methodology: Integrative review study which culminated in the elaboration and readaptation of new measures for neurological evaluation essential in patients in the context of a pandemic and affected by COVID-19. Results and Discussion: When comparing the essential neurological exam with the knowledge experienced by the authors of this article and the global pandemic context, were recommendations were made on the application of indirect fundscopy. This job resulted from the elaboration of suggestions for observational exams such as: gait, eye chase, index-nose proof and extended arms proof that do not require approximation of the patient, in addition to the increment of specific tests for patients affected with COVID-19 such as: examination of smell, mini-mental and brief battery of cognitive disorder. To perform muscle tone and tendon reflexes, professionals must pay attention and reinforce basic care when examining. Conclusion: It is concluded that the pandemic by COVID-19 brought changes in all health aspects requiring updates to patient exams.