Capella University
NURS-FPX6203: Theory Development in Nursing
Professor Name
October 2024
Neuromuscular Lab
The neuromuscular system is a link that links the responsibilities of the nervous system with the muscular system and of joining muscles to sensory organs. Muscle nerve laboratories are dedicated to this connection most of the time concerned with diseases that impact the movement process or sensory input (Nguyen et al., 2022). As part of the overall clinical evaluation of neuromuscular status, simple reflex tests, nerve conduction, and eye examination may be conducted. For instance, in an eye exam, central nerve functions, muscle coordination, and reflexes are checked for neurological assessment of a patient which is very significant and beneficial (Liu et al., 2020). During this presentation, the author will concentrate on the functions of vision tests, the contribution made by reflex evaluations, and the consequences arising from the absence of such tests.
Eye Exam
An eye exam is another part of neuromuscular assessment, using which a specialist can determine that a patient can see and assess the health of eye muscles and nerves (Bazargan et al., 2020). In neuromuscular lab work, part of the assessment includes testing of eye movements, which usually involves testing the head or cranial nerves that control the muscles of the eyes to light, form, and position tests by Jabir et al. (2022). They can identify defects such as diplopia, ptosis, or anisocoria as well as signs of tertiary or quaternary neuromuscular or neurological disease. Since ocular movement implies neuromuscular control, assessment of this duty provides an idea of the degree of engagement and areas that may demand enhanced testing.
Significance of Reflex Measurement in Diagnostic Eye Exams
Reactive measurements especially in vision testing are crucial in determining the function of the nervous system. For example, the pupillary light reflex is a measure of the involuntary contraction of the pupil in response to light that also gives vital data concerning the optic and oculomotor nerves (Elsherif et al., 2021). Also, the blink reflex assists in revealing pathological changes in the trigeminal and facial nerves. Reflex testing that is conducted during eye exams aids in identifying neuropathy, nerve palsies, and even possible brain damage in some cases (Lima Langet al., 2022). These measurements indicate the performance of the roads linking the brain with the peripheral nerves and therefore help in diagnosing the status of the neuromuscular system.
Consequences of Neglecting Reflex Measurement
Failure to incorporate reflex measurements in diagnosis eye tests means that several patients will not be diagnosed because reflexes provide clues to neuromuscular disease. If reflex testing is not carried out, diseases such as optic neuropathies, multiple sclerosis, and myasthenia gravis may go unsuspected and the disease process may progress to its worst (Dhondt et al., 2021). It can also be devastating to not recognize when reflexes are diminished, as with an infant that develops Kern posturing, or when such issues remain untreated, vision loss can become permanent, muscle weakness can occur, or there can be additional systemic nervous system injury (Turcotte et al., 2021). Hence, screening reflexes play a role of relative paramount importance in order not to allow patients to develop lifelong neurological problems as well as to treat ailments at early stages.
Patient Examples
Patient Case 1
- Age: 60-year-old male
- Complaint: Shown with low vision and unilateral mild ptosis (drooping of the upper eyelid).
- Eye Test: A subsequent refraction testing showed that the pupil’s reaction to light was poor, so the patient was diagnosed with optic neuropathy.
- Possible solution: Pharmacological management and other changes in lifestyle from the start of the condition also delayed the advancement of nerve damage and preserved vision.
Patient Case 2
- Age: A 45-year-old female
- Complaint: We have down-listed blurred vision as well as regular headaches that had been reported.
- Eye test: Abnormalities of the cranial nerves were detected by electromyography and the blink reflex. Additional imaging helped to diagnose multiple sclerosis.
- Possible solution: This resulted in an early diagnosis that has enabled the patient to be put on treatment to curb disease progress, which is normally very fast.
BIO FPX 1000 Assessment 2 Conclusion
The neuromuscular lab is useful in the identification, evaluation, and treatment of patients with neuromuscular diseases. Vision tests and plethysmography are significant diagnostic tools as they reveal the state of nerves and muscular coordination (Wieters et al., 2022). Failure to incorporate reflex assessment can greatly harm the patients by resulting in delayed diagnosis. These tests should be prioritized since early diagnosis will help healthcare providers deliver appropriate care increasing the patients’ life expectancy and quality of life.
BIO FPX 1000 Assessment 2 References
Bazargan, M., Ekwegh, T., Cobb, S., Adinkrah, E., & Assari, S. (2020). Eye examination recency among African American older adults with chronic medical conditions. Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), 8(2), 94. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare8020094
Dhondt, E., Danneels, L., Van Oosterwijck, S., Palmans, T., Rijckaert, J., & Van Oosterwijck, J. (2021). The influence of physical activity on the nociceptive flexion reflex in healthy people. European Journal of Pain (London, England), 25(4), 774–789. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejp.1708
Elsherif, M., Eldeeb, D., & Eldeeb, M. (2021). Clinical significance of video head impulse test in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: a meta-analysis. European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology: Official Journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS): Affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, 278(12), 4645–4651. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-021-06832-3
Liu, M., Luo, J., Zhou, J., & Zhu, X. (2020). Intervention effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on ICU acquired weakness: A meta-analysis. International Journal of Nursing Sciences, 7(2), 228–237. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnss.2020.03.002
Lima Lang, M. P., Marinho, D. R., & Procianoy, F. (2022). The influence of luminous intensity on the eyelid aperture and measurement of the margin reflex distance. Orbit (Amsterdam, Netherlands), 41(3), 311–314. https://doi.org/10.1080/01676830.2021.1892770
Nguyen, P. T., Chou, L. W., & Hsieh, Y. L. (2022). Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation-based physical therapy on the improvement of balance and gait in patients with chronic stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Life (Basel, Switzerland), 12(6), 882. https://doi.org/10.3390/life12060882
Turcotte, A. M., Gali Gali, I. A., & Ridde, V. (2021). The unintended consequences of COVID-19 mitigation measures matter and practical guidance for investigating them. BMC Medical Research Methodology, 21(1), 28. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12874-020-01200-x
Wieters, F., Gruhn, M., Büschges, A., Fink, G. R., & Aswendt, M. (2022). Terminal h-reflex measurements in mice. Journal of Visualized Experiments: JoVE, (184), 10.3791/63304. https://doi.org/10.3791/63304
