Table 2.
Description of the variables analyzed. * For statistical analysis, the value “present” has been assigned to the SYMPTOM variable if the patient reports any of the symptoms. If no symptoms are reported, the value assigned to the SYMPTOM variable is “absent”. ** Decreased reflex, muscle contraction can be palpated but not visible/Very lively reflex even with small stimuli, can be accompanied by clonus. ***Difference perceived by the patient when applying cold and punch in 26 anatomical regions symmetrically in each hemibody. ****Decreased reflex, muscle contraction can be palpated but not visible/Very lively reflex even with small stimuli, can be accompanied by clonus. ***** By rubbing or scratching the anterior wall of the belly, a contraction of the abdominal muscles on the same side is produced and the belly is retracted. There are three abdominal reflexes: the superior or epigastric (above the navel), the middle (at the umbilical level) and the inferior (below the navel); pathologically, these reflexes may be exaggerated (hyperreflexia) or decreased (hyporeflexia).
| NEUROLOGICAL SYMPTOM | FINDINGS* |
|---|---|
| Headache | Frequency, location and intensity |
| Tinnitus | Uni or bilateral |
| Dizziness | Subjective/objective vertigo |
| Dysphagia | Solids, liquids or both |
| Cervical spine pain | Frequency, location and intensity |
| Upper back pain | |
| Low back pain | |
| Paresthesias | paresthesias in at least one limb |
| Gait balance | straight or lateralized gait |
| Sphincter disorder | Incontinence, urgency, pollakiuria |
| Loss of limb strength | Patient's subjective strength loss feeling or clumsiness |
| Upper/lower deep tendon reflexes | hypo/hyperreflexia in one or both extremities** |
| Thermal dysesthesia | Dysesthesia***in more than 70 % of total anatomical regions explored |
| Thermal dysesthesia | |
| Deep tendon reflexes | hypo/hyperreflexia in one or both extremities**** |
| Abdominal skin reflex | hypo/hyperreflexia and/or asymmetry***** |
| Plantar skin reflex | Babinski's sign or indifferent |
| Grip strength measurement with Jamar dynamometer | Unilateral or bilateral decrease below the 10th centile of the corresponding age and gender group |