Neuro Screen & Localization Assistant
Log what you see, add vitals, and get owner-friendly clues to where the problem likely lives—cerebrum/cerebellum/brainstem vs limb plexuses (UMN/LMN).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Neuro Screen & Localization Assistant do?
It helps you log observable signs, enter vital signs, and recognize patterns that suggest central vs peripheral problems (e.g., UMN/LMN, cervical cord vs brainstem). It then suggests next steps and prints a vet-ready summary.
What videos should I capture for my veterinarian?
Short clips on a level surface: straight line (side and rear views), small circles both ways, backing 4–6 steps, and a close-up of the eyes/face while you check menace/blink/tongue tone.
How do I use vital signs with this tool?
Enter temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate, then compare to your horse’s normal baselines. Elevated numbers or slow recovery after light work can signal heat stress, pain, or illness. See our Vital Signs and Average HR guides.
What patterns suggest a central (CNS) problem?
Incoordination that worsens on tight circles or backing, fore AND hind involvement, cranial-nerve changes (uneven blink, head tilt, trouble swallowing), or a flaccid tail/urination issues point toward the CNS.
What suggests a regional peripheral nerve or plexus issue?
Weakness or sensory change localized to one limb or region—especially after a fall or awkward pull—with normal mentation and normal cranial-nerve checks is more consistent with peripheral involvement.
How do I tell UMN from LMN signs (owner version)?
UMN looks like long, weak strides with delayed placing and worse performance on tight circles/backing; reflexes are normal/↑ and atrophy is late. LMN is true weakness with short, choppy strides, early atrophy, and reduced reflexes.
When should I isolate for possible EHV-1 (EHM)?
If there was fever in the last 1–7 days and you now see sudden hind ataxia, weak tail/anal tone, or urine dribbling, isolate immediately, start twice-daily temperatures for barn mates, and call your veterinarian.
What’s the quick recovery check after work and why does it matter?
Recheck HR/RR and demeanor at 2, 5, and 10 minutes. A smooth glide toward baseline with a sigh/head-lower and returning gut sounds indicates healthy parasympathetic recovery. Poor recovery suggests heat, pain, stress, or illness.
No sweat in heat but the horse runs hot—what should I do?
Suspect anhidrosis. Stop work, move to shade, use rinse–scrape cooling cycles, offer cool water/electrolytes per vet guidance, and contact your veterinarian if recovery is slow or episodes recur.
When is this an emergency vet call?
Trouble swallowing, abnormal breathing, facial paralysis with an exposed eye, urine dribble with weak tail tone, fever with sudden hind ataxia, or failure to recover toward baseline within 10–15 minutes after moderate work.
Can this tool diagnose EPM, EHM, or Wobbler?
No. It’s an educational triage assistant that highlights patterns and organizes your observations. Diagnosis requires a veterinary exam and, when indicated, testing (e.g., serum/CSF ratios for EPM, PCR for EHV-1, cervical imaging for CSM).
What should I include in the printed summary?
Horse ID, date, short context, vital signs, selected signs, the filming plan, and notes on fever, travel/new horses, feed/med changes, and shoeing dates. Those details speed up triage and decision-making.