Neurological signs and neurovascular signs are medical terms that refer to different types of signs and symptoms related to the nervous and vascular systems.

This is a very rough definition, but here are the distinctions:

Neurological signs

• Neurological signs are symptoms primarily associated with dysfunction of the central or peripheral nervous system. The manifestations affect the CNS, the brain, and the cause is vascular.
• They can include symptoms such as impaired coordination, memory problems, behavioral changes, headaches, tremors, muscle weakness, vision problems and more.
• These manifestations can result from a variety of neurological conditions, such as stroke, Alzheimer's disease, ALS, epilepsy and so on.

Neurovascular signs

• Neurovascular signs are linked to problems of the vascular system that affect the lower and upper limbs, and do not generally involve the brain.

In short, the difference lies in the fact that neurological signs generally refer to signs and symptoms related to the functioning of the nervous system, while neurovascular signs are specifically related to problems of the vascular system that affect the limbs in the periphery.

To clear up any errors in the definition, here's a summary:

1 - Neurovascular signs	2 - Neurological signs
Brief definition Vascular system problems. The symptoms affect the upper and lower limbs, and do not generally affect the brain.	Brief definition The manifestations affect the CNS, the brain, and the cause is vascular.
ANORMALITY: Examples of possible causes Deep vein thrombosis, peripheral arterial disease, compartment syndrome, lymphedema, etc.	ANORMALITY: Examples of possible causes Stroke, epilepsy, migraine, TNCM, etc.
Clinical evaluation Checklist acronym: CCMSPRO COLORING HEAT MOBILITY LIMB SENSITIVITY POULS CAPILLARY RETURN (3SEC) ODEME	Clinical evaluation Tools Canadian Neurological Scale (CNS) and Full Outline UnResponsiveness Scale (FOUR) State of consciousness, orientation, signs of delirium Cranial nerve tests (motor and sensory function) Clasp hands and move feet (2 hands / 2 feet) Sensory test (superficial touch) Reflexes, coordination, balance, gait, muscle tone Pupillary reaction to light (normality = PERRL equal round pupils reactive to light OR PERRLA + and accommodation) (both pupils)

Some references:
- Schreiber ML. Neurovascular Assessment: An Essential Nursing Focus. Medsurg Nurs. 2016 Jan-Feb;25(1):55-7. PMID: 27044130.
- Bodman MA, Dreyer MA, Varacallo MA. Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy. 2024 Feb 25. In: StatPearls [Internet]. - Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. PMID: 28723038.
- Jarvis et al, L'examen clinique et l'évaluation de la santé, 3rd edition, Chenelière, 2020
- Hébert et al. Practical handbook of geriatrics
- Lapierre, et al, L'évaluation des pupilles: un incontournable pour la pratique infirmière à la salle d'urgence, Soins d'urgence, published by AIIUQ, November 2022
- Amiot, N., Carrier, J., Pain in the lower limbs: trivial or fatal? Revue Soins d'urgence, Vol. 2, No 2 - November 2021

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