Clinical - Cranial Nerve Testing

Question 1

When testing the vagus nerve we can look at the uvula whilst the patient is saying ‘ahhh’.

The uvula is pulling towards the left hand side. What side is affected?

Answer 1

RHS

Uvula is pulled away from non-functioning side

Question 2

How is the spinal accessory nerve tested?

Answer 2

Shrug shoulders

Ask to turn head and look up towards opposite side

Question 3

What nerve is tested by protruding tongue?

The tongue is deviating towards the right hand side, what side is the pathology on?

Answer 3

Hypoglossal

Right hand side (left side is stronger and hence sticks further out giving the appearance of veering towards the right)