Hypoglossal and Accessory Nerve

Question 1

How would you test the motor function of the hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)?

Answer 1

Ask the patient to stick their tongue out and look for any deviation from the midline.

Question 2

How will the tongue deviate in the event of a hypoglossal lesion?

Answer 2

The tongue will deviate TOWARDS the side of the lesion

Question 3

How do you test the motor function of the accessory nerve (CN XI)?

Answer 3

Place the back of your hand on one side of their face. Ask the patient to look to one side while you resist that movement with your hand. You can observe the sternocleidomastoid muscle working here too. Repeat on the other side.