Cranial Nerve Examination Flashcards
How do you test the function of CN I (olfactory)
Ask pt if they’ve noticed any changes to their smell
How do you test the function of CN II (optic)
4 components: in each eye
visual acuity, pupillary reflex (direct, consensual, accommodation), fundoscopy, and visual fields
How do you test the function of CN III, IV, VI (oculomotor, trochlear, abducens)
Assess eye movements with “H” motion - ask if there is any double vision and look for nystagmus
How do you test the function of CN V (trigeminal)
SENSORY: Test facial sensation in the three trigeminal regions, ask pt if it feels same on both sides, corneal reflex
MOTOR: test muscles of mastication (ask pt to clench jaw and feel), test pterigoids (ask pt to open mouth and move jaw side to side against resistance), jaw jerk
How do you test the function of CN VII (facial)
Ask pt to do the following against resistance: raise eyebrows, squeeze eyes shut,
Ask to show teeth, blow out cheeks and keep them there
How do you test the function of CN VIII (vestibulocochlear)
Ask pt if they’ve had any hearing problems and test this on both sides
Rinne’s test: tuning fork in air and mastoid process (air should be louder)
Weber’s test: tuning fork in center of forehead ask if pt can hear it equally both sides or louder in one ear
How do you test the function of CN IX and V (glossopharyngeal and vagus)
Ask pt to cough
Ask pt to open mouth and say ‘ah’ - palate should rise equally on both sides
How do you test the function of CN XI (accessory)
Supplies trapezius and sternocleidomastoid so ask pt to shrug shoulders against resistance, and move head side to side against resistance
How do you test the function of CN XII (hypoglossal)
Ask pt to stick tongue out and look for any wasting, then ask to move side to side
Ask pt to push tongue against cheek whilst you try resist this
