Crainial Nerve Injuries In TBI

Question 1

Most frequently affected CN in TBI

Answer 1

1, 7, 8 (olfactory, facial, vestibulocochlear)

Question 2

Anosmia vs dysnosmia vs hyposmia vs parosmia vs cacosmia

Answer 2

Anosmia - no sense of smell
Dysnosmia - impaired sense of smell
Hyposmia - partial loss of smell
Parosmia - smelling something in absence of stimulus
Cacosmia - smelling something nasty in absence of stimulus

Question 3

Physical exam findings of CN II transection: pupillary response

Answer 3

Pupil is dilated and unreactive to light but reactive to light stimulus to the opposite eye.

Question 4

What is the only CN that can be affected in mild TBI

Answer 4

CN I - olfactory

Question 5

What part of the tongue does the facial nerve innervate

Answer 5

Taste sensation to anterior 2/3 of tongue