Cranial Nerve Clinical Manifestations

Question 0

Spasmodic Torticollis

Answer 0

Begins in adulthood.

Characteristics of this disorder are sustained turning, tilting, flexing, or extending of the neck.

Question 1

Congenital Torticollis

Answer 1

Contraction or shortening of the cervical muscles that produces a shortening of the cervical muscles that produces twisting of the neck and slanting of the head.

A hematoma can occur that may develop into a fibrotic mass that entraps a branch of the spinal accessory nerve (XI).

Question 2

Subclavian Vein Puncture

Answer 2

Often a point of entry to the venous system for central line placement to administer fluids and medications and to measure central venous pressure.

If the needle is not inserted carefully, it may puncture the pleura and lung resulting in pneumothorax. If inserted too far posteriorly, it may enter the subclavian artery.

Question 3

Right Cardiac Catheterization

Answer 3

Used to take measurements of pressures in the right chambers of the heart. Can introduce a catheter through the right braciocephalic vein into the superior vena cava and the right side of the heart.

Question 4

Prominence of External Jugular Vein

Answer 4

EJV serves as an internal barometer. When venous pressure rises the vein is prominent throughout its course along the side of the neck so routine observation of the EJVs during physical examination may give diagnostic signs of heart failure, SVC obstruction, enlarged supraclavicular lymph nodes, or increased intrathoracic pressure.

Question 5

Severance of External Jugular Vein

Answer 5

A venous air embolism can form if the EJV is severed along the posterior border of the SCM which will fill the right side of the ehart with froth and nearly stops blood flow through it. The end result is dyspnea.