Cranial Nerve Examination

Question 1

How do you test CN 1?

Answer 1

Not normally tested, smell

Question 2

What tests should you perform to test CN2, 3, 4, 6?

Answer 2

Inspect pupil
Pupillary reflexes- swing light with other eye shielded for reflexes
Accommodation reflex- look at distant object and focus on finger
Visual acuity
Visual fields- Remember all quadrants, white pin
Blind spot- red pin
Eye movements- ask about double vision
Cover test- look at R eye, cover L eye

Question 3

How do you test CN5?

Answer 3

Clench teeth, oppose jaw movement
Jaw jerk reflex
Check sensory divisions with cotton wool, then neurotips

Question 4

How do you test CNVII?

Answer 4

Show teeth, purse lips, blow out cheeks, open eyes wide, close eyes tight, raise eyebrows
Attempt to pull eyelids apart
Attempt to pull eyebrows down
Attempt to squash blown out cheeks

Question 5

How do you test CNVIII?

Answer 5

Rub fingers and see when they can no longer hear
Rinne’s and Webers
Test gait
Nystagmus

Question 6

How do you test CNIX and X?

Answer 6

Inspect uvula for deviation, say ahhhhq

Question 7

How do you test CN XI?

Answer 7

Oppose head turning, inspect opposite side SCM

Oppose shrugging of shoulders

Question 8

How do you test CNXII?

Answer 8

Stick tongue out and inspect

Oppose tongue stuck in the mucosa of cheek