Cranial Nerve Examinations

Question 1

3 ways we evaluate CN I

Answer 1

observe external nose,
observe internal nasal passage,
check sense of smell (testing each nostril separately)

Question 2

5 things to check for CN II

Answer 2

observe the eyes (limbus to lid and limbus to canthi),
visual acuity (near or far),
peripheral vision aka confrontation,
pupillary light reflex,
ophthalmoscopic exam

Question 3

What 2 nerves are simultaneously tested along with CN3?

Answer 3

CN IV and VI

Question 4

4 ways to check CN III, IV, and VI

Answer 4

observe the eye (limbus to lid, limbus to canthi),
corneal light reflex,
pupillary light reflex (may be II or III),
6 cardinal fields of gaze

Question 5

6 ways to check CN V

Answer 5

corneal blink reflex,
light touch sensation on the face,
sharp sensation on the face,
tone and strength of mastication muscles,
jaw jerk reflex,
general sensation of anterior 2/3 of tongue

Question 6

2 ways to check VII

Answer 6

musculature of the face,

taste on anterior 2/3 of the tongue

Question 7

7 ways to test VIII

Answer 7

observe external ears,
observe internal ears,
Rinne test,
Weber test,
Finger rustle,
Schwabach,
Watch tick

Question 8

What CN is simultaneously checked along with CN X

Answer 8

IX

Question 9

3 ways to check IX and X

Answer 9

say Ahhhhh (soft palate should elevate),
Gag reflex (posterior 1/3 of the tongue),
check phonation (K-L-M test)

Question 10

What is the K-L-M test?

Answer 10

have the patient pronounce the sounds “kuh” “la” and “mi”

Question 11

2 ways to check XI

Answer 11

shoulder elevation, 
muscle strength (SCM and traps)

Question 12

2 ways to check XII

Answer 12

stick out tongue (fasciculation, atrophy, deviation),

tongue in cheek test