Cranial Nerve Tests

Question 1

i Olfactory

Answer 1

function: smell
test: test sense of smell on each side (cose off other nostril)

Question 2

II Optic

Answer 2

function: vision
test: testing visual acuity. test each eye separately using snellen eye chart. cover eye and read 20 ft distance.

Question 3

II Optic and III Occulomotor

Answer 3

function: pupillary reflexes
test: testing pupillary reaction (constriction) by shining light in the eye; if abnormal, test near reaction. examine pupillary size and shape.

Question 4

III Oculomotor, IV Trochear, VI Abducens

Answer 4

function: extraocular movements
test: test saccadic (pt is asked to look in each direction) and pursuit eye movement (pt follows moving finger)

Question 5

III Oculomotor

Answer 5

function: medial, inferior, and superior rectus: inferior oblique; turns eye up, down, in. Elevates eyelid.
test: observe position of the eye. test eye movements.

Question 6

IV Trochlear

Answer 6

function: superior oblique: turns eye down when adducted
test: test eye movement

Question 7

VI Abducens

Answer 7

function: lateral rectus: turns eye out
test: observe position of the eye. test eye movements

Question 8

V Trigeminal

Answer 8

function: sensory-face, motor-muscles of mastication
test: palpate temporal and masseter muscles. observe spontaneous movements, Have patient clench teeth, hold against resistance. Test pain, light touch sensations on jaw, cheeks, and forehead with eyes closed. Use wisp of cotton for corneal reflex.

Question 9

VII Facial

Answer 9

function: facial expression
test: test motor function of facial muscles. raise eyebrows, frown. Show teeth, smile. Close eyes tightly. Puff out both cheeks.

Question 10

VIII Vestibulocochlear

Answer 10

function: vestibular function and cochlear function.
test: test balance (VSR) and eye-head coordination (VOR).

Question 11

IX Glossopharyngeal

Answer 11

function: sensoy to posterior 1/3 of tounge, pharynx, and middle ear
test: apply saline solution and sugar solution. not normally tested

Question 12

XI Spinal Accessory

Answer 12

function: motor-trapezius and SCM
test: examine bulk, strength. Shrug both shoulders against resistance. Turn head against resistance each side.

Question 13

XII Hypoglossal

Answer 13

function: tongue movements
test: listen to pts articulation, examine resting position of tongue, and examine tongue movements-move side to side.