Cranial nerves Flashcards
- CN VIII
(Vestibulocochlear)
Voice Whisper test
tests each ear
blocks ear that is not being tested
- CN IX & X :
(Glossopharyngeal) + (Vagus)
o Assess uvula movement and gag reflex by asking the patient to say “Ahh.”
o Uvula deviates away from the weak side.
- CN XII :
(Hypoglossal)
o Stick out tongue and move side to side; tongue deviates toward weakness.
CN XI :
accessory
o Ask the patient to shrug shoulders and turn head against resistance.
- CN II
(Optic):
a. Testing visual acuity or using Snellen chart or using Jaegar chart
(can start midway down chart)
covers eye not being tested
tests both eyes separately
places chart at appropriate distance from patient (about 2 times length of chart away from
patient’s nose)
b. Visual fields by confrontation
covers eye not being tested
tests both eyes separately
proper technique: at eye level with patient, covering same eye as patient, but with opposite hand
test all four directions (superiorly, nasally, inferiorly, temporally)
- CN III IV VI
(Oculomotor), IV (Trochlear), VI (Abducens):
a. Cardinal fields of gaze
a. Tests 6 different points
b. PERRLA
a. Pupils Equal & Round
b. Reactive to Light & Accommodation
- CN I
(Olfactory):
o Test with distinct scents (e.g., cinnamon or coffee) on each nostril.
o Patient identifies the smell.
- CN V
(Trigeminal):
o Sensory: Test light touch (cotton swab) across forehead, cheek, and jaw. Ask if sensation feels the same on both sides.
o Motor: Ask the patient to clench their jaw and resist opening against force. Also the temporal
- CN VII
(Facial):
o Motor: Raise eyebrows, close eyes tightly, puff cheeks, show teeth. Check for asymmetry or weakness.
o Corneal Reflex: Gently touch cornea (blinking indicates normal response).
o Sensory: Test taste using flavored liquids on various parts of the tongue.
