Cranial Nerves Flashcards
What is CN IV?
Trochlear
What is cranial nerve III?
Occulomotor
What is CN V?
Trigeminal
How is CN: Olfavtory typically assessed?
Having the patient identify a sniff of a strong, familiar odor.
How is CN: Optic assessed?
Have the patient look at the bridge of your nose and acknowledge when an object presented from the periphery of each visual field is seen. Also have the patient read a Snellen chart from 20 feet (can be substituted for a newspaper).
Where do visual field defects originate?
Lesions of the optic nerve, optic chiasm, or tracts that extend through the temporal, occipital or parietal lobes.
What 3 CN’s all work to move the eye and are tested together?
Oculomotor, trochlear and abducens
How are the Oculomotor, Trochlear and Abducens nerves assessed?
By asking the patient to follow your finger as it moves horizontally and vertically (in a “N” shape in the air)
What abnormalities might be noted while testing the Oculomotor, Trochlear and Abducens nerves?
- Disconjugate gaze (eyes not moving together)
2. Nystagmus (rapid, fine jerking movements)
How is CN: Trigeminal tested?
Having the patient identify light touch and pinprick in the 3 nerve divisions (ophthalmic, maxillary and mandibular)
How is CN: Facial tested?
Have patient raise eyebrows, close eyes tightly, purse the lips, and draw back corners of the mouth in an exaggerated smile and frown
How is CN: acoustic tested?
Have the patient close their eyes and indicate when a ticking watch or rustling fingertips is heard
How are CN: Glossopharyngeal and Vagus tested?
Test the gag reflex. If pt is awake, have them say “ah” and note symmetry of the palate
How is CN: Spinal Accessory assessed?
Have pt shrug the shoulders and turn head to either side
How is CN: hypoglossal tested?
Have pt stick out their tongue (should be midline)
