Cranial nerves

Question 1

CN1 Olfactory

Answer 1

function: smell
test: smelling coffee grounds

Question 2

CN2 Optic

Answer 2

function: vision
Test: snellen chart

Question 3

CN3 Oculomotor

Answer 3

function: eye movement of superior/middle/inferior rectus, inferior oblique, and levator palpebrae
test: patient follow you drawing two adjoining H’s in the air

Question 4

CN4 Trochlear

Answer 4

function: motor to superior oblique muscle of eye
test: patient follow you drawing two adjoining H’s in the air

Question 5

CN5 Trigeminal

Answer 5

function: general sensation
test: touch face with cotton swab, then blunt pin in 3 places on each side of face (jaw, cheek, forehead)

Question 6

CN6 Abducens

Answer 6

function: eye movement of lateral rectus
test: patient follow you drawing two adjoining H’s in the air

Question 7

CN7 Facial

Answer 7

function: facial expressions
test: crease forehead, puff cheeks, reveal teeth, keep eyes closed against resistance

Question 8

CN8 Vestibulocochlear

Answer 8

function: hearing and balance
test: vibration from tuning fork against forehead and mastoid process

Question 9

CN9 Glossopharyngeal

Answer 9

function: swallowing
test: gag reflex

Question 10

CN10 Vagus

Answer 10

function: initial part of swallowing
test: observe uvula while patient says “ahhh”

Question 11

CN11 Accessory

Answer 11

function: movement of head and shoulders
test: shrug/turn head against resistance

Question 12

CN12 Hypoglossal

Answer 12

function: tongue movement
test: do tongue movements (like sticking tongue out)