Cranial Nerves Assesments

Question 1

Which CN Nerve examines olfactory acuity using non-noxious odors such as lemon oil, coffee, cloves or tobacco.

Answer 1

CN I (Oflactory)

Question 2

Which CN is examined for visual acuity using a Snellen chart; both central and peripheral vision is tested.

Answer 2

CN II (Optic)

Question 3

Which CN’s are determined by equality and size of pupils; reaction to light; presence of strabismus (loss of ocular alignment); ability of eyes to follow a moving target without head movement; presence of ptosis of eyelid.

Answer 3

CN III, IV, VI (Oculomotor, Trochlear, Abducens)

Question 4

Which CN is a sensory tests of face (sharp/dull discrimination, light touch); open and close jaw against resistance; jaw jerk reflex?

Answer 4

CN V (Trigeminal)

Question 5

Which CN examines any asymmetry of the face at rest and during voluntary contraction?

Answer 5

CN VII (Facial)

Question 6

Which CN test utilizes auditory acuity using a vibrating tuning fork (Weber test) placed on the vertex of skull or forehead, patient indicates on which side the tone is louder; rub fingers together at a distance and gradually bring toward patient, note distance when first heard; alter volume of conversation; Rinne test (conductive hearing loss) vibrating tuning fork placed on mastoid process, then near external ear canal, note hearing acuity.

Answer 6

CN VIII (Vestibular Cochlear)

Question 7

Which CN test examines taste on the posterior one-third of tongue; examines gag reflex?

Answer 7

CN lX (Glossopharyngeal)

Question 8

Which CN examines swallowing; observes uvula and soft palate for any asymmetry (tongue depressor)?

Answer 8

CN X (Vagus)

Question 9

Which CN examines strength of the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles?

Answer 9

CN Xl (Spinal Accessory)

Question 10

Which CN test with tongue protruded, examines ability to move tongue rapidly from side to side?

Answer 10

CN Xll (Hypoglossal)