Head to toe: cranial nerves

Question 1

CN II

Answer 1

Optic

-Visual acuity, visual fields, assess pupils, fundoscopic exam, +/- color vision

Question 2

CN III

Answer 2

Oculomotor

-extraocular eye movements, nystagmus, efferent limb of pupillary light response

Question 3

CN IV

Answer 3

Trochlear

-movement of superior oblique

Question 4

CN V

Answer 4

Trigeminal
-sensation above supraorbital ridge (v1), maxilla (V2), mandible (V3), test corneal light reflex (afferent limb), assess motor function: temporalis, masseter, pterygoids, jaw jerk reflex

Question 5

CN VI

Answer 5

Abducens

-test movement of lateral rectus

Question 6

CN VII

Answer 6

Facial

• sensorimotor function of muscles of facial expression, efferent limb of corneal reflex
• special visceral efferent - stapedius (hyperacusis)
• general visceral efferent -tears and saliva
• special visceral afferent - taste to anterior 2/3 of tongue

Question 7

CN VIII

Answer 7

Vestibulocochlear

• vestibular function: nystagmus
• Cochlear function: whisper test, Weber, Rinne

Question 8

CN IX

Answer 8

Glossopharyngeal

-assess vocal cord function and gag reflex

Question 9

CN X

Answer 9

Vagus
-assess vocal cord function (“ga” and “ka”), gag reflex, observe uvula for deviation and palatal elevation, assess swallowing

Question 10

CN XI

Answer 10

Accessory

• assess strength of trapezius with shoulder shrug
• assess SCM with head turn

Question 11

CN XII

Answer 11

Hypoglossal

-inspect tongue for lateral deviation, atrophy, fasciculation, asymmetry of movement