Nervous System Flashcards
esthe-
pertaining to: feeling
ex: anesthesia
def: loss of feeling
-gnosia
pertaining to: recognition
ex: agnosia
def: loss of the power to recognize sensory stimuli
myelo-
pertaining to: spinal cord
ex: myelogram
def: radiographic study of the spinal cord
-paresis
pertaining to: weakness
ex: hemiparesis
def: muscular weakness affecting half the body
-plegia
pertaining to: paralysis
ex: ophthalmoplegia
def: paralysis of the eye muscles
radicul(o)-
pertaining to: spinal nerve root
ex: radiculopathy
def: disease of a spinal nerve root
name the 12 cranial nerves
CN I= Olfactory | Oh | Some
CN II= Optic | Oh | Say
CN III= Oculomotor | Oh | Money
CN IV= Trochlear | Tiny | Matters
CN V= Trigeminal | Tits | But
CN VI= Abducens | And | My
CN VII= Facial | Furry | Boyfriend
CN VIII= Vestibulocochlear | Vaginas | Says
CN IX= Glossopharyngeal | Give | Big
CN X= Vagus | Victor | Brains
CN XI= Spinal accessories | A | Matter
CN XII= Hypoglossal | Hardon | Most
Why is it important for all diabetic patients to receive a full neuro exam?
bc they are at high risk for neuropathy
What is neuropathy?
damage/dysfunction of 1+ nerves that typically results in numbness, tingling, muscle weakness and pain in the affected area.
How do you test CN I (olfactory) function?
the smell test
- use coffee beans, or essential oils
- odor 20cm away from pt
- have pt close eyes and block one nostril at a time
Define anosmia
loss of smell
How do you test CN II (optic) function?
hint: there are 3 tests
1) visual acuity test (snellen chart)
2) visual field test
3) pupillary light reflex
How do you test CN III (oculomotor) function?
pupillary light reflex test (should be able to see both direct and consensual constriction in pupils if CN III is intact)
Pupillary light reflex test assesses 2 nerves. What are they?
CN II (optic, sensory) - light gets in eye and goes through the optic nerve
CN III (oculomotor, motor) - constriction of pupils
What muscles does CN III (oculomotor) control?
hint: extraocular muscles (some)
superior rectus
medial rectus
inferior rectus
inferior oblique
What muscle does CN IV (trochlear) control?
superior oblique muscle
What muscle does CN VI (abducens) control?
lateral rectus muscle
How do you test CN V (trigeminal) SENSORY function?
hint: there are 2 tests
1) Corneal cotton swab test
2) Cotton swab test on the 3 trigeminal divisions
How do you test CN V (trigeminal) MOTOR function?
have pt clench teeth as you palpate masseter muscle
if jaw deviates to one side, CN V is affected (pt does not feel any pain)
How big is CN V (trigeminal)? What does it span?
huge nerve that spans the entire face and head
What are the 3 divisions of the CN V (trigeminal)?
ophthalmic, maxillary, and mandibular division
If you have shooting or stabbing pain around, in, or both of maxillary and mandibular division, this indicates….
trigeminal neuralgia
also called tic douloureux
Describe the cotton swab test on the 3 trigeminal divisions
have pt close eyes and take a wisp of cotton or gauze
gently brush on:
1) L/R of forehead (ophthalmic division)
2) L/R of cheeks (maxillary division)
3) L/R of jaw (mandibular division)
The motor branch of CN V (trigeminal) innervates what?
the muscles of mastication (temporalis and masseter muscle)
How do you test CN VII (facial) MOTOR function?
hint: there are 2 tests
1) have pt make facial expressions (smile, show teeth, frown, resting face, puff cheeks)
2) have pt close eyes, and see if you can force them open with your fingers
What is the sensory function of CN VII (facial)?
provides taste sensation to anterior 2/3 of the tongue
The motor branches of CN VII (facial) innervate….
orbicularis oculi (muscle that closes the eyes)
How do you test CN VIII (vestibulocochlear) function?
1) hearing acuity tests (whisper technique & finger rubbing technique)
2) hearing loss tests (Weber test and Rinne test)
Which two cranial nerves are responsible for keeping the uvula elevated and in midline?
CN IX (glossopharyngeal) and CN X (vagus)
What are the functions of CN IX (glossopharyngeal)?
Sensory function: taste sensation to posterior 1/3 of tongue
Motor: keep uvula elevated and in midline
What are the functions of CN X (vagus)?
responsible for gag reflex and keeping the uvula elevated/ midline
How do you test CN XI (spinal accessory) function?
hint: there are 2 tests
have pt laterally rotate head against your resistance
have pt shrug shoulders against your resistance
The spinal accessory nerve (CN XI) innervates….
SCM and trapezius muscles
How do you test XII (hypoglossal) function?
have pt stick out tongue; it should be midline
look out for: contractures, fasciculations, or scalloping on tongue