Pons CNs

Question 1

Which 4 CNs arise from the pons?

Answer 1

Trigeminal, abducens, facial, vestibulocochlear

Question 2

What 3 pathologies can affect the trigeminal nerve?

Answer 2

Trigeminal neuralgia, shingles, corneal reflex

Question 3

What is the course of the abducens nerve? What fibres does it carry?

Answer 3

Pons, through cavernous sinus into SOF. M

Question 4

What is the function of the abducens nerve? Test? How may it be damaged, how will pts present?

Answer 4

LR6- lateral rectus. Test eye movements.
Raised ICP (runs under surface of pons), diplopia

Question 5

What is the course of the vestibulocochlear nerve what fibres does it carry? What is its function?

Answer 5

Pons through IAM and terminates in inner ear (branches to cochlear and semicircular canals). S. Hearing and balance

Question 6

How do you test the function of the vestibulocochlear nerve? What could pathology here cause?

Answer 6

Rinne’s and Weber’s test, hearing.

Hearing loss, vertigo/tinnitus, acoustic neuroma