Test the general sensory function of the three divisions of the trigeminal nerve (ophthalmic, maxillary and mandibular

Question 1

Describe and demonstrate how to test the general function of the 3 divisions of the trigeminal nerve

Answer 1

• Tell the patient “I’m going to test the sensation of different regions of your face with a blunt pin, I’l need you to close your eyes and say ‘yes’ whenever you feel it touching you”
• There are sensory dermatome regions on the face provided by the different divisions of the trigeminal nerve (opthalmic, maxillary and mandibular)
• Place the neurotip on the different dermatomes, on both sides of the face for each point - the forehead for the opthalmic division, the cheekbone area below the eye for maxillary division and at any 2 points along the mandible
• At the end, ask the patient if they felt the same feeling on both sides