Trigeminal

Question 1

How do you test the sensory function of this nerve?

Answer 1

1. Ask patient to close eyes
2. Use cotton wool, lightly touch the different areas of the trigeminal nerve branches and ask the patient to say “yes” every time they feel it
3. Compare the left with the right and the upper and lower regions

Question 2

How to elicit the corneal response

Answer 2

Lightly touch the cornea with cotton wool, ensure the patient has consented and is made aware.

assess if there is a consensual blink reaction

Question 3

How to test motor function

Answer 3

Ask patient to grit teeth
Compare the muscles of mastication on both sides, upper and lower
(masseter and mandibular)

Question 4

How to elicit the jaw jerk

Answer 4

1. Patient opens mouth slightly
2. place index finger on patient’s chin
3. use a tendon hammer underneath your index finger
4. observe the contraction of pterygoid muscles and therefore mouth closure (normal response)

reflex becomes pathologically brisk with UMN lesions