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Cranial Nerve Assessment Guide

The document provides information on the 12 cranial nerves, including their classification (sensory, motor, or both), major functions, and suggested assessment methods. For each nerve, it lists functions and ways to test those functions, such as having the patient identify scents, read, or follow objects with their eyes. Assessment methods include visual acuity and field tests, eye movement examinations, and tests of facial sensation, expression and strength.

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MeLissa Pearl Guillermo
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12 views2 pages

Cranial Nerve Assessment Guide

The document provides information on the 12 cranial nerves, including their classification (sensory, motor, or both), major functions, and suggested assessment methods. For each nerve, it lists functions and ways to test those functions, such as having the patient identify scents, read, or follow objects with their eyes. Assessment methods include visual acuity and field tests, eye movement examinations, and tests of facial sensation, expression and strength.

Uploaded by

MeLissa Pearl Guillermo
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Nerve I Olfactory

Classification Sensory

Major functions Smell

Assessment Have patient identify a familiar scent with eyes closed (usually deferred). Have patient read from a card or newspaper, one eye at a time. Test visual fields by having patient cover one eye, focus on your nose, and identify the number of fingers youre holding up in each of four visual quadrants. Check pupillary responses by shining a bright light on one pupil; both pupils should constrict. Do the same for the other eye. To check accommodation, move your finger toward the patients nose; the pupils should constrict and converge. Check EOMs by having patient look up, down, laterally, and diagonally. Have patient look down and in.

II Optic

Sensory

Vision (acuity and field of vision); pupil reactivity to light and accommodation (afferent impulse)

III Oculomotor

Motor

Eyelid elevation; most EOMs; pupil size and reactivity (efferent impulse)

IV Trochlear

Motor

EOM (turns eye downward and laterally) Chewing; facial and mouth sensation; corneal reflex (sensory)

V Trigeminal

Both

Ask patient to hold the mouth open while you try to close it and to move the jaw laterally against your hand. With patients eyes closed, touch her face with cotton and have her identify the area touched. In comatose patients, brush the cornea with a wisp of cotton; the patient should blink. Have patient move the eyes from side to side. Ask patient to smile, raise eyebrows, and keep eyes and lips closed while you try to open them. Have patient identify salt or sugar placed on the tongue (usually deferred). To test hearing, use tuning fork or rub your fingers, place a ticking watch, or whisper near each ear.

VI Abducens

Motor

EOM (turns eye laterally) Facial expression; taste; corneal reflex (motor); eyelid and lip closure

VII Facial

Both

VIII Acoustic

Sensory

Hearing; equilibrium

Equilibrium testing is usually deferred. IX Glossopharyngeal Both Gagging and swallowing (sensory); taste Touch back of throat with sterile tongue depressor or cotton-tipped applicator. Have patient swallow. Assess gag and swallowing with CN IX. Assess vocal quality.

X Vagus

Both

Gagging and swallowing (motor); speech (phonation) Shoulder movement; head rotation

XI Spinal accessory

Motor

Have patient shrug shoulders and turn head from side to side (not routinely tested). Have patient stick out tongue and move it internally from cheek to cheek. Assess articulation.

XII Hypoglossal

Motor

Tongue movement; speech (articulation)

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