Cranial Nerve Examination

Introduction

• Presenter: Sabrina, Student Physical Therapist
• Objective: Perform a cranial nerve examination to ensure proper functioning

Cranial Nerve I: Olfactory Nerve

• Test: Smell identification
  • Close eyes, cover one nostril
  • Identify scents presented
• Normal Finding: Ability to distinguish smells
• Abnormal Finding: Inability to smell

Cranial Nerve II: Optic Nerve

• Test: Vision test using a Snellen chart
  • Cover one eye and read lines on the chart
• Normal Finding: Ability to focus and read lines
• Abnormal Finding: Difficulty in reading lines

Cranial Nerve III: Oculomotor Nerve

• Test: Pupil reaction to light
  • Use pen light to check pupil constriction
• Normal Finding: Pupils constrict in response to light
• Abnormal Finding: No pupil response

Cranial Nerve IV: Trochlear Nerve

• Test: Smooth pursuit
  • Follow a pen with eyes through a pattern
• Normal Finding: Smooth eye movements

Cranial Nerve V: Trigeminal Nerve

• Test: Sensation test
  • Use dull and sharp stimuli on the face
  • Identify sensation as dull or sharp
• Normal Finding: Ability to distinguish sensations

Cranial Nerve VI: Abducens Nerve

• Test: Saccade movement
  • Follow pen and finger with eyes without moving head
• Normal Finding: Smooth transition without overshooting

Cranial Nerve VII: Facial Nerve

• Test: Facial movements
  • Raise eyebrows, close eyes, smile, frown, puff cheeks
• Normal Finding: Ability to complete movements symmetrically
• Abnormal Finding: Asymmetry or inability to perform movements

Cranial Nerve VIII: Vestibulocochlear Nerve

• Test: Hearing
  • Identify sound direction with eyes closed
• Normal Finding: Ability to hear and identify direction
• Abnormal Finding: Hearing loss

Cranial Nerve IX: Glossopharyngeal Nerve

• Test: Taste test
  • Taste different liquids on the posterior third of the tongue
• Normal Finding: Ability to distinguish tastes
• Abnormal Finding: Inability to taste

Cranial Nerve X: Vagus Nerve

• Test: Uvula movement
  • Say "ah" and observe for symmetrical roof of the mouth
• Normal Finding: Symmetrical movement
• Abnormal Finding: Asymmetry

Cranial Nerve XI: Accessory Nerve

• Test: Shoulder and head movement
  • Raise shoulders, turn head against resistance
• Normal Finding: No atrophy, normal muscle function

Cranial Nerve XII: Hypoglossal Nerve

• Test: Tongue movement
  • Stick out tongue, move it left and right
• Normal Finding: Symmetrical tongue movement
• Abnormal Finding: Asymmetrical movement or deviation

Conclusion

• Examination Completion: All cranial nerves tested for normal function and any abnormalities.