Biology: Cranial Nerve Assessment
CRANIAL NERVE EXAMINATION
DIAGNOSTICS (EMCO4Y2)
MR B. VAN NUGTEREN
23 JULY 2015
RYNHARDT RADEMAN
201403200
TABLE OF CONTENTS
• Introduction and how to perform the cranial nerve assessment Pg 2
• Olfactory and optic nerves Pg 3
• Oculomotor nerves Pg 4
• Trigeminal and facial nerves Pg 5
• Vestibulocochlear, glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves Pg 6
• Accessory and hypoglossal nerves Pg 7 CRANIAL NERVE EXAMINATION …show more content…
There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves and they can be seen on the ventral surface of the brain. Each nerve has got a specific name that is either related to its appearance or function. They have got a number assigned to it which corresponds to its position along the longitudinal axis of the brain starting at the cerebrum. Each cranial nerve attaches to the brain near the associated sensory or motor nuclei. (1) Each cranial nerve is classified into a specific group such as; sensory, special sensory, motor or mixed which will each perform a different function and carry different forms of information. The cranial nerve assessment has been undermined due to modern imaging modalities where in the past it was essential in order to find and diagnose specific lesions(2) although saying this, a Cranial nerve examination still forms part of a complete neurological assessment and needs to be performed. The reason for the cranial nerve examination is to identify problems with the cranial nerves by means of a physical examination. In order for a full examination to take place all 12 pairs of cranial nerves need to be tested in their own specific way that is related to their …show more content…
Sensory function needs to be assessed if one suspects cranial neuropathy or a brain stem lesion. (4)
1. Testing the palatal elevation: Ask the patient to say “ah”, you are then able to assess for a full and symmetrical elevation of the palate. One side may be weaker than the other and it may not elevate and will be pulled towards the strong side indicating an abnormality.
2. Assess the gag reflex(this is testing the afferent portion of cranial nerve IX and the efferent portion of cranial nerve X)(4): (ensure to explain this test to the patient and explain to them that this will be a bit uncomfortable) Using a cotton swab, tongue blade or q tip gently touch the back of the pharynx and the normal response is for the patient to gag.
3. Test the sensory function by lightly touching the soft palate with the tip of a cotton swab and ask if the patient felt it.
4. During the examination and while talking to the patient ensure to listen carefully to your patients quality of voice by listening for hoarseness which may suggest laryngeal weakness.
• Accessory Nerves
DIAGNOSTICS (EMCO4Y2)
MR B. VAN NUGTEREN
23 JULY 2015
RYNHARDT RADEMAN
201403200
TABLE OF CONTENTS
• Introduction and how to perform the cranial nerve assessment Pg 2
• Olfactory and optic nerves Pg 3
• Oculomotor nerves Pg 4
• Trigeminal and facial nerves Pg 5
• Vestibulocochlear, glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves Pg 6
• Accessory and hypoglossal nerves Pg 7 CRANIAL NERVE EXAMINATION …show more content…
There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves and they can be seen on the ventral surface of the brain. Each nerve has got a specific name that is either related to its appearance or function. They have got a number assigned to it which corresponds to its position along the longitudinal axis of the brain starting at the cerebrum. Each cranial nerve attaches to the brain near the associated sensory or motor nuclei. (1) Each cranial nerve is classified into a specific group such as; sensory, special sensory, motor or mixed which will each perform a different function and carry different forms of information. The cranial nerve assessment has been undermined due to modern imaging modalities where in the past it was essential in order to find and diagnose specific lesions(2) although saying this, a Cranial nerve examination still forms part of a complete neurological assessment and needs to be performed. The reason for the cranial nerve examination is to identify problems with the cranial nerves by means of a physical examination. In order for a full examination to take place all 12 pairs of cranial nerves need to be tested in their own specific way that is related to their …show more content…
Sensory function needs to be assessed if one suspects cranial neuropathy or a brain stem lesion. (4)
1. Testing the palatal elevation: Ask the patient to say “ah”, you are then able to assess for a full and symmetrical elevation of the palate. One side may be weaker than the other and it may not elevate and will be pulled towards the strong side indicating an abnormality.
2. Assess the gag reflex(this is testing the afferent portion of cranial nerve IX and the efferent portion of cranial nerve X)(4): (ensure to explain this test to the patient and explain to them that this will be a bit uncomfortable) Using a cotton swab, tongue blade or q tip gently touch the back of the pharynx and the normal response is for the patient to gag.
3. Test the sensory function by lightly touching the soft palate with the tip of a cotton swab and ask if the patient felt it.
4. During the examination and while talking to the patient ensure to listen carefully to your patients quality of voice by listening for hoarseness which may suggest laryngeal weakness.
• Accessory Nerves