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Cranial Nerve Assessment

Cranial Nerve Assessment

Nerve
Name
Function
Test
I
S
Olfactory
Smell
Ask Pt to identify familiar
odors (e.g., coffee,
peppermint).
II
S
Optic
Visual
acuity
Visual field
Assess visual acuity using a
Snellen, or similar, eye chart.
Assess peripheral vision.
III
M
Oculomotor
Pupillary
reaction
Assess pupils for equality
and reactivity to light.
IV
M
Trochlear
Eye movement
Have Pt follow your
finger without moving
his or her head.
V
B
Trigeminal
Facial
sensation
Muscles of
mastication
Touch the face and
assess for sharp and
dull sensation.
Have Pt hold mouth
open.
VI
M
Abducens
Abduction of
the eye
Have Pt follow your
finger without moving
his or her head.
VII
B
Facial
Facial
expression
Sense of taste
Have Pt smile, wrinkle
face, puff cheeks.
Ask Pt to differentiate
between sweet and
salty taste.
VIII
S
Acoustic
Hearing
Balance
Snap fingers close to Pt’s
ears.
Feet together, arms at
side with eyes closed
for 5 seconds.
IX
B
Glossopharyngeal
Swallowing
and voice
Have Pt swallow and
then say “AH.”
X
B
Vagus
Gag reflex
Use tongue depressor or
swab to elicit gag
reflex.
XI
M
Spinal
Accessory
Neck motion
Have Pt shrug shoulders
or turn head against
resistance.
XII
M
Hypoglossal
Tongue
movement
and strength
Have Pt stick out tongue
and move it from side
to side.

S Sensory only; M Motor only; B Both sensory and motor

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