Nerve Conditions

CNI - Olfactory

Anosmia - loss of smell, test smell

CNII - Optic

Anopsia - visual defects, test vision

CNIII - Occulomotor

Upper eyelid droop, pupil constriction, eye movement, dilated eye, eye will move inferiorly and laterally

CNIV - Trochlear

Strabismus, double vision, eye will not move inferiorly

CNV - Trigeminal

Loss of sensation and pain in region, loss of motor function of mastication. Test patient by biting down or skin on feather. 

CNVI - Abducent

Inability to move eye laterally, diplopia. Test eye movements

CNVII - Facial

Paralysis of face muscles, abnormal taste from first 2/3 of tongue, dry eye, decreased salivation, Bell’s palsy. Test patient smile, blink, and squint

CNVIII - Vestibulocochlear

Hearing loss, tinnitus, loss of balance and nausea

CNIX - Glossopharyngeal

Reduces saliva production, loss of taste on posterior 1/3 of tongue

CNX - Vagus

Soft palate deviation, vocal cord paralysis, test for hoarseness/monotone/loss of voice , difficulty swallowing, gag reflex

CNXI - Accessory

Paralysis of trapezius and sternocleidomastoid, test patient shrug and turn head

CNXII - Hypoglossal

Difficult speech and swallowing, tongue deviation, test patient tongue deviation toward affected side.

Corneal (Blink) Reflex

Afferent: Trigeminal V1

Efferent: Facial

Gag Reflex

Afferent: Glossopharyngeal

Efferent: Vagus

Pupillary (Light) Reflex

Afferent: Optic

Efferent: Occulomotor