Cranial Nerves: Neurological Exam (Video Notes)

Vocabulary flashcards focusing on the cranial nerves and key exam maneuvers described in the video notes.

Olfactory nerve (CN I)

Sense of smell; tested by having the patient identify odors with eyes closed.

Optic nerve (CN II)

Vision; tested with visual acuity (e.g., Snellen chart) and visual field confrontation.

Oculomotor nerve (CN III)

Motor to most extraocular muscles and pupil constriction; assessed via pupil size/reaction and eyelid opening.

Trochlear nerve (CN IV)

Motor to the superior oblique muscle; tested by tracking eye movements downward and inward (down and in).

Trigeminal nerve (CN V)

Motor to muscles of mastication and sensory to the face (cheeks, chin, forehead); tested with facial sensation and jaw movements.

Abducens nerve (CN VI)

Motor to the lateral rectus; tested by lateral eye movements (follow object side to side).

Facial nerve (CN VII)

Motor to facial muscles; tested by facial expressions (frowning, smiling, raising brows, puffing cheeks, closing eyes).

Vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII)

Hearing and balance; tested by whisper test and gait/balance assessment.

Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)

Sensory to the oropharynx and posterior tongue; tested via gag reflex and ability to swallow; observe pharyngeal movement when saying ah.

Vagus nerve (CN X)

Motor to pharynx and larynx; tested via gag reflex, swallowing, and soft palate movement/phonation.

Spinal accessory nerve (CN XI)

Motor to sternocleidomastoid and trapezius; tested by shoulder shrug against resistance and head rotation."

Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)

Motor to the tongue; tested by sticking out the tongue (midline) and moving it side to side.