Tests for Cranial Nerves 1-12

CN 1

Olfactory: identifying smells; vials of spices

CN 2

Optic: using snellen chart to test vision

CN 3

Oculomotor: use penlight to test for pupil constriction

CN 4

Trochlear: tested with oculomotor; ability to follow objects with your eyes

CN 5

Trigeminal: corneal reflex tested with cotton ball

CN 6

Abducens: subject turns eye laterally to the right or left

CN 7

Facial: raise eyebrows, show teeth, smile

CN 8

Vestibulocochlear (auditory): Weber and Rinne tests or Otoscope; hearing and balance

CN 9

Glossopharyngeal: swallowing and phonation

CN 10

Vagus: gas reflexes; stimulate back of pharynx with a tongue blade

CN 11

Spinal Accessory: shoulder movement (shoulder shrug), head rotation (push against examiner’s hand)

CN 12

Hypoglossal: tongue movement (protrude tongue), push tongue into cheek