What is the mnemonic used for cranial nerves?
On Old Olympus Towering Tops, A Finn and German Viewed Some Hops
What is the mnemonic to remember the function of the cranial nerves?
Some Say Marry Money But, My Brother Says Big Brains Matter Most
What is CN I?
Olfactory (On)
Tested: use familiar scent i.e. peppermint/coffee
Block one nostril at a time
What is CN II?
Optic (Old)
Test: visual field- patient stands about 2 feet in front of examiner and covers their left or right eye
peripheral visual field-
central distance- Snellen chart ( 20 feet away)
What is CN III?
Oculomotor (Olympus)
CN III, IV, VI are usually tested together
Test: EOM
look for ptosis by standing 2 ft in front of patient as they fixate gaze on examiner’s hand. Instruct patient to follow finger- observe for nystagmus ( horizontal quick movements of eye in direction alternate with slower movements of eyes in opposite direction
Test pupillary function
What is CN IV?
Trochlear (Towering)
down and inward eye movement
What is CN V?
Trigeminal (Tops)
Muscles of mastication
Test- by lightly touching the forehead area, cheek, and chin, have pt. close their eyes while testing if they can feel sensation and location
What is CN VI?
Abducens (A)
Lateral eye movement
Test done with CNIII
What is CN VII?
Facial (Finn)
controls the facial muscles that enable facial expressions
Test- have patient close their eyelids tightly, open eyes (surprised)
look up and wrinkle forehead
have patient smile
Look for asymmetry and muscle atrophy
i.e. Bell’s palsy due to inflammation of facial nerve ( affected side of face will not move and eyelid may not fully close)
What is CN VIII?
Acoustic (And)
Test- rubbing patient’s hair in front of ear
whisper a few words and see if they can hear the words
What is CN IX?
Glossopharyngeal (German)
control the palate
Test- open mouth and then yawn
observe for symmetry
uvula should be midline
gag reflex can be tested
assess voice clarity- rule out dysarthria
What is CN X?
Vagus (Viewed)
talking, swallowing, general sensation from carotid body, carotid reflex
Test- tested with CN IX
What is CN XI?
spinal accessory (Some)
controls shoulder shrug and head rotation
Test- have patient shrug shoulders , should be at same level
have pt. rotate to the left and have pt. push against resistance. repeat on the other side
check sternocleidomastoid muscle for atrophy or assymmetry
What is CN XII?
Hypoglossal (Hops)
controls tongue movement
Test- have pt. stick out their tongue and move it side to side
look for atrophy and asymmetry
