How Do You Assess The Cranial Nerves?
To test a patient’s nervous system, it’s helpful to assess cranial nerve function. There are 12 cranial nerves and each is responsible for muscle movement, sensory processing or organ or gland function. An abnormality in a cranial nerve is a sign a doctor needs to investigate further. Cranial nerve assessment can be part of a routine exam or done because the patient has a neurological complaint. Ask the patient to close his eyes and press gently on one of his nostrils. Offer cinnamon, coffee, cloves or other substances with a strong smell. The patient should be able to identify them. Test the other nostril too. Place a Snellen chart about 20 feet from the patient and have her read the smallest line of letters she can. Then stand about 2 feet away and ask her to look at your nose. Spreading your hands about 2 feet apart, slowly move your fingers in towards your patient’s line of vision. The patient needs to tell you when she first sees your fingers. Test a patient’s eye movements by hav
