Cranial Nerve Examination Checklist
Perform your subsequent cranial nerve examination confidently using our concise and clearly formatted checklist.
Fact Checked by Ericka Pingol.
What is a cranial nerve exam checklist?
The systematic assessment of the cranial nerves, known as the Cranial Nerve Exam, is a crucial component of the comprehensive neurological evaluation. This procedure evaluates the functionality of the twelve pairs of nerves directly connected to the brain, extending to various locations throughout the body.
Each cranial nerve is identified by a specific number based on its position along the longitudinal axis of the brain. The notation commonly used is "CN," followed by the Roman numeral corresponding to the cranial nerve's number (e.g., "CN X" for the tenth cranial nerve, also known as the vagus nerve) (Martini, 2017).
Despite the testing for each of the twelve cranial nerves being reasonably simple, there are many different steps. It can be easy to get the order of the tests mixed up or skip a step! And that's where the Carepatron's Cranial Nerve Exam Checklist template can help.
Printable Cranial Nerve Examination Checklist
Download this Cranial Nerve Examination Checklist, an essential component for neurological evaluation.
What does this exam assess?
The Cranial Nerve Exam is a systematic assessment that assesses the functioning of each cranial nerve individually. Utilizing various methods, this examination can generally be conducted with readily available equipment in a hospital setting (Reese et al., 2023).
Let's take a quick look at the functions of each cranial nerve that are assessed in this examination.
- Olfactory nerve (CN I)
The olfactory nerve is associated with smell, so tests of the olfactory nerve will typically involve asking about changes in the patient's sense of taste or smell or more formal assessment through scent bottles. - Optic nerve (CN II)
- The optic nerve is assessed through testing of visual acuity, fields, and reflexes. Informal testing may involve asking the patient to read your name badge, whereas formal testing can involve a Snellen eye chart.
- Oculomotor nerve (CN III), trochlear nerve (CN IV), abducens nerve (CN VI)
- The oculomotor, trochlear, and abducens nerves are assessed as they are all involved with the eye's movement.
- Trigeminal nerve (V)
- The trigeminal nerve comprises three divisions: the ophthalmic, maxillary, and mandibular, and the function of each of these branches is tested through a cotton wool test and movement of the facial muscles (Damodaran et al., 2013).
- Facial nerve (CN VII)
- The facial nerve is associated with the muscles for facial expression. So, assessment typically involves asking the patient to make certain facial expressions and assessing the strength of their facial muscles.
- Vestibulocochlear nerve (auditory) (CN VIII)
- The vestibulocochlear nerve is associated with hearing and balance. Hearing can be tested either via gross hearing assessment, i.e., whispered voice test, or formally, via a Rinne's or Weber's test.
- Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
- The glossopharyngeal nerve innervates the tongue and pharynx and is involved in sensory and motor functions such as swallowing, the gag reflex, saliva production, and speaking.
- Vagus nerve (CN X)
- The vagus nerve is far-reaching and associated with structures from the pharynx to the abdomen. Vagus nerve palsy can be associated with a hoarse voice or asymmetry in the position of the uvula.
- Spinal accessory nerve (CN XI)
- The spinal accessory nerve is associated with both the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles and part of the vagus nerve. When assessing the spinal accessory nerve, it's typical to focus on these muscles rather than the cranial portion of the nerve due to its close association with the vagus nerve (Damodaran et al., 2013).
- Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
- The last cranial nerve, the hypoglossal nerve, innervates tongue muscles. Palsy of the hypoglossal nerve is therefore associated with asymmetry or muscle wasting of the tongue.
How does this cranial nerve checklist work?
Based on the Oxford Medical guidelines (Oxford Medical Education, 2015), this cranial nerve checklist breaks the cranial nerve exam down by the cranial nerve number(s) and then even further into subtasks to complete to assess each cranial nerve thoroughly.
We've tried to keep the checklist itself concise for easy use in clinical situations, but for a more thorough description of each of the items on this checklist- take a look at each of the steps given here.
Step 1. Introduction
We have used the commonly employed acronym WIPE to structure the introduction portion of the examination concisely. Following this acronym ensures you complete the key tasks of hand hygiene, introducing yourself, confirming the patient's identity, gaining permission to perform the examination, and ensuring the patient has privacy for the examination.
Step 2. General inspection
The inspection can be very brief, but it involves assessing the patient's surroundings, general appearance, any medical paraphernalia they have with them, and any other nearby equipment or presentation features that may impact the examination.
Step 3. Cranial nerve examination
Next comes the substantive part of this exam, systematically testing the cranial nerves. The exact order of these tests is up to you and may depend on how you were taught to perform the exam and which order you feel most comfortable with. We have given the cranial nerves in order from one to twelve, with nerves that are typically tested together grouped in the checklist (III, IV, VI, IX, and X).
1. Olfactory nerve (CN I)
To test this nerve, question the patient on any recent change in the sense of taste or smell or formally assess their sense of smell using smelling bottles, e.g., coffee or peppermint, occluding one nostril at a time.
2. Optic nerve (CN II)
Formally test visual acuity using a Snellen chart at 6m, covering one eye. Test peripheral fields by confrontation and check visual neglect. Alternatively, informally assess visual acuity using your name badge.
Reflexes to be tested include the direct pupillary, accommodation, and consensual pupillary reflexes. Ophthalmoscopy tests the red reflex, assesses the optic disc, and scans the retina. Ensure you ask the patient to look up and down to the left and right so you can check the peripheries.
3. Oculomotor nerve (CN III), trochlear nerve (CN IV), and abducens nerve (CN VI)
We can group the third, fourth, and sixth cranial nerves, as these are generally all tested simultaneously. Check for smooth pursuit, strabismus, and the primary position.
4. Trigeminal nerve (CN V)
Assess ophthalmic, maxillary, and mandibular sensory branches with a piece of cotton wool for the trigeminal nerve tests. Inspect for wasting of the masseter and temporalis muscles and check for jaw resistance strength. Check corneal and jaw-jerk reflexes.
5. Facial nerve (CN VII)
To assess the functioning of the facial nerve, ask the patient to scrunch up their eyes, look upwards and raise their eyebrows, puff out their cheeks, show their teeth, and inspect for facial asymmetry.
6. Vestibulocochlear nerve (auditory) (CN VIII)
If hearing loss is detected, perform a gross hearing assessment followed by a Rinne test, Weber's test, otoscopy, and audiometry.
7. Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) and vagus nerve (CN X)
Assess for dysarthria or dysphonia as part of the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerve testing. Ask the patient to say "aah" and inspect the soft palate and uvula. Perform a swallow assessment or assessment of the gag reflex (Thomas et al., 2022)
8. Spinal accessory nerve (CN XI)
Ask the patient to raise their shoulders, turn their head, and keep them there while you provide resistance. Similarly, perform a head turn against resistance to assess the sternocleidomastoid muscles.
9. Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
To test the hypoglossal nerve, inspect the tongue for wasting and fasciculations, ask the patient to protract their tongue and inspect for deviation, and test the tongue strength against each cheek.
Step 4. Closure
Thank the patient for their time, dispose of any protective equipment, and rewash your hands.
Step 5. Next Steps
Lastly, we have left space for you to summarize your findings and add any next steps for your patient based on your findings.
Cranial Nerve Examination Checklist example (sample)
To understand how this resource can help you conduct your cranial nerve examinations, look at our example completed checklist. This checklist gives typical results for a regular cranial nerve examination. It is designed to illustrate how this tool can help structure the assessment and ensure you have completed all the parts.
Download this free Cranial Nerve Examination Checklist example here:
Interpreting the results of the exam
We have provided space in this checklist for you to note any abnormal results, but just commenting on an abnormal result is not enough.
Interpreting the results of a cranial nerve exam requires a comprehensive understanding of both normal and abnormal findings. The key to correctly interpreting the results of a cranial nerve exam is understanding the distinct functions of each of the twelve cranial nerves. This will allow you to narrow down the potential causes of an abnormal result and choose appropriate further tests.
Observation is a crucial aspect of interpretation. Facial expressions, eye movements, and responses to stimuli provide valuable insights into the functioning of cranial nerves, especially those involved in vision, facial expression, and sensory perception. Additionally, quantitative measurements, such as assessing visual acuity or using specific scales for assessing facial muscle strength, add objective data to the interpretation.
Abnormal findings should be documented and necessitate further investigation into their cause- if not already known. The next steps for your patient will look different depending on their examination results, but there are several different options.
Research and evidence
Cranial nerve examinations are grounded in extensive research and evidence, reflecting an understanding of neuroanatomy and physiology that has deepened over time. The foundation of cranial nerve examinations lies in the intricate network of twelve pairs of cranial nerves that emerge directly from the brain, each serving distinct sensory and motor functions.
Numerous research studies have elucidated the specific roles of each cranial nerve, providing insights into their pathways, functions, and potential abnormalities. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and other imaging modalities have allowed researchers to visualize the intricate structures associated with cranial nerves, enhancing our knowledge of their anatomical relationships.
These investigations have refined examination techniques and identified correlations between specific cranial nerve abnormalities and various neurological disorders. This evidence-based approach ensures that cranial nerve examinations are not merely routine procedures but are rooted in a robust scientific foundation, allowing healthcare professionals to detect abnormalities, make accurate diagnoses, and implement appropriate interventions.
Despite their long history, medical imaging techniques have somewhat supplanted the cranial nerve examination in recent years (Damodaran et al., 2014). As multiple potential diagnoses lead to an impairment in one or more of the cranial nerves' functions, the diagnostic specificity of the cranial nerve exam is low (Taylor et al., 2021). However, this can be reduced by standardizing the cranial nerve exam procedure to ensure the most reliable results are obtained from the examination.
Why use Carepatron as your nerve exam software?
Our cranial nerve exam template isn't the only way Carepatron can save general practitioners time.
Carepatron is the ideal partner to reduce your practice's admin work. Utilize Carepatron's AI-powered dictation software and get your clinic notes down in record time. Alternatively, offer your patients their portal within Carepatron to access digital documentation and medical records.
Strike the perfect balance between accessibility and security with Carepatrons mobile and desktop platforms, each equipped with HIPAA-compliant, bank-level data encryption- meaning your patients' documentation will be secure and available whenever needed.
Best of all, join a community of over 10,000+ motivated healthcare professionals contributing to Carepatron's library of resources ranging from progress notes to intake forms designed to take your practice to the next level.
References
Damodaran O, Rizk E, Rodriguez J, Lee G. (2014) Cranial nerve assessment: a concise guide to clinical examination. Clin Anat. 27(1):25-30.
Martini, F., Ober, W., Nath, J., Bartholomew, E., & Petti, K. (2017). Visual Anatomy and Pathology. New York: Pearson Education Inc.
Reese V, M Das J, Al Khalili Y. Cranial Nerve Testing. [Updated 2022 Sep 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.
Taylor A, Mourad F, Kerry R, Hutting N. (2021) A guide to cranial nerve testing for musculoskeletal clinicians. J Man Manip Ther. 29(6):376-389. doi: 10.1080/10669817.2021.1937813.
Thomas K, Minutello K, M Das J. Neuroanatomy, Cranial Nerve 9 (Glossopharyngeal) [Updated 2022 Nov 7]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539877/
Cranial Nerve Examination. (2015) Retrieved from Oxford Medical Education:https://oxfordmedicaleducation.com/clinical-examinations/cranial-nerve-examination
Commonly asked questions
No! As long as you thoroughly assess each cranial nerve, it does not matter what order you choose to complete the examination. Some would have learned the cranial nerves in order and so are used to using this order to structure the assessment. However, another approach is grouping cranial nerves by their function.
Similar to any clinical assessment, there may be some variability in your approach to evaluating each cranial nerve exam. However, certain aspects should consistently be maintained in every evaluation. These essential steps encompass acquiring the necessary tools, verifying the patient's name and date of birth, introducing yourself, articulating the examination in clear language, and obtaining consent before proceeding with the assessment.
Specific contraindications, such as facial trauma or swelling, can impede the accurate assessment of cranial nerves like CN III, IV, and VI. Despite technological advancements in imaging that have reduced the reliance on the results of a cranial nerve exam for diagnosing lesions, the examination remains a crucial component of the neurological assessment. It retains significance because it can be conducted swiftly with minimal equipment.
