| Nerve | Name | Function | Test | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | S | Olfactory | Smell | Have Pt identify familiar odors (e.g., coffee). |
| II | S | Optic | Visual acuity
Visual field | Visual acuity (eye chart).
Peripheral vision. |
| III | M | Oculomotor | Pupillary reaction | Assess pupils for equality and reactivity to light. |
| IV | M | Trochlear | Eye movement | Have Pt follow your finger without moving head. |
| V | B | Trigeminal | Facial sensation
Mastication | Touch face and assess for sharp and dull sensation.
Have Pt hold mouth open. |
| VI | M | Abducens | Abduction of eye | Have Pt follow your finger without moving head. |
| VII | B | Facial | Facial expression
Sense of taste | Have Pt smile, wrinkle face, puff cheeks.
Differentiate between sweet and salty taste. |
| VIII | S | Acoustic | Hearing
Balance | Snap fingers close to Pt's ears.
Feet together, arms at side with eyes closed for 5 sec. |
| IX | B | Glossopharyngeal | Swallowing and voice | Have Pt swallow and then say "Ah." |
| X | B | Vagus | Gag reflex | Use tongue depressor or swab to elicit gag reflex. |
| XI | M | Spinal accessory | Neck motion | Have Pt shrug shoulders or turn head against resistance. |
| XII | M | Hypoglossal | Tongue movement | Have Pt stick out tongue and move it from side-to-side. |
B = both sensory and motor; M = motor only; S = sensory only.