Cranial Nerves Tests - Essay Example

            Cranial Nerve 1: Olfactory nerve can be tested by observing any deformity or a rash on the nose. It can also be checked by observing a person’s sense of smell. Cranial Nerve 2: Optic nerve can be checked by observing the visual acuity of a person and whether he wears glasses or not. Cranial Nerves 3, 4 & 6: Oculomotor, Trochlear, and Abducent nerves can be checked mainly by observing the eyeball movements of a person. Cranial Nerve 5: The Trigeminal Nerve can be tested by checking facial sensations and corneal reflexes as well as the presence or absence of tears in the eye. A person with a damaged nerve will have a dry appearance of the eye. Cranial Nerve 7: Facial nerve can be checked by observing the facial expressions of a person as someone with a damaged 7th nerve will have an expressionless face. Cranial Nerve 8: This nerve can be checked by observing a person’s sense of hearing and balance. A person with a damaged vestibulocochlear nerve will have a staggering gate and decreased hearing. Cranial Nerve 9 & 10: A person with damaged 9th and 10th nerves will have a hoarse voice as well as difficulty in swallowing. Cranial Nerve 11 & 12: A person with damage to these nerves will have wasting of tongue and deviation to the side of damage when it is protruded out.