Cranial Nerve Function
What are the functions of cranial nerve I. & II.
I. Olfactory - Smell
II. Optic - Vision
What is the function of Cranial Nerve IX.?
IX. Glossopharyngeal - Phonation, swallowing, tasting posterior third of tongue
Which part of the brain controls balance and how is this assessed?
Have the patient touch your finger then redirect their finger to their own nose with smooth and coordinated movements
Which condition increases a client's risk for CVA?
Hypertension
What are the functions of cranial nerves III., IV., and VI.
III. Oculomotor - Extraocular movement, pupillary constriction, down and inward movement of the eyes.
IV. Trochlear - The down and inward movement of the eye.
VI. Abducen - Lateral movement of the eyes
What is the function of Cranial Nerve X.
X. Vagus - Talking, swallowing, and sensory information from pharynx and carotid sinus
What are some normal neurological findings in the elderly population?
A diminished sense of vibration felt in the lower extremities diminished tactile sensation, and inability to determine the position of the big toe.
Biceps Reflex
Elbow flexes and contraction of the biceps muscle is seen. The forearm flexes and supinates.
What is the function of cranial nerve V.?
V. Trigeminal - Mastication
What is the function of Cranial Nerve XI.
XI. Spinal Accessory - Movement of the sternomastoid and trapezius muscles
How do you test for Graphesthesia?
Have the patient close their eyes then have them identify a number written in the palm of the hand
Brachioradialis Reflex
Flexion and supination of the forearm.
What is the function of Cranial Nerve VII.?
VII. Facial - Tasting anterior 2/3 of the tongue
What is the function of Cranial Nerve XII.
XII. Hypoglossal - Movement of the tongue
How do you assess the trigeminal nerve?
Palpate the temporal and masseter muscles while the client clinches the teeth.
Triceps Reflex
Elbow extends and triceps muscle contracts
What is the function of Cranial Nerve VIII.?
VIII. Vestibulocochlear - Hearing & Equillibrium
Describe characteristics associated with a normal gait?
Weight is evenly distributed, stands on heals and toes, arms in swinging position
How is the Romberg test performed?
Ask the client to stand erect with arms at the sides and feet together
Ask the client to close their eyes for 20 seconds
Ask the client to stand on one foot and bend the knee on which the client is standing
Ask the client to hop on one foot
Repeat on the opposite side
Patellar Reflex
Knee extends