Cranial Nerves
What is the name of Cranial nerve II
optic
Shine a light in the eyes to test this reflex
What is the pupillary light reflex (CN II & III)?
The highest possible score on the GCS
15
LOC stands for this
level of conscienousness
What does EEG check for
brain activity
Cranial nerve responsible for facial expression
VII
Asking a patient to follow your finger with their eyes tests this cranial nerve
cranial nerve III (Oculomotor)
The lowest possible score on the GCS
3
What does TIA stand for
transient ischemic attack
What is a CT scan
cat scan computerized tomography
This cranial nerve has both motor and sensory components and controls the gag reflex.
Glossopharyngeal IX
Having a patient clench their jaw tests this nerve
cranial nerve V (Trigeminal)
The GCS assesses these three components
What are eye opening, verbal response, and motor response
What does EEG stand for
electroencephalogram
What is an MRI
magnetic resonance imaging
The longest cranial nerve, it extends into the thorax and abdomen
Vagus X
Asking a patient to say “ahh” and watching the uvula tests this cranial nerve
cranial nerve X (Vagus)
A patient who opens their eyes to pain, makes incomprehensible sounds, and has abnormal flexion would score this
7
What does ICP stand for
intracranial pressure
What is a spinal tap also called
lumbar puncture
This nerve controls tongue movement.
cranial nerve XII (Hypoglossal)
Turning the head against resistance tests this cranial nerve.
is cranial nerve XI Spinal Accessory
This GCS score or lower typically indicates a coma
8
What does CSF stand for
cerebrospinal fluid
What is GCS
Glasgow coma scale