Trigeminal Nerve – Light Touch

The 5th cranial nerve, trigeminal, consists of three sensory (V1, V2 and V3) and a motor component, V3. Sensation is tested to light touch with a cotton wisp, temperature with a cold tuning fork and pain with a disposable pin. If the patient complains of sensory...

Trigeminal Nerve – Corneal Reflex

The corneal reflex allows an objective assessment of facial sensation. The afferent limb is V1 of the trigeminal nerve, the efferent limb is the facial or 7th cranial nerve. Examination Technique: explain to the patient what you will be doing. avoid a visual threat...

Optic Nerve – Visual Fields

A. Peripheral visual field (a) wiggling fingers (b) counting fingers (c) white pin B. Central visual field (a) red pin Examination Technique: visual fields are assessed by confrontation , i.e. the examiner compares the patient’s visual field to their own and assumes...

Optic Nerve – Pupillary Light Reflex and Eyelid Elevation

Light entering the eye travels along the optic nerve to the pretectal region of the mid brain to cause pupillary constriction through the visceral motor and short ciliary nerve components of the ocular motor nerve. Examination Technique: observe for ptosis. observe...

Optic Nerve – Fundoscopy

Fundoscopy is the assessment of the fundus using an ophthalmoscope Examination Technique: dim the lights. ask the patient to fixate on a distant target. approach the patient from the side. examine the optic nerve and surrounding...