Olfactory Nerve

Examination Technique:

• stimulant should be non-irritating.
• test one nostril at a time with the opposite side occluded.
• patient should not be able to see the stimulus.
• cloves ideal stimulant since it preserves it’s scent.
• alternative stimuli at bedside could include soap, toothpaste, perfume, cologne, etc.

Normal Response:
to perceive the scent with either nostril.

Abnormal Response:
unilateral loss is of more concern and could suggest a structural lesion affecting the olfactory bulb or tract or simply due to a blocked nasal passage or deviated septum.
bilateral loss occurs more commonly and could be due to rhinitis or damage to the cribriform plate sustained as a result of trauma.