Systemic Neurologic Approach Essay

A systemic neurologic assessment approach is the first step to identify the early signs of neurologic changes. The cranial nerve assessment includes assessing cranial nerve from 1 through X11, which have sensory, motor either somatic or parasympathetic, or have a mixed function. Olfactory Nerve (CN I)- the olfactory nerve serves the sense of olfaction or smell, Test is done with the use of non-noxious aromatic substances and check if able to smell and identify and mark if any abnormality noted. Optic Nerve (CN II): This is a purely sensory nerve, test each eye for visual acuity, visual fields, and fundoscopy. Test visual acuity: Snellen chart for distant vision, newspaper for near vision. Visual fields: Visual fields done by confrontation test. The …show more content…
Sensory: The three trigeminal divisions are tested with a cotton wool ball and blunt tip needle while comparing sides. Test the corneal reflex by touching the cornea with a wisp of wet cotton and check the response. Facial Nerve (CN VII): Inspect the face, both at rest and during the conversation with the patient and note for any asymmetry and observe any tics or other abnormal movements. Vestibulocochlear Nerve (CN VIII)- Acoustic: Assess hearing with whispered voice test, test for lateralization and do air and bone conduction test. Glossopharyngeal Nerve (CN IX) and Vagus Nerve (CN X); Listen to the patient’s voice, check if any nasal quality, also assess for any difficulty swallowing. Spinal Accessory Nerve (CN XI): Note the strength and contraction of the trapezii by asking the patient to shrug both shoulders upward against the resistance. Observe the contraction of the opposite sternomastoid and record the force of the movement against resistance. Hypoglossal Nerve (CN XII): Assess the articulation of the patient’s words check the patient’s tongue, look for asymmetry, or deviation from the midline note the symmetry of the