Test: Cranial Nerve V exam

Video Link

Background/Purpose

Procedure

Light touch is tested in each of the three divisions of the trigeminal nerve. The ophthalmic division (forehead), the maxillary division (cheeks), and the mandibular division (chin). A point stimulus with a cotton wisp or tissue paper for light touch and sharp or cold object for pain and tempeture is applied to both sides of the face. Corneal reflex is conducted by touching the cornea with a wisp of cotton as sensory innervation of the cornea is provided by the trigeminal nerve while the motor innervation for blinking the eye is provided by the facial nerve. The motor aspect of trigeminal is also tested. Muscles of mastication (temporalis, masseter) are tested as the patient clenches the jaw. The pterygoids can be tested by asking the patient to keep the mouth open against resistance, and move from side to side against resistance. A jaw jerk reflex can be tested by placing a finger over the patient's chin and then tapping the finger with a reflex hammer. Normally the jaw moves minimally.
Performed: Bilaterally

Dialog

Trigeminal nerve exam

Criteria

• Normal sensation in three divisions of the face
• Cornea sensation
• Muscles of mastication are strong

Measurement

0.00

LOINC Code

0

Scale/Grading

Pass/Fail