Test: Cranial nerve VI exam

Video Link

Background/Purpose

Procedure

The abducens nerve, cranial nerve VI, is a motor nerve that innervates the lateral rectus muscle of the eye, which moves the eye lateral (abduction). It is synergistic with the extraocular muscles and is tested by asking the patient to look 'out to the side." An individual tries to look to his right, but the right eye fails to turn to the side. Damage to the abducens nerve will cause double vision (diplopia), due to the unopposed activation of the medial rectus muscle, thus pulling the eye towards the midline.
Performed: Bilaterally

Dialog

Abducens nerve exam

Criteria

• Eye moves laterally
• No nystagmus or strabismus

Measurement

0.00

LOINC Code

0

Scale/Grading

Pass/Fail