Test: Cranial nerve VII exam

Video Link

Background/Purpose

Procedure

Cranial nerve VII, the facial nerve, controls the muscles of facial expression, taste sensations from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue and parasympathetic activity of glands in the neck and head. Voluntary facial expressions, such as wrinkling the brow, showing teeth, frowning, pursing the lips and puffing out the cheeks will have asymmetry if the facial nerve is not working. Central seven is when only the lower part of the face on the contralateral side is affected. Bell's palsy is when both upper and lower facial weakness on the same side of the lesion. Taste of the anterior 2/3 of the tongue can be tested with a swab dipped in a flavoured solution. Corneal reflex. The facial nerve is responsible for the motor reflex of the cornea. The reflex involves consensual blinking of both eyes in response to stimulation of one eye. The facial nerve innervates Orbicularis oculi, responsible for blinking.
Performed: Bilaterally

Dialog

Facial nerve exam

Criteria

• Bilateral facial expressions
• Intact taste sensation in anterior 2/3 of the tongue
• Blink response with corneal stimulation

Measurement

0.00

LOINC Code

0

Scale/Grading

Pass/Fail