Test: Cranial Nerve I - Olfactory nerve

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Background/Purpose

Sense of smell.

Procedure

Smell is tested in each nostril separately by placing stimuli under one nostril and occluding the opposing nostril. The stimuli used should be nonirritating and identifiable such as cinnamon, cloves, or toothpaste. Bilateral loss can occur with rhinitis, smoking, or aging. Unilateral loss indicates a possible nerve lesion or deviated septum. This test is usually skipped on a cranial nerve exam.
Performed: Unilaterally

Dialog

Smell is tested in each nostril separately by placing stimuli under one nostril and occluding the opposing nostril.

Criteria

• Normal result would be no loss either bilateral or unilateral.

Measurement

LOINC Code

0

Scale/Grading

Pass/Fail