Cranial Nerves

The Cranial Nerves are a set of 12 nerves that relay messages between the brain and the head and neck. They control motor and sensory fuctions, including vision, smell, and movement of the tongue and vocal cords.

The cranial nerve exam involves testing the function of all 12 sets of cranial nerves. It helps localize central nervous system dysfunction and aids in diagnosing systemic disease. Some of the functions commonly tested are eyelid strength and function, visual function, peripheral vision, pupillary light reflexes, eye muscle movements, facial musle strength, gag reflex, tongue and lip movements, ability to smell, taste, hear and also sensations in the face, head and neck.