A4. Examination of the trigeminal nerve

From greek.doctor
  • Examination of somatosensory function
    • Lightly touch the area of each branch of the trigeminal nerve symmetrically with your thumb and index finger
      • Ophthalmic nerve – eyes and above
      • Maxillary nerve – between eyes and lips
      • Mandibular nerve – lips and below
    • Examine the pain sensation using something sharp in the same way, comparing both sides
  • Examination of motor function
    • Ask: Do you get tired when chewing?
    • Palpate the temporal and masseter muscles while patient opens and closes their mouth
      • They should contract and have normal trophy (size)
  • Examination of corneal reflex
    • Not routinely checked
      • Important in comatose patients, Bell’s palsy, patients with sensory loss on face
    • Touch the patient’s eye with a cotton tip
    • Normally, the patient will blink with both eyes in response
  • Examination of masseter reflex
    • Ask patient to slightly, not completely, open their mouth
    • Place your finger on the patient’s chin and tap your finger with a reflex hammer
    • Normally, the jaw closes slightly in response