Cranial nerve exam

Definition

A cranial nerve exam is a medical test that evaluates the function of the twelve nerves originating from the brain that control sensory and motor functions of the head and neck. It's part of a comprehensive neurological examination to assess nervous system health and detect disorders.

Related terms

Neurological Exam: A systematic procedure to evaluate the nervous system through clinical observation and specific diagnostic tests.

Sensory Function: The ability of the nervous system to receive and process information from the environment through sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell.

Motor Function: Refers to the nervous system's ability to control muscle movements voluntarily