Cranial Nerve Assessment: I. Olfactory |
Examination type |
Neurological |
Patient & Body Segment Positioning |
Patient needs to be in a comfortable position,
either
sitting or standing |
Examiner Position |
The examiner needs to be anterior to (in front
of) the patient |
Performing the Test |
The patient needs to have their eyes closed. Using an object
with a distinct odor, ask the subject to identify the aromatic
substance while holding the object up to the patient nose. Test
one nostril at a time.
Substances such as vanilla, coffee, tobacco, clove oil, soap, or
rubbing alcohol may be used. |
Tissues
Being Tested |
Cranial
nerve I. Olfactory nerve |
Positive Test |
Inability to
identify odor |
Interpretation |
Intracranial involvement; Impairment in the sense
of smell |
Common errors in
performing exam |
Allowing the patient to see what you are using |
Factors possibly
resulting in misinterpretation |
Make sure that the athlete understands what you
are doing when performing the test |
Related tests |
Cranial
nerve testing |
References |
Booher M. James. Athletic Injury
Assessment. 4th edition. McGraw Higher
Education 2000 |
Links: |
http://www.neuroanatomy.wisc.edu/coursebook/neuro3(2).pdf |
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