Athletic Training & Sports Medicine Center

 

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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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