Cranial nerves, assessment

Cranial nerves Note facial tone and symmetry, gaze preference, and ptosis check for nystagmus by having patient follow object across visual field engage in conversation to assess for slurred speech. Myasthenia gravis (ptosis), Parkinson s disease (masked facies), stroke (palsy), antiepileptic drug therapy (nystagmus, slurred speech)... 

The neurologic examination of a specific patient may be adapted to the patient s specific deficit. For example, a patient with double vision may warrant an extensive cranial nerve examination but a less extensive assessment of finger strength. 

Cranial Nerves Routine assessment of the cranial nerves is performed as follows ... 

In the posterior central zone, the medial head of the gastrocnemius, the popliteal artery and vein, the tibial nerve and the intercondylar space are the structures to be examined with US. The medial head of the gastrocnemius has a triangular shape when assessed on transverse planes (Fig. 14.35b,c). Its tendon is located at the medial aspect of the muscle and can be demonstrated as a comma-shaped hyperechoic structure with internal convexity. It should not be confused with the more cranial myotendinous junction of the semimembranosus, which also assumes a comma-shaped appearance. As regards the pop-... 

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