Physical Exam of the Cranial Nerves

Abstract

The cranial nerve exam can give important diagnostic clues to painful disorders of the head and neck, systemic toxicity for both opioids and adjuvant medications as well as raise “red flags” for potentially dangerous conditions. New deficits in cranial nerve function should always prompt specialist referral and in most cases require advanced brain imaging. As either headache or facial pain can be the first signs of intracranial pathology, the pain physician should be familiar with the basic examination of cranial nerves.