Book chapter
Chapter 24 Commonly tested nerves of the head and upper cervical region
Handbook of Clinical Neurophysiology, pp.527-550
Elsevier Health Sciences
2006
DOI: 10.1016/S1567-4231(09)70085-1
Abstract
This chapter discusses several methods to evaluate the cranial nerves. The facial motor conduction study and blink reflexes have proved to be reproducible and reliable, and consequently are practiced fairly routinely. Electroneurography has gained acceptance as a tool to evaluate and assist management of Bell's palsy. With the exception of the blink reflex, the approaches described to assess trigeminal sensory, motor and reflex pathways have been utilized less consistently, in part because of the complexity of some of these procedures. Examinations of nerves of upper cervical origin that may be involved in focal or more diffuse processes have also been addressed in the chapter. Spinal accessory and greater auricular nerve conduction studies are simple and reliable procedures. There continues to be some debate about which method of assessing phrenic nerve conduction is most reliable. Nevertheless, several of these procedures, published findings, and associated technical considerations have been reviewed. In general, the nerve conduction techniques reported in this chapter can assist the clinician by confirming localization, assessing the degree of involvement, indicating prognosis, and/or guiding therapy for conditions affecting the cranial or cervical nerves.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Chapter 24 Commonly tested nerves of the head and upper cervical region
- Creators
- Edward A. Aul - Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine
- Resource Type
- Book chapter
- Publication Details
- Handbook of Clinical Neurophysiology, pp.527-550
- Publisher
- Elsevier Health Sciences
- DOI
- 10.1016/S1567-4231(09)70085-1
- ISSN
- 1567-4231
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 2006
- Academic Unit
- Neurology
- Record Identifier
- 9984303026602771
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