← Full lesson and referencesPaired practice cardsSt Emlyn’s · FRCEM

One learner performs. One learner checks the key steps and gives feedback. Then swap roles. This is a practice aid, not an official mark scheme.

Examiner / observer

Cranial nerve examination

Tick the actions you observe. Discuss any step that was not needed for this examination; unchecked boxes are not a score.

Examiner / observer · 1 of 4

Cranial nerve examination

Preparation · History and inspection

Provide a chair, acuity chart at its specified distance, occluder, pinhole, pen torch, cotton wool and 512 Hz tuning fork. Add other equipment only for agreed supervised tasks. Describe corneal or gag testing; do not perform uncomfortable reflex tests on a practice partner.

Preparation

History and inspection

Examiner / observer · 2 of 4

Cranial nerve examination

Smell and vision · Trigeminal and facial nerves

Smell and vision

Trigeminal and facial nerves

Examiner / observer · 3 of 4

Cranial nerve examination

Hearing · Vestibular assessment

Hearing

Vestibular assessment

Examiner / observer · 4 of 4

Cranial nerve examination

Voice, palate and lower cranial nerves · Finish

Voice, palate and lower cranial nerves

Finish

Ask the candidate

How would you present your findings? Identifies the nerves or functions affected, side and pattern, with relevant limitations and targeted further assessment.

When would dizziness need urgent escalation? Uses the symptom pattern and examination uncertainty; does not apply HINTS to every dizzy patient or let untrained testing delay referral.

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