STROKE- CRANIAL NERVE ASSESSMENT

Updated 1/26

Cranial nerve 5

The largest of the cranial nerves, is the Trigeminal.

                 This nerve contains three branches:
                Opthalmic ( corneal blink reflex). 
                           Maxillary - which supplies the upper jaw

                   Mandibular - controls the lower jaw.

Cranial nerve 7 - is the facial nerve , this is

checked with the trigeminal nerve.

Learning for the layperson

Learn more about : The cranial nerves

Scenario: In the image above, Ann is an opera
singer. While on stage, she suddenly starts having
trouble getting her words out. Her right arm also
feels weak. These symptoms are classic of someone
experiencing a stroke.

Signs and stroke symptoms:

- sudden , severe headache
- slurred speech, mental confusion

- nausea and vomiting

- visual disturbances, hearing loss

- facial weakness

Enjoy the video: Anticoagulation therapy

Learn more about the effect of stroke on the 
cranial nerves : 

Cranial nerves 8/9/10.

Please watch the video: ICP monitoring

Poor circulation may occur for a number of reasons.
The patient in heart failure, is at risk for stroke.

Myocardial infarction

A MI (myocardial infarction ) is also known as a heart
attack. It results from obstruction to blood flow. Fatty
deposits may cause this. 

Death of the heart muscle surrounding the obstructed
blood vessel will result. Symptoms such as lack of oxygen,
shortness of breath and chest pain will occur.

TPA

TPA ( Thrombolytic Plasminogen Activator) is
a " clot buster" that is used in the treatment of 
embolic stroke and myocardial infarction with
STEMI. 

TPA  is not without its side effects. Bleeding, 

particularly into the brain and at injection sites,
 seizures and possible anaphylaxis may occur.