This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Facial sensation

Authoring team

The three divisions of the fifth nerve - ophthalmic, maxillary, mandibular - are tested individually.

Test light touch all three division. Ask the patient to keep his eyes closed and to say 'yes' each time the touch of the cotton wool is felt. Do not stroke as the stimulus should be punctate.

Only assess pinprick if indicated as it is painful. Use a new pin each time. Apply a light but consistent stimulus. Any area of changed sensation should be mapped, passing from regions of dull sensation to sharp.

Note that an upper lesion of the spinal cord may cause a dissociated sensory loss of the face. This is because pain and temperature sensation terminate in the spinal tract nucleus of the upper cervical cord. This contrasts with touch and proprioceptive fibres which run from the pontine nucleus to form the trigeminothalamic tract.


Create an account to add page annotations

Add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation, such as a web address or phone number. This information will always be displayed when you visit this page

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.