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Fifth (5th) cranial neve palsy

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Trigeminal nerve palsy is paralysis of the fifth cranial nerve.

In the neurological examination the following ought to be tested in order to check for trigeminal palsy:

  • sensation:
    • light touch
    • pain
    • cold
    • tested in all three divisions
  • function of:
    • masseter - clenching the jaw and feeling for the muscle bulk over the angle of the mandible
    • pterygoids - moving the jaw from side to side
  • corneal reflexes - only if appropriate.

Reference

  1. Ghislain B, Rabinstein AA, Braksick SA. Etiologies and Utility of Diagnostic Tests in Trigeminal Neuropathy. Mayo Clin Proc. 2022 Jul;97(7):1318-1325.

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