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Accessory nerve palsy

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

Accessory nerve palsy is paralysis of the muscles supplied by the accessory nerve, cranial nerve XI.

Clinical features include:

  • possible loss in function and muscle mass in the trapezius and the sternomastoids

During the neurological examination the function of the accessory nerve is assessed as follows:

  • sternocleidomastoid - turning of the head against a force applied by the examiner
  • trapezius - the ability to shrug against a downward force applied the examiner

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