Accessory nerve examination

The accessory nerve mainly dominates the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the trapezius muscle. The former mainly serves to turn the neck to the contralateral side, and the latter acts as a shrug. When examining the accessory nerve, it is necessary to observe whether there is atrophy, whether there is a torticollis or a sloping shoulder. The physician places one hand on the patient's ankle, and the paralyzed patient turns the head to test the contractile force of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, then puts both hands on the shoulders of the patient, and the paralyzed patient acts as a confrontational shoulder lift. If the strength is weakened, it is seen in the accessory nerve injury, muscle atrophy, lateral sclerosis, and posterior cranial fossa tumor. Basic Information Specialist classification: neurological examination classification: neuroelectrophysiology Applicable gender: whether men and women apply fasting: not fasting Tips: Do not do too much exercise or too tired a few days before the test, so as not to affect the examination results. Normal value When turning to the opposite side, there is no torticollis and sloping shoulders, and the force will not weaken when facing the opposite shoulder movement. Clinical significance Abnormal results: the weakening of the resistance to the shoulder movement may be caused by accessory nerve injury, muscle atrophy, lateral sclerosis, posterior fossa tumor. People to be examined: patients with symptoms such as muscle atrophy and lateral sclerosis. Precautions Contraindications before the examination: Do not do too much exercise or too tired a few days before the examination, so as to avoid the shoulder pain and affect the examination results. Requirements for inspection: When checking, cooperate with the inspector's password to make the head and shoulder movement. Inspection process The method of detecting muscle strength is: the physician places one hand on the patient's ankle, and the paralyzed patient turns to the side to test the contractile force of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, and then puts both hands on the shoulders of the patient, and the paralyzed patient is confronted. Shoulder movements. If the strength is weakened, it is seen in the accessory nerve injury, muscle atrophy, lateral sclerosis, and posterior cranial fossa tumor. Not suitable for the crowd Inappropriate people: Patients with diseases in the ankle or shoulders themselves. Adverse reactions and risks Nothing.

The material in this site is intended to be of general informational use and is not intended to constitute medical advice, probable diagnosis, or recommended treatments.