Cranial Nerve Tests
Overview
The hearing and balance nerve are closely associated with other nerves within the brain. Disorders of one may affect the other. In order to establish a diagnosis, it is sometimes necessary to have a complete neurological examination. It may be necessary to determine the response of the tearing mechanism of the eye. This test may give additional information regarding the site of nerve disorders within the temporal bone.
Nerve Excitability Test
This test is designed to compare the response of the facial muscles to electrical stimulation. Each facial nerve is stimulated with small electrical currents. The degree of muscle movement on the right and left is compared.
Electroneurography
This is a computerized test of facial muscle movement in response to electrical stimulation of the facial nerve. Recording electrodes are applied to the face to detect the muscle contractions which are then recorded by the computer.
Visual Brain Responses
This computerized test (VBR) records brain responses to light flashes. These flashes stimulate the eye while electrodes taped to the scalp detect the responses, which are analyzed by computer. This test is useful in the diagnosis of certain neurotologic disorders.
