neurologic disorders
How to Assess the Cranial Nerves
11th Cranial nerve
The 11th (spinal accessory) cranial nerve is evaluated by testing the muscles it supplies: For the sternocleidomastoid, the patient is asked to turn the head against resistance supplied by the examiner’s hand while the examiner palpates the active muscle (opposite the turned head). For the upper trapezius, the patient is asked to elevate the shoulders against resistance supplied by the examiner. 