Patient Problems

Review the two patient problems provided below and then: 1) identify whether or not the case requires cranial nerve examination as part of an initial examination, and 2) briefly describe the rationale for your responses. Use the attached worksheet and then compare your answers and rationale with the response from the clinical expert.

Patient Problem One
A 52-year-old stumbled while jogging. They present with a right grade 3 talofibular ligament sprain. The clinician completes an interview history and review of systems.

• The patient did not describe neurological symptoms.

Patient Problem Two
A 52-year old stumbled while jogging. They present with a right grade 3 talofibular ligament sprain. The clinician completes an interview history and review of systems.

• The patient reported that he hit his head during the fall.
• The patient described a headache at the time of the fall with some "muscle pain in the back of the neck."
• The patient did not describe neurological symptoms.