Cranial Nerves Overview

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Cranial Nerves Overview

Main Text

TERMINOLOGY

Abbreviations

• Olfactory nerve (CNI)
• Optic nerve (CNII)
• Oculomotor nerve (CNIII)
• Trochlear nerve (CNIV)
• Trigeminal nerve (CNV)
• Abducens nerve (CNVI)
• Facial nerve (CNVII)
• Vestibulocochlear nerve (CNVIII)
• Glossopharyngeal nerve (CNIX)
• Vagus nerve (CNX)
• Accessory nerve (CNXI)
• Hypoglossal nerve (CNXII)

IMAGING ANATOMY

Overview

• Cranial nerve groupings based on area of brainstem origin

ANATOMY IMAGING ISSUES

Imaging Recommendations

• Best imaging modality for any simple or complex cranial neuropathy is MR
- Single exception to this directive is distal vagal neuropathy where it is necessary to image to aortopulmonic window on left
  - – CECT better here as less affected by breathing, swallowing, and coughing movements
• If lesion located in bony area, such as skull base, sinuses, or mandible, bone CT highly recommended to provide complementary bone anatomy and lesion-related information
- Contrast enhancement of CT is not necessary if full T1, T2, and T1 C+ MR available

Imaging Approaches

• Remember: Cranial nerves do not stop at skull base
• Radiologist must image entire extent of affected cranial nerve

Imaging Pitfalls

• Do not forget to image extracranial structures associated with cranial nerve affected

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Clinical Importance

• Cranial nerves and their functions

Tags: Imaging Anatomy Brain and Spine

Mar 13, 2021 | Posted by admin in NUCLEAR MEDICINE | Comments Off

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