Professional Documents
Culture Documents
It is
typically one of the first parts of the physical examination and is performed with the patient in a
seated position. Because the complete head and neck examination is lengthy, it is usually tailored to
the patient's history and presenting complaint. In adult patients, the parts of the examination dealing
with the ears and nose are generally not required unless there is a pertinent complaint.
Examination of Head
Gelle test
Description: to evaluate the mobility of the ossicles, e.g., in the diagnosis of otosclerosis
Procedure: The vibrating tuning fork is placed against the forehead and the auditory canal is sealed
using a pneumatic speculum, which creates positive pressure in the external auditory canal.
Gelle positive: Positive pressure disturbs both bone and air conduction. The sound of the tuning fork
is perceived by the patient to be considerably weaker with the pneumatic speculum applied than
without the pneumatic speculum. → Hearing is normal in the middle ear or there might be a problem
in the middle ear that restricts the mobility of the ossicles.
Gelle negative: Despite positive pressure, there is no change in hearing in the patient. → evidence of
otosclerosis
Additional tests
Audiogram, speech audiometry, impedance audiometry
See hearing loss
Examination of eyes
Ask the patient to tilt their chin so that it is resting against their chest or to flex their neck.
See meningism.
Assessment of spinal accessory nerve function
Ask the patient to move their head to the left and right, and to lift their shoulders against
resistance.
See cranial nerve palsies.
Evaluate for jugular venous distention.
Examination of the thyroid
Inspection
The thyroid gland is located below the thyroid cartilage and is normally not visible.
Enlargement should prompt further evaluation.
Palpation
Examine the external nose and test the patient's ability to breathe through either nostril by
covering one at a time.
Examine the nasal mucosa, septum, and turbinates using an otoscope.
Use the largest available speculum that will comfortably fit inside the nostril.
Direct the speculum posteriorly and superiorly as you inspect the nasal cavity.
Palpate for tenderness over the maxillary and frontal sinuses.
Inspect the lips.
Inspect the oral mucosa
Inspect the gums for redness or ulceration
Throat