To properly examine the head, follow these steps, which combine inspection and palpation as well as assessment of function:
Initial Inspection
- Inspect the Skull and Face: Observe the overall shape and symmetry of the skull. Note any visible deformities, unusual contours, or asymmetries in the face.
- Inspect the Skin and Scalp: Carefully examine the skin covering the scalp and face. Look for any lesions, discolorations, swelling, hair loss, or signs of injury.
Palpation
- Palpate the Skull: Gently feel the skull with your hands. Pay special attention to areas where the patient reports tenderness or if there's a history of recent trauma. This helps identify any potential fractures or abnormalities.
Functional Assessment
- Assess Facial Sensation: Test the patient's ability to feel light touch, pain, or temperature on different parts of the face. This assesses the function of the sensory nerves.
- Assess Facial Motor Function: Ask the patient to perform various facial movements, such as smiling, frowning, raising eyebrows, and closing their eyes tightly. This evaluates the motor nerves controlling facial muscles.
Summary of Examination Steps
| Step | Description | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Inspect Skull & Face | Observe shape, symmetry, and any obvious deformities or irregularities. | Identify structural abnormalities. |
| Inspect Skin & Scalp | Examine skin for lesions, discoloration, swelling, hair loss, or signs of trauma. | Identify skin conditions and injuries affecting the head and scalp. |
| Palpate Skull | Gently feel for tenderness, swelling, or irregularities, especially post-trauma. | Detect potential fractures or other structural issues of the skull. |
| Assess Facial Sensation | Test responses to touch, pain, and temperature on the face. | Evaluate the function of the sensory nerves in the face. |
| Assess Motor Function | Observe facial movements like smiling, frowning, and raising eyebrows. | Assess the function of motor nerves controlling facial expression muscles. |
By following this structured approach you will thoroughly evaluate the head structure and functionality.
