Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Cranial Nerve XI

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Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

Test the trapezius by asking the patient to shrug the shoulders against your downward resistance. Test the sternocleidomastoid by asking the patient to turn the head to one side against resistance applied to the jaw while you palpate the opposite muscle. Compare the two sides.

How to Interpret

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References

  • Bickley LS, Szilagyi PG, Hoffman RM, Soriano RP. Bates' Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer; 2021.
  • Swartz MH. Textbook of Physical Diagnosis: History and Examination. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025.

Related Systems / Regions

NeckNeurological

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