Physical examination maneuver
Physical Exam
Head and Face Inspection
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Video coming September 2026
How to Perform
Inspect the head and face for size, shape, and symmetry. Note the contour of the skull and any swellings or depressions, the symmetry of the facial features at rest and with movement, the distribution and texture of the scalp and facial hair, and the color, texture, and any lesions of the facial skin. Observe the overall facial expression and look for any characteristic facies.
How to Interpret
Showing 3 of 6 findings
Acromegaly
Coarse acromegalic facial features (frontal bossing, enlarged jaw, nose, and lips)
Rule in
Helpful
Rule out
Somewhat helpful
Evidence:Limited
Acute Stroke
Acute facial droop as part of the FAST / Cincinnati stroke triad (any one of facial droop, arm drift, or abnormal speech present)
Rule in
Helpful
Rule out
Somewhat helpful
Evidence:Limited
Hypothyroidism
Myxedematous facies — the puffy, periorbitally swollen hypothyroid face (facial puffiness and periorbital oedema from mucopolysaccharide-rich fluid in the skin)
Rule in
—
Rule out
Somewhat helpful
Evidence:Limited