Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC) Practice Test

A skier with cervical spine pain and numbness should FIRST have her condition assessed for which symptom?

1. Muscle strength

2. Range of motion

3. Cranial nerve function

4. Concussion symptoms

The correct answer is: Cranial nerve function

In cases where a skier presents with cervical spine pain and numbness, the first priority is to assess cranial nerve function. This is crucial because cranial nerves are directly affected by any injury to the cervical spine due to their anatomical proximity. Assessing cranial nerve function can help identify potential neurological deficits, which could indicate serious conditions such as spinal cord injuries. Cranial nerves are responsible for various sensory and motor functions, including vision, hearing, taste, and head movement. If there are impairments in these functions, it could signify more serious complications that need immediate intervention. Therefore, assessing cranial nerve function provides essential information for establishing the severity and nature of the injury. While muscle strength, range of motion, and concussion symptoms are also important assessments in the evaluation process, they typically follow the immediate evaluation of potential neurological compromise via cranial nerve assessment. This approach ensures that any life-threatening or serious condition can be identified and managed as early as possible.