What tests are done for nerve palsies?

While it is possible for multiple cranial nerve palsies to have a microvascular cause all patients with more than a single nerve palsy or with other neurologic findings must have a work up (neurologic examination and imaging study) before the diagnosis is accepted. If the cranial nerve palsy fails to resolve completely over 3 months additional work-up is indicated. All patients with presumed microvascular cranial nerve palsies should have their blood pressure and blood sugar checked to make sure they do not have diabetes or hypertension. Additional work up such as CT or MRI scans or even an angiogram to rule out an aneurysm may be necessary.