Sitting or standing
Anterior to the patient
Please sit (or stand).
I would like to check the function of a muscle on your forehead.
Please look at this picture of a person raising the eyebrows.
(Or ... Please look at me while I raise my eyebrows.) May I touch your forehead?
(If the answer is yes) I will gently place my fingers on your forehead while you raise your eyebrows. Please raise your eyebrows, relax, and then raise them again.
(If the answer is no) please raise your eyebrows, relax and then raise them again while I observe. If possible, please raise only one eyebrow at a time.
(If the answer is yes) I will gently place my fingers on your forehead while you raise your eyebrows. Please raise your eyebrows, relax, and then raise them again.
(If the answer is no) please raise your eyebrows, relax and then raise them again while I observe. If possible, please raise only one eyebrow at a time.
The patient/client is sitting (or standing)
and either facing a mirror or facing the person who will demonstrate raising the eyebrows.
After showing a picture or demonstrating, ask the patient/client to raise the eyebrows.
With the muscle relaxed initially and with permission,
gently place your fingers on the patient/client's forehead and ask him/her to raise the eyebrows,
relax and then raise them again.
Repeat these motions if necessary.
If permission is not granted, ask the person to raise the eyebrows,
relax and then raise them again while you observe.
Palpation of the frontalis muscle in this video demonstrates finger placement after muscle activation to allow for better viewing. The correct technique of palpation of muscle includes the sequence of muscle activation, relaxation of the muscle, placement of the fingers on the muscle before the muscle is activated, activation of the muscle, and relaxation of the muscle.
Ipsilateral function of this muscle can be assessed as the person raises one eyebrow at a time. Many people are unable to do these motions. Inability to perform these motions does not necessarily indicate abnormal muscle function.