A Patient Suffers an Inability to Shrug Their Shoulders

Question

A patient suffers an inability to shrug their shoulders. The nerve most likely to be damaged is the
A) vagus.
B) accessory.
C) facial.
D) trigeminal.
E) vestibulocochlear.

Accepted Answer

The accessory nerve is responsible for controlling the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles, which are responsible for shrugging the shoulders. Damage to this nerve, such as from injury or surgery, can result in an inability to shrug the shoulders.