Facial nerve problems
Bells palsy is a condition that affects the facial nerve, and therefore the function of the muscles, on one side of the face. The facial nerve is one of the 12 cranial nerves and is given the designation of the 7th cranial nerve (CN VII). There is a facial nerve on each side of the face. This nerve can be considered to be the nerve that controls facial expression, so when its function is disrupted, the control of facial expression is impaired.
While a number of different conditions can cause damage to the facial nerve, including tumors, trauma, toxins, and neurologic diseases, true Bells palsy is an idiopathic (meaning that the cause is unknown) paralysis of the facial nerve. It typically occurs on one side of the face and comes on suddenly, sometimes overnight. The diagnosis of Bells palsy is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning that this diagnosis is made when all the potential other causes of nerve damage have been ruled out. Most investigators believe that Bells palsy results from...
The facial nerve is a nerve that controls the muscles on the side of the face. It allows us to show expression, smile, cry, and wink. Injury to the facial nerve can cause a socially and psychologically devastating physical defect; although most cases resolve spontaneously, treatment may ultimately require extensive rehabilitation or multiple procedures.
Facial nerve problems may result in facial muscle paralysis, weakness, or twitching of the face. Dryness of the eye or the mouth, alteration of taste on the affected side, or even excessive tearing or salivation can be seen as well. However, the finding of one of these symptoms does not necessarily imply a specific facial nerve problem; the physician needs to make a careful investigation in order to make a precise diagnosis.
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