The facial nerve can be damaged due to trauma, inflammation, infections, or disease.
The left and right cranial nerve 7 are symmetric in structure and function.
Function
Cranial nerve 7 has several functions.
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The most prominent function is movement of the face.
Some of these movements are voluntary (on purpose) and some are involuntary (not on purpose).
This causes paralysis (weakness) of some facial movements.
Bells palsyis the most common condition that affects cranial nerve 7.
This condition causes weakness on one side of the face.
Bells palsy can be distressing, but it isnt dangerous, and it often resolves after weeks or months.
Treatment with oral steroids may speed up recovery.
In some instances, a surgical procedure may be done to repair the nerve and associated muscle damage.
Complications of facial nerve damage may include difficulty eating.
Rehabilitation to improve facial nerve function after an impairment or injury can include physical therapy or electromyographic feedback techniques.
The most common condition affecting cranial nerve 7 is Bells palsy, a distressing condition that isnt harmful.
Complications of cranial nerve 7 problems can include corneal injury and difficulty eating.
Most cranial nerve 7 problems are treatable.
This nerve is tested with a physical examination.
Some surgical procedures can repair this nerve or transplant a nerve.
This may be considered if the nerve is injured.
2022 Feb 11:sjac029.
2021;17(6):570-573. doi:10.5152/iao.2021.21189
