Facial nerve palsy Health Article

Definition

Facial nerve palsy is a nervous system disorder in which a damaged nerve in the skull affects the movement of the muscles of the face.

It is a form of cranial mononeuropathy VII.

See also:

• Bell's palsy (another form of cranial mononeuropathy VII)
• Mononeuropathy

Alternative Names

Neuropathy - facial; Cranial mononeuropathy VII; Seventh cranial nerve palsy

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Facial nerve palsy occurs when there is damage to the seventh cranial (facial) nerve. It is a type of mononeuropathy. The seventh facial nerve is located in the skull. It controls movement of the muscles of the face. It also affects feeling in the ear canal and the sense of taste.

This type of nerve damage may occur with local growths, such as a tumor, that put pressure on the facial nerve.

Facial nerve palsy may also be caused by:

• HIV infection
• Lyme disease
• Sarcoidosis

It also may have no obvious cause.

Symptoms

• Change in the appearance of the face
  • Difficulty closing one eye
  • Difficulty making expressions, grimacing
  • Difficulty with fine movements of the face
  • Facial droop
  • Paralysis of one side of the face
• Difficulty eating (items fall out of the weak corner of the mouth)
• Face feels pulled to one side
• Face feels stiff
• Headache
• Impairment of taste
• Increased loudness of sound in one ear
• Pain behind the ear (for Bell's palsy)
• Sensitivity to sound (hyperacusis)

Signs and tests

An examination will show facial drooping on one side of the face or just on the forehead, eyelid, or mouth. Examination of the eardrum may show fluid-filled sacs (vesicles).

A blood test may be done to check for Lyme disease. Other tests may include:

• Lumbar puncture
• MRI of the head
• Tests to rule out a stroke or other nervous system problems