Definition of Facial nerve palsy :

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

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.