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Facial nerve palsy

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Definition:

Cranial mononeuropathy VII is a neurological disorder caused by damage to the seventh nerve in the skull (cranial nerve VII).

See also: Bell's palsy

Alternative Names:

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

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Cranial mononeuropathy VII is a mononeuropathy (damage to a single nerve) that involves the seventh cranial (facial) nerve, the nerve that controls movement of the muscles of the face.

This nerve, located in the skull, also contributes to sensation in the ear canal and the sense of taste. Isolated facial nerve damage may occur with localized lesions, such as a tumor, that put pressure on the facial nerve. Cranial mononeuropathy VII may also be caused by HIV infection , sarcoidosis , Lyme disease . It may have no identifiable cause.

Bell's palsy is an acute form of Cranial mononeuropathy VII .

• Review Date: 9/26/2006
• Reviewed By: Kenneth Gross, M.D., Neurology, North Miami, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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