Facial nerve palsy

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Facial nerve palsy

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.

Alternative Names

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

Causes

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:

It also may have no obvious cause.


Central nervous system

Review Date: 2/6/2008
Reviewed By: Daniel Kantor, MD, Director of the Comprehensive MS Center, Neuroscience Institute, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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