The cranial nerve (vll) is the seventh cranial nerve that passes through the skull and is responsible for much of facial expression. It belongs to the mandibular and trigeminal nervous systems. Its main functions include controlling facial muscles such as the frontalis muscle and the oculomotor system. In addition, it is also responsible for the sensitivity of the skin, soft tissues around the nose and lips. This nerve can be damaged by head injuries or infections that cause inflammation of the nerve. Severe facial nerve damage can result in loss of the ability to control facial expressions and sensations around the nose, forehead, upper lip, and lower lip. Nerve recovery can take a long time, and early recognition and treatment of this condition is important to prevent long-term negative consequences.
Symptoms of seventh cranial nerve injury may include a dry nose, decreased sense of smell and taste, speech problems, decreased vision along the lower field, and headaches. In some cases, the patient may experience weakness in the upper and lower facial muscles and muscle contractions.
Before starting treatment, a series of tests and studies must be carried out to determine the extent of nerve damage, including electromyography and computed tomography of the head. Treatment options for seventh cranial nerve injury may depend on the extent of the injury and the patient's symptoms. Mild cases may require medication and exercises such as chewing and facial exercises. More severe injuries may require surgery to reconstruct the nerve or other medical procedures. The success of treatment depends on timely diagnosis and initiation of treatment.