Medical Health Encyclopedia

Cranial mononeuropathy VII

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Central nervous system

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Cranial mononeuropathy VII

Definition:

Cranial mononeuropathy VII is a disorder caused by damage to cranial nerve VII, involving drooping of the face and decreased ability to move the face.

Alternative Names:
Neuropathy - facial; Facial nerve palsy

Text Continues Below

---

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 that put pressure on the facial nerve. This type of nerve damage may also be caused by systemic disorders such as HIV infection, sarcoidosis, Lyme disease. It may have no identifiable cause.

Bell's palsy is a disorder involving paralysis of the muscles innervated by the seventh cranial nerve, which is thought to be caused by an infection of the nerve by a herpesvirus.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.