Facial Nerve Paralysis (Seventh Nerve)
Facial nerve paralysis (seventh nerve) is a condition that causes weakness or temporary paralysis of the facial muscles, occurring due to inflammation, swelling, or external pressure on the seventh cranial nerve, which controls the facial muscles. This condition causes drooping or stiffness on one side of the face, and the affected person may have difficulty smiling or closing the eyelid on the affected side. However, the symptoms are temporary and typically resolve within a few weeks. Facial nerve paralysis can occur at any age, but it most commonly affects individuals between the ages of 16 and 60.
Causes of facial nerve paralysis.
The exact cause of facial nerve paralysis (Bell’s palsy) is not completely understood, but it has been found that there is an association between facial nerve damage and certain viral infections, such as viral meningitis or the herpes simplex virus. It is believed that infection with these viruses causes inflammation and swelling of the facial nerve, leading to pressure on the nerve and difficulty in blood flow to it, which results in facial nerve paralysis. There are several viruses and bacteria that can cause inflammation of the facial nerve, such as:
- Herpes virus, which causes cold sores and genital herpes.
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which destroys the body’s immune system.
- Sarcoidosis, which causes inflammation of various organs.
- Varicella Zoster Virus, which causes chickenpox and shingles.
- Epstein-Barr Virus, which causes infectious mononucleosis.
- Lyme disease, a bacterial infection caused by a tick bite.
Symptoms of facial nerve paralysis.
The symptoms of seventh cranial nerve palsy vary from person to person, ranging from mild weakness in the facial muscles to complete paralysis. It typically affects one side of the face and appears suddenly, leading to noticeable changes in the facial appearance. Symptoms of facial nerve palsy that may appear include:
- Weakness or paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face, occurring and progressing over two days.
- Drooping or sagging of the eyelid or corner of the mouth.
- Drooling from the mouth.
- Dry mouth.
- Loss of taste sensation.
- Dry eyes or excessive tear production.
- Pain or discomfort around the jaw and behind the ear.
- Tinnitus in one or both ears.
- Headache.
- Sensitivity to sound on the affected side.
- Difficulty speaking.
- Dizziness.
- Difficulty eating or drinking.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If you suspect that you are suffering from facial nerve paralysis, you should consult your doctor immediately for diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Your doctor may use certain tests to determine the cause and severity of the facial nerve paralysis, such as:
- Electromyography (EMG), a test that measures the activity of muscles and nerves, which can confirm nerve damage and determine its severity.
- Imaging tests, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Computed Tomography (CT) scans, which are used to create detailed images of different parts of the body. These techniques can help exclude other potential sources of pressure on the facial nerve, such as a tumor or skull fracture.
Treatment aims to reduce swelling in the nerve, maintain facial muscle health, and prevent complications. Treatment may include:
- Medications, such as corticosteroids, which are drugs that reduce inflammation.
