Cranial mononeuropathy VII

Alternative names:

neuropathy - facial

Definition:

A disorder involving drooping of the face and decreased ability to move the face caused by damage to cranial nerve VII.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Cranial mononeuropathy VII is a mononeuropathy (damage to a single nerve) that involves the 7th cranial (facial) nerve, the nerve that controls movement of the muscles of the face. This nerve 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, systemic disorders including HIV infection, sarcoidosis, Lyme disease, or other disorders. It may have no identifiable cause. Bell's Palsy is a disorder involving idiopathic facial nerve paralysis (no known cause).