Cranial mononeuropathy VII

Alternative names:

neuropathy - facial

Symptoms:

• face feels stiff
• face feels pulled to one side
• difficulty eating (items fall out of the weak corner of the mouth)
• change in facial appearance
  • facial droop
  • difficulty with facial expressions, grimacing
  • difficulty with fine facial movements
  • paralysis of one side of the face
  • difficulty closing one eye

• impairment of taste
• sensitivity to sound (hyperacusis)
• headache
• tinnitus (abnormal sounds in the ear)
• pain behind the ear (mastoid) -- for Bell's palsy

Signs and tests:

An examination will show facial drooping that may be on one side of the face or isolated to the forehead, eyelid, or mouth.