Neuro

Facial Nerve Palsy (CNVII)

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Pathology

Damage to facial nerve

Aetiology

Idiopathic: Bell’s Palsy
Brainstem Lesions: Stroke or tumour
Infection: Varicella Zoster (Ramsey Hunt Syndrome), HSV, Lyme disease, Meningitis
Systemic: Diabetes, Sarcoidosis, Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Signs

Vesicle formation in Bell’s Palsy and Ramsey Hunt Syndrome

Symptoms

Unilateral facial weakness, hyperacusis.

Investigations

Imaging: MRI to assess for underlying cause

Treatment

Medical: Prednisolone, eye lubrication and acyclovir 

Prognosis

80% recover within 2 months.
Corneal injury, nerve degeneration and weakness

Key Facts

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Key Images

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Key References

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