Cranial Nerve Diseases

Cranial Nerve Diseases

Cranial Nerve Disorders??
Types of Cranial Diseases
* Bell’s Palsy
* Trigeminal Neuralgia
* Conjugate Gaze Palsies
* Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia
* Hemifacial Spasm
* Hypoglossal Nerve Disorder
* Internuclear Ophthalmoplegia
* Palsies of cranial nerve that controls eye movements
* Acoustic Neuroma
* Facial Nerve
* Meniere’ Disease
* Vertigo and Dizziness
Bell Palsy
WHAT IS BELL’S PALSY?
Causes Of Bell’s Palsy
Prevalence of Bell’s Palsy
Symptoms of Bell’s Palsy
--Symptoms usually start suddenly, and range from mild to severe. They may include:

* Twitching in face
* Weakness in face
* Face feels stiff or pulled to one side
* Droopy eyelid or corner of mouth
* Drooling due to inability to control facial muscles
* Facial Paralysis of one side of the face, makes it hard to close one eye
* Change in facial expression (for example, grimacing)
* Dry eye or mouth
* Loss of sense of taste
* Difficulty with eating and drinking
* Pain behind or in front of the ear, may occur 1-2 days before muscle weakness
* Sensitivity to sound (hyperacusis) on the side of the face affected
* Headache
--These symptoms of Bell's palsy usually begin suddenly and reach their peak within 48 hours

Treatment for Bell’s palsy
* SAD NEWS!! There is no cure or normal course of treatment for Bell's palsy. The most important factor in treatment is to remove the source of the nerve damage. Some cases are gentle and do not require treatment since the symptoms usually drop on their own within 2 weeks. For some patients, treatment may include medications such as acyclovir -- used to fight viral infections -- combined with an anti-inflammatory drug such as the steroid prednisone -- used to reduce inflammation and swelling. Medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen may relieve pain, but because of possible drug interactions, patients should always talk to their doctors before taking any medications. There is a decompression surgery for Bell's palsy -- to relieve pressure on the nerve, but it is controversial and is rarely suggested.
* GOOD NEWS!! In general, the prognosis (forecast) for individuals with Bell's palsy is very good. The degree of nerve damage determines the degree of recovery. With or without treatment, most individuals begin to heal within 2 weeks after the early onset of symptoms and recuperate entirely within 3 to 6 months.

Prevention for Bell’s Palsy
* Taking Care of Yourself!!
* Use of safety measures may reduce the incidence of head injury.
* AVOID HITTING YOUR HEAD ON THE WALL !!
* Many of the other factors associated with this disorder are not readily preventable.


FAQs on Bell’s Palsy

Cranial Nerve Diseases.ppt