Related Terms

Cranial Nerve Palsy

Cranial Nerve Palsy: This is a type of palsy which involves one or even more of the cranial nerves. Palsy develops when a muscle developed paralysis or some way loses the control of it thru suffering erratic movements, spastic jerking as well as other difficulties. Cranial nerve palsies are in most cases easy to identify since they involve face muscles and individual’s faces change because of the palsy. An individual might find it hard to smile, to engage in facial expressions, as well as controlling eye movements.

There are numerous reasons why individuals may develop this condition. Head or facial trauma can be a reason, as this might damage some nerve. Individuals may also develop this condition after a surgery where the surgeon has accidentally damaged one of the cranial nerves. Degenerative problems such as multiple sclerosis also can damage these nerves, as can diseases such as meningitis and diabetes. Also blood pressure that is high can be connected with this nerve problem.

Twelve pairs of cranial nerves run from the brain to varied areas of the face thru holes in the skin referred to as the foramens. These nerves allow for very fine levels of control over the facial muscles, letting individuals do everything from curling the lips to making minute eye movements. In those people with this palsy, the control over a muscle or group of muscles is lost, which lead to paralysis, drooping, or involuntary movement that is erratic.

Popular Medical Definitions