S00-S09: Injuries to the head

S04: Injury of cranial nerves

Injury of cranial nerves represents a group of conditions that involve damage to one or more of the twelve cranial nerves. These nerves are responsible for various functions including vision, smell, movement and sensation in the face, taste, hearing, balance, and more. Injury can occur due to various reasons such as trauma from accidents, surgical complications, tumours, infections, and certain medical conditions such as multiple sclerosis or stroke. Symptoms depend on which nerve is involved, and can range from vision problems, difficulty swallowing, facial pain or numbness, hearing loss, balance issues, to changes in smell or taste. The course of disease progression is largely dependent on the cause and extent of nerve damage. This injury can significantly affect a person's quality of life owing to its potential impact on sensory functions and facial movements.