S04: Injury of cranial nerves

S04.5: Injury of facial nerve

Various nerves run from the brain to the sensory organs in the head, and to organs in the body. These nerves are called cranial nerves. These nerves are important in seeing, tasting or hearing, for example. But the cranial nerves also control important functions in the body, such as in the lungs and heart.

You have injured your facial nerve. The facial nerve runs from both sides of the brain to different parts of the head. The nerve does different things. For example, it controls a lot of facial muscles. The nerve is also important for our sense of taste. It also affects our hearing and how much saliva and tears are formed. If the facial nerve is injured you may no longer be able to move certain facial muscles properly. One corner of your mouth might droop, for example. If the facial nerve is injured you may also no longer be able to taste properly. You may also have problems with your hearing. There may also be other symptoms.