Section 6. Brain, Spinal Cord, and Nerve Disorders

Chapter 96. Cranial Nerve Disorders

Topics: Introduction | Internuclear Ophthalmoplegia | Palsies of Cranial Nerves That Control Eye Movement | Trigeminal Neuralgia | Bell's Palsy | Hemifacial Spasm | Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia | Hypoglossal Nerve Disorders

Introduction

Twelve pairs of nerves--the cranial nerves--lead directly from the brain to various parts of the head and neck. A disorder may affect the connections between cranial nerves within the brain. An example is internuclear ophthalmoplegia. Or, a disorder may affect only one cranial nerve. Examples are trigeminal neuralgia, Bell's palsy, hemifacial spasms, and glossopharyngeal neuralgia. When doctors suspect a cranial nerve disorder, the function of a cranial nerve is tested by asking the person to perform simple tasks, such as to follow a moving target with the eyes.

See the table Testing the Cranial Nerves.