Neurophysiology Case Histories - Case 1

A 46-year-old female complained of weakness on the entire left half of her face, which quickly led to facial paralysis on that side. She was unable to wrinkle her forehead, smile, show her teeth, or puff out her cheek on the affected side. She was also unable to close her left eye. A temporary patch protected the exposed eye. Taste perception was distorted over the left anterior portion of the tongue. There was complete recovery of the facial paralysis and taste distortion within two months.

1. The cranial nerve involved in this individual is the nerve.

2. This condition is known as .

3a. Why was there facial paralysis on the left half of her face?

3b. Why was she unable to smile?

3c. Why did she need a patch over her left eye?

4. Why was her taste distorted?

5. Compare this disorder to the major disorder associated with cranial nerve V.

6. Describe the normal functions of both of the cranial nerves discussed above.

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