Tests of facial nerve function

DR.RAM SHANKAR RENGANATHAN

Tests of facial nervefunction

Facial Nerve TestDetect facial nerve lesionMeasure severityLocalise site of lesionAssess prognosis for recoveryAssist in decisionsDetect and avoid surgical injury*

PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONFacial assymetry*Eye brow dropLoss of forehead *and nasolabial foldUncontrolled tearsInability to close the eyes*Drooling of corner of mouthDeviation of angle of mouth to opposite side*

HOUSE BRACKMANN GRADING

TOPODIAGNOSTIC TESTSLesion below the point at which particular branch leave the facial nerve trunk will spare the function subserved by that branch

Detect only most proximal lesions

Do not give information about precise level of lesions

FACIAL NERVE COURSE

LACHRYMAL FUNCTIONSchirmer testAbnormal if affected side show less than 50% lachrymation compared to normal side orSum of the length of wetted filter paper for both eyes is