Facial nerve: Anatomy & Pathology

Inflammatory disease

Bell's palsy

- Idiopathic but usually follows a viral infection

- Usually self-limited

Ramsey Hunt syndrome - herpes zoster oticus

Lyme disease

Syphilis

Imaging - gadolinium enhancement of the 7th nerve

CAUTION: The geniculate ganglion & post-ganglionic nerve segment normally exhibit mild enhancement. Also, the stylomastoid canal contains a vascular plexus that enhances.

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