Facial Nerve Disorders

3.9.1 Diagram the course of the facial nerve from the brainstem to its exit at the stylomastoid foramen.

3.9.2 Discuss the blood supply to the facial nerve and what is the clinical relevance?

3.9.3 What is the narrowest segment of the fallopian canal? What is the most common areas of dehiscence?

3.9.4 Give us the House-Brackmann system of grading facial weakness. When is it appropriate to use this grading system? What are the problems with this grading system?

3.9.5 A patient presents to the clinic with a history of progressive facial weakness over the past two months. It is now a H-B IV. What is your approach to the work-up? What kind of tests do you order?

3.9.6 A patient presents to the clinic with a history of progressive facial weakness over the past few days. It is now a H-B VI. What is your approach to the work-up? What kind of tests do you order?

3.9.7 What is Bell’s Palsy? How will you counsel patients on prognosis? Will you treat with steroids (Give us the data)? Discuss the role of antiviral medications in Bell's palsy.

3.9.8 A 35 yo female presents with rapid onset left facial paralysis. She has a prior history of ipsilateral and contralateral facial paralysis. One element of her exam is depicted. What is the most likely diagnosis? What is the differential diagnosis of bilateral facial paralysis? What are the most common causes of bilateral facial paralysis?

3.9.9 Discuss the differences between hemifacial spasm and synkinesis with respect to pathophysiology and management.

3.9.10 A 40 yo patient presents with a progressive facial paresis over the past 5 years. A MRI is ordered. What is the differential diagnosis for this patient including benign and malignant neoplasms, as well as non-neoplastic lesions?