Facial Nerve Trauma

Facial nerve palsy is a common presentation to primary care providers, the emergency department, and otolaryngologists. Trauma accounts for 10% to 23% of all facial nerve palsies. It has implications on a patient’s quality of life due to the role the facial nerve has in multiple important processes. Alongside the emotional impact of facial expression, facial nerve palsy can have ophthalmological, otological, rhinological, taste, and swallowing consequences. Ophthalmological consequences from impaired lacrimation, ectropion, and epiphora can lead to exposure keratopathy, which can lead to blindness. Otological consequences include a reduction in hearing. Impaired muscular support to the nasal valve can lead to nasal obstruction. Impact on the perioral musculature can result in poor swallowing and insufficient oral competence, while the damage to the chorda tympani branch of the facial nerve can lead to impaired or altered taste.