Facial Nerve

The facial nerve is the seventh cranial nerve and is responsible for carrying motor and autonomic signals from the brain to the face. It is responsible for facial muscles controlling expression and has vital sensory functions including taste, sensation and salivary production. Damage to the facial nerve can cause facial paralysis, which can be partial or complete. Facial nerve repair and reconstructive facial surgery are both important treatments for facial paralysis, and are typically used to improve facial appearance and restore function.