What are cranial neuropathies? By neurosurgeon in Gurgaon

Dr. Arun Saroha
5 min readNov 16, 2022

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Nerves provide control to the whole body, but they can be affected by injury or disease such as diabetes. Neuropathy is a nerve disease that impairs the ability to perceive and move. Call and schedule your appointment with Dr. Arun who is the neurosurgeon in Gurgaon. The location of the damaged nerves in your body determines how your body and movement are affected. Cranial neuropathy occurs when nerves in the brain or brainstem are compromised.

The cranial nerves are those that emerge directly from the brain or brainstem and often impact areas such as the face and eyes. Among the various forms of cranial neuropathies are:

  • Bell’s palsy is a form of palsy. When the facial nerve (seventh cranial nerve) is damaged, this disorder develops.
  • Microvascular cranial nerve palsy is a form of cranial nerve palsy. The nerves in the eye are affected by this disease. It is most common in people with diabetes and those with high blood pressure.
  • Third nerve palsy is a condition in which the third nerve is paralyzed The third cranial nerve is affected by this disease. This nerve aids in the management of a muscle that regulates eye movement.
  • Palsy of the fourth nerve. Superior oblique palsy is another name for this condition. It affects the superior oblique muscle, which allows you to converge your pupils (to look at the tip of your nose).
  • Palsy of the sixth nerve. This is also known as cranial nerve VI palsy or abducens palsy. It affects the sixth cranial nerve, which is also responsible for controlling eye movement.
  • Multiple cranial neuropathies occur when many different cranial nerves are compromised (MCN).

What are the causes of cranial neuropathies?

Cranial neuropathy can develop for a variety of reasons. Bell’s palsy, for example, is often caused by a virus that causes swelling. This puts strain on the facial nerve.

People with high blood pressure can develop microvascular cranial nerve palsy.

Third nerve palsy may be present at birth in children. However, it may also be the result of a head injury or an infection. A brain disease, such as an aneurysm or a brain tumor, may also cause third nerve palsy. Diabetes and migraines are two other possibilities.

Fourth nerve palsy is often a congenital birth defect, which means that it is present at birth. However, fourth nerve palsy may be caused by a head injury, stroke, or tumor.

Infection, a stroke or tumor, elevated brain pressure, and even migraines may all cause damage to the sixth cranial nerve. Book your appointment with the best neurosurgeon in Gurgaon.

What are the signs and symptoms of cranial neuropathy?

Depending on which nerves are affected and where they are located, various forms of neuropathies can cause a variety of symptoms. Neuropathies, in general, can result in:

Neuropathies, in general, can result in:

  • pain
  • A sense of tingling
  • Feeling of numbness
  • Skin that is sensitive to touch
  • Muscle weakness or paralysis

Among the signs of various forms of cranial neuropathies are:

  • Bell’s palsy can cause drooping of the lower half of the face. It normally affects just one side of the face.
  • Microvascular cranial nerve palsy can result in double vision and other vision problems.
  • Third nerve palsy can cause sagging and drooping eyelids, double vision, trouble moving the eye, and a larger-than-normal pupil.
  • The eye or eyes transform abnormally as a result of fourth nerve palsy. It causes you to see double and can cause you to turn your head while looking.
  • Sixth nerve palsy may result in irregular eye movement and double vision.

What are the symptoms of cranial neuropathies?

To diagnose neuropathy, a healthcare provider will typically perform a battery of tests.

Depending on the type of cranial neuropathy suspected by your doctor, tests can include:

A neurological assessment is performed to assess feeling, reflexes, balance, and mental state.

  • Electromyography (EMG) is a technique that tests the electrical activity of muscles when they are active and at rest.
  • CT or MRI scans are imaging techniques that enable doctors to see within the brain.
  • Nerve conduction velocity measures are used to determine how and where the nerve is affected.
  • Biopsies of the skin and nerves to determine the extent of nerve damage.
  • Hearing examinations
  • Angiography is a form of X-ray that uses contrast dye to photograph the heart and blood vessels.

What is the treatment for cranial neuropathies?

Many forms of neuropathies can improve on their own over time, without any therapy. Medicines may also be used to treat an infection, minimize swelling in or around a nerve, or alleviate pain caused by neuropathy. Surgery may be beneficial for certain forms of neuropathies and in some cases. Often the nerve damage is irreversible and cannot be treated or fixed.

However, it is important to detect and treat any underlying medical problems that are causing neuropathy. Popular causes of neuropathy, such as high blood pressure, infections, and diabetes, may be treated. Eating healthy foods, avoiding smoking, and restricting alcohol consumption may all aid with neuropathy management.

Is it possible to avoid cranial neuropathies?

Cranial neuropathy is not always preventable. Controlling common factors, on the other hand, may help to minimize the risk of developing neuropathy. Reducing the risk factors for stroke and brain injury, as well as controlling your diabetes and lowering your blood pressure, will both help avoid neuropathy. Call us and schedule your appointment with Dr. Arun who is the neurosurgeon in max Gurgaon.

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Dr. Arun Saroha
Dr. Arun Saroha

Written by Dr. Arun Saroha

Dr. Arun Saroha Brain and Spinal Surgery Clinic provide the best treatment and care for any brain and spine concerns.

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