Seventh Nerve Path Summary

The facial nerve pair, cranial nerve VII, innervates most of the facial muscles, including the adnexa of the eye. Injury to the facial nerve has significant consequences for the patient’s functional and psychological well-being. The seventh nerve transmits motor, sensory, and parasympathetic signals. Disorders are often wide-ranging and be very upsetting to the patient. The adnexa muscles, most notably the orbicularis oculi, protect the ocular structures and allow blinking. The facial muscles are required to show emotion and damage to these is also a cosmetic concern. Lacrimal and salivary glands are also affected, further exacerbating dry eye and dry mouth. The facial nerve pathway is long and has many forks, including five prominent branches and several lesser rami. The winding and branching nature of the pathway yields susceptibility for variable paresis or paralysis due to ischemia or mechanical pinching.1,2
The patient in question, a 42-year-old female, presents in clinic in the afternoon with a complaint of waking up that morning with a dry & irritated right eye. Associated symptoms include unilateral acute aberrations in her

Importantly, this is only a temporary measure pending nerve recovery. First, the patient should be provided explanation as to why their lid must be mechanically closed. Next, the doctor must wash their hands. This is especially imperative because the ocular region is particularly vulnerable to infection due to the severe dry eye. Then an approximately 4 cm long section of tape is cut. This portion is gently pressed over the patient’s upper lid then lower lid, ensuring equal upper and lower lid coverage. Importantly, the long edge of the tape should be parallel to the lid fissure. Then check that the patient is not able to open the taped eye. Finally, instruct the patient on how to replace the tape as