Question

"Suddenly I can't move half my face or close my eyes and my ear is ringing! Everything has less taste. My mouth is a little dry." Symptoms appeared suddenly. Facial paralysis on the left half of the face, including the forehead. The patient has tenderness posterior to his left ear. Eyes are moist.

Based on the patient's symptoms, which cranial nerve (CN) do you suspect has a lesion?
A) Cranial Nerve X (CN X)
B) Cranial Nerve V (CN V)
C) Cranial Nerve IX (CN IX)
D) Cranial Nerve VII (CN VII)

Answer 1

Based on the symptoms described, the cranial nerve that is most likely to have a lesion is Cranial Nerve VII (CN VII).

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the symptoms described, the cranial nerve that is most likely to have a lesion is Cranial Nerve VII (CN VII). This nerve, also known as the facial nerve, controls the muscles of facial expression. Symptoms such as facial paralysis on one side, inability to close the eyes, and decreased taste can all be attributed to damage or dysfunction of this nerve.

Other cranial nerves listed in the options, such as Cranial Nerve X (CN X), Cranial Nerve V (CN V), and Cranial Nerve IX (CN IX), do not directly control the muscles and sensations mentioned in the symptoms provided.