16. Disorders of the cranial nerves

Diseases of the cranial nerves result in sensory function loss and/or the loss of facial motor control. Hearing and sight may be lost, for example, double vision or vertigo may occur, swallowing and speech may become difficult, and the face may become paralysed or hypersensitive. Cranial nerve problems can usually be traced and resolved. That is the case, for example, with viral infections, compression due to intracranial hypertension, drug poisoning, autoimmune disorders and meningitis.