There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves that lead directly from the brain to various parts of the head. They control  movements of the face, tongue, eyes and throat, and receive sensory  input from the organs of hearing, sight, smell  and taste.

Neurological abnormalities can occur in persons with Relapsing Polychondritis. The underlying mechanism  is uncertain. Any of the cranial nerves may be involved, with Cranial Nerves  II, III, IV, VI, VII, VIII, and XI  being  the most  commonly reported. Vasculitis, infection or inflammation in the surrounding areas may account for them.

Cranial Nerve Palsy (paralysis) is the most common neurological event reported.

Inflammation or lesion in the cranial nerves can cause  palsies, they are often  temporary and treated with prednisone, antibiotics and/or NSAIDs. Reoccurring or prolonged attacks  can cause permanent damage to the nerve that is involved. Cranial Nerve damage can cause weakness in the nerve, muscle weakness, delay in muscle control or full paralysis, loss of usage and pain.

This page was last updated on: September 17, 2007

Olfactory Nerve I

The first cranial  nerve is concerned with the sense of smell. The nerve fibers starting  in  the  mucous membranes of the nose carry   messages  to  the cerebrum.

Opitic Nerve II

The  second cranial  nerve  from the brain.Visual impulses from the retnia are sent along the optic nerve.

Oculomotor Nerve III,

Trochlear Nerve IV,

Abducent Nerve VI

These cranial  nerves control move- ment of  muscle  which  moves  the eyelids, and allows focusing.

Vestibulochlear Nerve VIII

Located behind  the facial nerve, the eight  cranial  nerve caries  impulses for the sense of balance.

Trigeminal Nerve V

This  nerve  has three sections: the ophthalmic, maxillary and mandibular  divisions. They  supply sensory fibers to araes such as the forehead, skin of the check and the muscles used for chewing.

Facial Nerve VII

The facial nerve is the seventh cranial  nerve. It  provides the motor fibers for facial expression. It is also responsible  for   the  sensation   of taste  in the front part of the tongue.

Spinal Accessory Nerve XI

The eleventh cranial nerve is primarily responsible for movement of the muscles of the upper shoulders, head, neck, larynx  and pharynx.

Vagus Nerve X

The tenth cranial nerve is  involved with  functions such as coughing, sneezing, swallowing, speaking, secretions from the glands of  the  stomach, as well as the sensation of hunger.

Glossopharyngeal Nerve IX,

Hypoglossal Nerves XII 

Supplying  the carotod sinus, the ninth cranial nerve is responsible for the reflex control of the heart.It also supplies the back part of the tongue and the soft palate. The twelfth controls movement of the tongue.

Cranial Nerves