Traumatic Lesions of Cranial Nerves in Head-Injured Patients

The acute management of head injuries is dominated by the impending danger of brain compression and herniation, cerebral edema, and compromise of vital vegetative functions. Attention is directed only secondarily to focal circumscribed lesions of the cranial nerves. Fortunately, these are rare; still, it is important to diagnose them early in order to take the adequate steps of treatment. Among all the cranial nerves possibly involved in head trauma, the early detection, exact timing of exploration, and treatment are of utmost importance for the optic, facial, and cochlear nerves.