Peripheral Paresis and Inner Ear Disorders

Flashcards covering key concepts related to peripheral paresis of the facial nerve and inner ear disorders.

What is peripheral paresis and paralysis of the facial nerve?

A condition causing facial expression disorders and asymmetry but does not lead to vital threats.

How many segments does the facial nerve have?

Six segments: Intracranial, intrameatal, labyrinthine, tympanic, mastoid, and extracranial.

What is the origin of the facial nerve?

It originates from the nucleus in the pons.

Which tracts innervate the frontal branch of the facial nucleus?

Both corticonuclear tracts.

What fibers does the n. intermedius contain?

Visceromotor fibers for lacrimal and salivary glands and viscerosensitive fibers for taste from fungiform papillae.

What symptoms might indicate inner ear disorders?

Sudden onset of sensorineural hearing loss or deafness in previously healthy individuals.

What is the suggested cause of acute idiopathic sensorineural hearing loss?

A viral infection and altered immune response.

What is Bell's facial palsy?

Idiopathic unilateral paralysis of unknown cause, the most common form of peripheral paralysis.

What are the common causes of paralysis of the facial nerve?

Trauma, ear infection, brain stem tumors, viral infections, and other neurological issues.

What is the fast form of facial paralysis?

It typically occurs within 2-4 days.

What is the slow form of facial paralysis?

It typically takes about two weeks to manifest.

What are the complications of Bell's palsy?

Corneal damage and other functional impairments.

What is neuropraxia?

Functional interruption in the myelin sheaths.

What is axonotmesis?

Functional interruption in both the myelin sheaths and axons.

What is neurotmesis?

Complete functional interruption of the nerve with Wallerian degeneration in the distal part.

What is the role of the facial nerve in terms of innervation?

It innervates facial musculature and provides secretory and sensory functions.

What is presbyacusis?

Deafness in the elderly, often due to atrophy of sensory cells in the cochlea.

What is labyrinthogenic vertigo?

An inner ear disorder characterized by bouts of vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus.

What is Meniere's disease?

A disorder affecting the inner ear that leads to hearing loss and episodes of vertigo.

What characterizes benign paroxysmal positional vertigo?

Short-term dizziness triggered by changing head positions.

What is otosclerosis?

A hereditary condition causing progressive conductive hearing loss due to stapes fixation.

What is the primary age group affected by otosclerosis?

It most often affects individuals between 16 and 50 years of age.

What are the surgical treatment options for otosclerosis?

Stapedectomy and stapedotomy.

What is the prevalence of otosclerosis?

About 0.3%, being more common in women than men.

What is the proposed etiology for vestibular neuronitis?

Uncertain, though viral infection is likely.

How is the diagnosis of facial nerve issues primarily assessed?

Through ENT examinations, neurologic assessment, and diagnostic imaging.

What is the typical presentation of bilateral Bell's facial palsy?

Less obvious than unilateral paralysis and often associated with cranial trauma.

What symptom often precedes Bell's facial palsy?

Retroauricular pain.

What is the common occurrence rate of recurrence in Bell's palsy?

Approximately 5%.

What does Schirmer's test assess?

Tear production and function.

What does stapedius reflex testing evaluate?

The function of the stapedius muscle in response to sound.

What does gustatometry measure?

Taste sensation from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue.

What is the key clinical examination tool for diagnosing inner ear disorders?

Audiometry.

What outcomes are expected from surgical intervention for otosclerosis?

Favorable results in improving hearing in 95% of cases.

What type of hearing loss is most commonly associated with otosclerosis?

Primarily conductive hearing loss.

What distinguishes vestibular neuronitis from other inner ear disorders?

It presents with dizziness without hearing loss.

What is a common complaint among patients with otosclerosis?

Tinnitus.

What is the common diagnostic feature of the audiometry of otosclerosis patients?

Symmetrical bilateral conductive hearing loss.

What is included in the therapy for acute idiopathic sensorineural hearing loss?

Timely intervention within seven days of onset.

What kind of diagnostic tests are performed for vestibular disorders?

Clinical examination, audiometry, and vestibular tests.

What does the caloric reflex test assess?

The functional capacity of the vestibular system.

What are the two types of fibers associated with n. intermedius?

Visceromotor and viscerosensitive fibers.

What condition is characterized by sudden, severe dizziness and nystagmus?

Vestibular neuronitis.

What is the most frequent age group diagnosed with Meniere's disease?

Middle-aged individuals.

What clinical sign is associated with otosclerosis?

Reduction of sound transmission in tuning fork tests.

What is a common first symptom of Bell's palsy?

Inability to close the eye.

What is a diagnostic imaging method used for evaluating the facial nerve?

CT of the temporal bone.

What is the role of physical therapy in the management of Bell’s palsy?

To aid recovery and improve facial muscle function.