Where the fifth nerve is involved, sensation and motion are apparently interfered with. Where the seventh is involved, facial paralysis is marked.

Paralysis may be the result of disease of the pons, particularly hemorrhage or patches of sclerosis. It may result from injury or disease at the base of the brain. It does not occur because of fracture, but meningitis produced by an Injury, or caries of the bone, may extend to and produce paralysis of this nerve.

Symptoms

Paralysis of the fifth nerve may cause loss of sensation of the parts supplied, including half the face and the corresponding side of the head. Patients suffering from this will have the features turned to the opposite side, and the eyelids only partially close. The tongue will draw to that side, and when the patient undertakes to spit, it goes to one side. The loss of sensation will extend to the conjunctiva, lips, tongue, and soft palate, with that portion of the nose which is on the side where the paralysis has taken place. The loss of sensation may be preceded by a tingling. The muscles also lose their sensibility. The sense of smell is lost--said to be due to the dryness of the mucous membrane. In all probability it is due to just what causes the loss of sensation of the other parts to which this nerve is distributed. The secretions are lessened from the lachrymal and salivary glands of the side of the face paralyzed. It is perfectly natural and reasonable that a gland which is partially or wholly paralyzed should also lose its power of secretion. The inflammation and ulceration that occasionally take place in the eye in all probability are due wholly to the exposure. The eyelid, not closing, allows dirt to accumulate, which, of course, must irritate. Inflammation will follow continuous irritation, and ulceration will follow the inflammation. Paralysis has nothing at all to do with the eye complication, further than that, on account of lost control of motion, the eye cannot be kept free from dust, etc.

Herpes (skin inflammation) may be developed in the region supplied by this nerve, especially the upper branch and region of the temples. It is accompanied by much pain. This derangement is inclined to run on for years. Herpes accompanying this derangement is often complicated with a brain lesion. I have known a few cases ending their lives in the insane asylum. Probably the nervous system was so unbalanced from continuous suffering that the mentality gave out, and the disease may have extended to the brain. The most pronounced diagnostic symptom is the loss of motor power--the inability to use the muscles of the side of the face.

Treatment

Drug physicians usually resort to morphine; and where there is a suspicion of syphilis, which is very common, anti-syphilitic treatment is given. There is but one proper treatment for this disease, the same as for all others; namely, correct whatever is necessary. If the patient has many bad habits--such as indulging in intoxicants, using tobacco, coffee, and tea, eating excessively of starches, and being sensual to the point of exhausting his nerve energy through venery--these habits must be stopped. A fast should be taken for one week, or longer if necessary; followed by fruit morning, noon, and night for the second week; and then, for the third, fruit twice a day, and salads, with non-starchy vegetables, for one meal a day. After that fruit for one meal, starch for one, and vegetables and salad for another.