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Cranial Nerves and Autonomic Conditions

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The Cranial Nerves in Neurology

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Abstract

The autonomic system is involved in the function of several cranial nerves. Mammalian cranial nerve innervation is distinct to allow for complex social interactions (heart–face axis). Autonomic fibers are present in the oculomotor nerve, the facial nerve, the glossopharyngeal nerve, and the vagal nerve. The trigeminal nerve carries autonomic fibers of the facial nerve. Central structures innervating cranial nerves are the Edinger–Westphal nucleus, superior and inferior salivatory nucleus, dorsal motor vagal nucleus, and nucleus ambiguus. Common symptoms of the autonomic nervous system are secretomotor functions and vessel control. This chapter introduces some typical syndromes with cranial autonomic nerve involvement: Horner’s syndrome, Harlequin syndrome, Flynn phenomenon, and hypolacrimation. Several tests for autonomic function will also be presented.

Author of this chapter: Walter Struhal.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Division of Neurology University Clinic Tulln, Tulln, Austria

    Walter Struhal

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  1. Walter Struhal
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Correspondence to Walter Struhal .

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Struhal, W. (2023). Cranial Nerves and Autonomic Conditions. In: The Cranial Nerves in Neurology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-43081-7_27

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-43081-7_27

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-031-43080-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-031-43081-7

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