Let's simply learn about the 12 special nerves (Cranial Nerves) in our brain?

When you look at a beautiful flower, smell a delicious meal, or laugh with a friend, have you ever wondered about the amazing mechanism behind it all? All of this happens because of 12 pairs of nerves that work like a special electrical wiring system coming from our brain. Today we are talking about these wonderful 'Cranial Nerves'.

Simply put, what are these cranial nerves?

It's very simple. These are 12 pairs of nerves that run directly from your brain to your head, face, neck, and parts of your chest and abdomen. They're like special data cables that carry information between your brain, your organs, and your muscles. They're a very important part of our nervous system.

We think that we only see with our eyes, smell with our nose, and taste with our tongue. But in reality, these sense organs cannot carry information to the brain, and the commands from the brain cannot be carried to those sense organs without these cranial nerves. These same nerves also help you show different kinds of facial expressions and speak.

We have 12 pairs of nerves. That means there are two of each nerve, one going to the right side of the body and the other to the left.

What are these 12 nerves? What do they do?

Each of these 12 nerves has a specific function. Some of them carry sensory information, which means they convey information to the brain about things like smell, taste, and sight. Some of them carry motor information, which means they move muscles. Some nerves do both. Let's take a look at these 12 nerves and their main functions.

Can these nerves be damaged?

Yes, unfortunately, these nerves can also be damaged. When such damage occurs, the nerve cannot function properly. There can be many reasons for this.

• Head injuries: These nerves can be damaged if you hit your head in an accident.
• Diseases of the brain or nervous system: Due to conditions such as neuropathy or ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis).
• Compression from tumors: A tumor or swelling in the brain can cause compression of a nerve.
• Circulatory problems: If blood flow to the nerves is cut off due to conditions like stroke, they can be damaged.
• Infections: Some viral infections, for example, the virus that causes shingles.
• Autoimmune conditions: Diseases in which the body's own immune system attacks the nerves.
• Surgery: There is a risk of accidental injury during brain, facial, or dental surgeries.

What is paralysis?

The word 'Palsy' simply means 'paralysis' or 'inactivity'. When a cranial nerve that controls movement is damaged, the muscles associated with it become weak or paralyzed. This is what we call 'palsy'.

There are other situations like this:

• Third nerve palsy: In this, one eye appears to be turned downward and to the side.
• Fourth nerve palsy: Double vision may occur, especially when looking down.
• Sixth nerve palsy: The eyes cannot be turned in the same direction (like a strabismus).

Other possible problems

Another special condition is trigeminal neuralgia . This is when you experience unbearable, electric-like pain in the area of ​​the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for the sensation of touch in the face. This pain, although it lasts for a short time, is very difficult to bear.

How do you keep these precious nerves healthy?

We can't prevent some neurological diseases. However, there are many things we can do to keep our brains, these cranial nerves, and the entire nervous system healthy.

• Maintain a healthy weight that suits you.
• Eat nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables.
• Exercise regularly.
• Keep your blood pressure at a good level.
• If you have diseases that can damage your nerves, such as diabetes , control them well.
• Avoid smoking completely.
• If you drink alcohol , limit it very much.

When should we see a doctor?

This is very important. The symptoms of any cranial nerve injury vary depending on the nerve that is injured. If you experience any of the symptoms below, see your doctor immediately .

• If one side of the face feels lifeless and pulled downwards.
• If you have severe pain or numbness in your face.
• If you feel muscle weakness or numbness.
• If you experience vision problems (seeing things as if they are two-dimensional, blurry vision).
• If there is a sudden change in taste or smell.
• If you have difficulty speaking (Dysarthria).
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing food (Dysphagia).