Trigeminal neurapraxia following a blow to the face: a case report.

Examination of the cranial nerves is a simple and valuable procedure following trauma to the head and neck. By understanding their courses, branches and distributions, the site of any damage may be localized. Once the site and nature of injury has been determined, correct management may be instigated. A case is presented in which there was some degree of trigeminal nerve damage following trauma. The site of damage was determined to be extracranial and therefore a conservative regimen adopted. The mechanism of injury is postulated.