The ophthalmic nerve is the first branch of thetrigeminalnerve, which is also known as the fifth cranial nerve.
The ophthalmic nerve lies below the oculomotor andtrochlearnervesand divides into the frontal, lacrimal, andnasociliarynerves.
These nerves then enter the orbital cavity (eye socket) through the superior orbital fissure.
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Your eye begins to blink quickly so you can remove the irritant.
This quick response is made possible by the sensory innervation of the ophthalmic nerve.
The infection may result in a complete loss of sensation in the affected parts.
Supraorbital neuralgiais a rare condition that involves the ophthalmic nerve.
Thesupraorbital nervearises from fibers of the frontal nerve, which is the largest branch of the ophthalmic nerve.
The frontal nerve branches into the supraorbital nerve and the supratrochlear nerve, which both exit the orbit anteriorly.
A supraorbital nerve block is useful in the treatment of supraorbital neuralgia.
If an antiviral is prescribed early enoughwithin 72 hours of the onset of a rashthen neuralgia is limited.
Medications
Anticonvulsantsand muscle relaxants are prescribed to block the pain signals from the nerve.
In severe cases, surgery may be needed.
Nerve Sheath Fenestration
This surgery method creates space around the optic nerve sheath to relieve pressure.
Microvascular Decompression
This surgery works to reroute a blood vessel from pressing on the trigeminal nerve.
Other areas of treatment research are covering electro-stimulation, vitamins, antioxidants, alpha-lipoic acid, and neurotrophins.
This allows for protective responses, like blinking.
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