title: Neuromuscular ultrasound of cranial nerves.
abstract: Ultrasound of cranial nerves is a novel subdomain of neuromuscular ultrasound (NMUS) which may provide additional value in the assessment of cranial nerves in different neuromuscular disorders. Whilst NMUS of peripheral nerves has been studied, NMUS of cranial nerves is considered in its initial stage of research, thus, there is a need to summarize the research results achieved to date. Detailed scanning protocols, which assist in mastery of the techniques, are briefly mentioned in the few reference textbooks available in the field. This review article focuses on ultrasound scanning techniques of the 4 accessible cranial nerves: optic, facial, vagus and spinal accessory nerves. The relevant literatures and potential future applications are discussed.
authors: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
authors: Eman A
authors: EA
authors: Tawfik
authors: Department of Neurology, Medical Center Boulevard, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA. fwalker@wakeheatlh.edu.
authors: Francis O
authors: FO
authors: Walker
authors: Department of Neurology, Medical Center Boulevard, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
authors: Michael S
authors: MS
authors: Cartwright
keywords: cranial nerve; facial; neuromuscular ultrasound; optic; spinal accessory; vagus