Lesions of the facial and trigeminal nerve in leprosy. An evaluation of 43 cases.

Facial and trigeminal nerve involvement was studied in 43 leprosy patients, 5.7% of the 750 Thai national in-patients of a leprosy rehabilitation centre. Involvement of the facial nerve occurred late in the disease and had an average duration of 12.1 years. The zygomatic branches of this nerve were the most frequently affected. Hypaesthesia and anaesthesia were most often observed in the maxillary divisions. Periorbital surgical procedures to prevent severe ocular complications are evaluated and discussed.