Cranial nerves determine your ability to taste, smell, see and maintain your balance. Damage to some nerves, such as the olfactory nerve related to your sense of smell, will not respond to exercises as treatment. Other nerves respond well to a variety of exercises that help restore lost functioning because of traumatic brain injury or other factors. Individual conditions require specific exercises, so consult with your doctor about what is appropriate for you.
Vision
Damage to your optic, oculomotor, troclear and abducens cranial nerves can result in a number of conditions affecting your visual acuity, according to University of Miami Health Systems. Exercises for cranial nerve dysfunction can strengthen your eye muscles to improve muscle alignment, heighten visual concentration and relieve eye strain, according to Shroff Eye Hospital. Start by sitting upright in a firm chair. Slowly move your eyes to the right side as if looking over your shoulder. Hold the position for 10 seconds, then return your eyes to the center position. Relax for 10 seconds. Slowly move your eyes to the left side and hold for 10 seconds. Return to the center position. Repeat the exercise 10 times.
Balance
Sometimes traumatic brain injury results in cranial nerve damage that hinders your sense of balance. Cranial nerve dysfunction involving the vestibulocochlear nerve commonly results in positional vertigo or a sense of imbalance when moving from one position to another, according to the University of Miami Health Systems. Exercises for cranial nerve dysfunction that include vestibular repositioning maneuvers -- such as a side fall -- can help to restore balance. Sit upright on a bed, feet hanging over the sides. Quickly fall to your right side, then turn your head to look up at an imaginary friend. Hold the position for 20 seconds. Return your head to the original fallen position before lifting your body back to sitting Relax for 30 seconds. Repeat the exercise to the left.
Swallowing
Injury to certain cranial nerves may affect your ability to swallow. Exercises for cranial nerve dysfunction can improve lost swallowing capabilities for injuries affecting the vagus, hypoglossal, pharyngeal and spinal accessory nerves. Start by doing isometric neck strengthening. Sit upright in a firm chair. Place your right hand on the backside of your head and your left hand on your chest. Slowly push your head into your right hand. Hold the tension for 10 seconds, then relax for 10 seconds. Repeat the exercise five times, then switch hands.
Jaw Strength
Fractures of your temporal bone -- the jaw -- commonly occur after a traumatic head injury affecting your facial cranial nerve. Exercises that concentrate on strengthening your jaw muscles can lessen the risks of paralysis and hematoma development, and aid in recuperation from a facial nerve injury. Stand in front of a mirror. Slowly open your jaw and gently move it to the left side. Hold the position for five seconds. Return to center position and relax for 10 seconds. Repeat the exercise 10 times on each side.
References
- University of Miami Health Systems; Rehab Team Site; 2011
- UM Medical Center; Balance Center, Positional Vertigo; University of Maryland Medical Center; 2011
- Dysphagia Plus; Excellent Motor and Pharyngeal Swallow Exercises for Adult and Pediatric Population; 2007
- Shroff Hospital; Exercises for Healthy Eyes; 2011
