Apparently, right after losing cranial nerve 11 you should seek physical therapy. I was not aware of this and watched as my shoulder remodeled for 1 year, after having cranial nerve 11 severed by the surgery. The noticeable remodeling that occurs includes loss of shoulder girth, scapular winging, and dropping of the clavical bone. The primary muscles that are controlled by cranial nerve 11 include the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles (see picture below). Here is a good source to read more about the trapezius muscle: http://brentbrookbush.com/trapezius-muscle/ Physical therapy consists of exercises to strengthen the muscles around the trapezius that are still innervated (by another, still functioning, nerve). This includes isometric exercises, essentially pounding your fist into the wall and holding it there, shoulder shrugs, trying to squeeze your shoulder blades together, and lying on your stomach and raising your arms towards the sky. Also, a neuromuscular electrical stimulator is being used to regain some of the muscles that have atrophied.
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AuthorProfessor in Dallas, TX Archives
January 2016
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