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Supraorbital nerve

The supraorbital nerve is a significant sensory branch of the frontal nerve, itself a division of the ophthalmic branch (V1) of the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V). Emerging from the orbit via the supraorbital foramen or notch, this nerve is primarily responsible for the sensory innervation of the forehead, scalp, and upper eyelid. Understanding its anatomical course, functions, and radiological appearance is crucial in clinical practice, especially in neurology, pain management, and imaging diagnostics.

Synonyms

  • Nerve of the forehead

  • Ramus frontalis nervi ophthalmici

  • Nervus supraorbitalis (Latin)

  • Forehead nerve (colloquial)

Function

  • Sensory innervation to the forehead, anterior scalp, and upper eyelid.

  • Transmits touch, pain, and temperature sensations from the skin above the orbit.

  • Plays a role in headaches, such as supraorbital neuralgia and migraine pathophysiology.

MRI Appearance

  • T1-Weighted Images:

    • The supraorbital nerve appears as a small, low-signal (dark) structure within the soft tissues, just superior to the orbital rim.

    • Not typically highlighted unless surrounded by fat or in the presence of pathology.

  • T2-Weighted Images:

    • May show the nerve as a slightly higher signal than T1, especially if there is adjacent edema or inflammation.

    • Hyperintensity can indicate nerve injury, neuritis, or trauma.

  • STIR (Short Tau Inversion Recovery):

    • Excellent for detecting edema or inflammation.

    • The nerve and surrounding tissues appear bright (hyperintense) if pathological changes, such as neuritis or entrapment, are present.

    • Useful in evaluating supraorbital neuralgia or soft tissue trauma.

CT Appearance

  • The supraorbital nerve itself is not directly visualized on CT due to its small size and soft tissue density.

  • The supraorbital foramen/notch can be seen as a bony indentation or hole in the superior orbital rim, which indicates the nerve’s anatomical passage.

MRI images

Supraorbital nerve mri image