Nervus supraorbitalis

Last edit by Alaric Steinmetz on

Synonyms: N. supraorbitalis, Supraorbital nerve

The supraorbital nerve is the larger of the two branches of the Frontal nerve, which in turn arises from the ophthalmic nerve of the Trigeminal nerve[^1].

Anatomy

The supraorbital nerve branches off from the frontal nerve halfway between the apex and the rim of the Orbit. It passes through the Supraorbital foramen or the supraorbital notch and gives off several fibers here to supply the conjunctiva of the upper eyelid and the mucosa of the frontal sinus. It courses superiorly toward the forehead and terminates in a lateral and a medial branch.

Function

With its two branches, the supraorbital nerve supplies the skin of the forehead up to the vertex, adjacent to the innervation territory of the Greater occipital nerve.

Clinical relevance

  • The supraorbital nerve may be injured, for example, during bifrontal or supraorbital craniotomy, which can cause hypoesthesia in its innervation territory[^2].

  • Supraorbital nerve blocks can be performed for acute migraine attacks[^3].

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