The supraorbital nerve is the larger of the two branches of the Frontal nerve, which in turn arises from the ophthalmic division 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 supraorbital notch and gives off several fibers there to supply the conjunctiva of the upper eyelid and the mucosa of the frontal sinus. It ascends to the forehead and terminates in a lateral and a medial branch.
Function
Through its two branches, the supraorbital nerve supplies the skin of the forehead up to the vertex, adjacent to the area of innervation of the Greater occipital nerve.
Clinical relevance
The supraorbital nerve can be injured, for example, during a bifrontal or supraorbital craniotomy, which may cause hypoesthesia in its area of innervation[^2].
Supraorbital nerve blocks can be performed during acute migraine attacks[^3].