Paralysis of the Face
Facial paralysis is a condition that causes weakness or loss of movement in the muscles of the face. It usually affects one side of the face, but in rare cases can affect both sides.
Facial paralysis happens when the facial nerve, which controls facial movement, is damaged or not working properly. This can affect facial expression, eye closure, speech, eating, and emotional well-being
Facial paralysis can affect confidence, communication, and emotional health. Support from healthcare providers, therapists, family, and peer support groups can make a significant difference. With the right care and support, many people continue to live active, fulfilling lives.
What Are You Looking For?
A. Paralysis of the Face
1. Symptoms of Facial Paralysis
2. Causes
3. Diagnosis
4. Treatment
1. Symptoms of Facial Paralysis
Symptoms can vary depending on the cause and severity, but may include:
-Weakness or drooping on one side of the face
– Difficulty smiling, frowning, or closing one eye
– Drooling or difficulty keeping food and liquid in the mouth
– Changes in speech or slurred words
– Dry eye or excessive tearing
– Altered taste sensation
– Facial numbness or pain (in some cases)
Symptoms may appear suddenly or develop gradually.
Facial paralysis can have many causes, including:
– Bell’s palsy (the most common cause; often temporary)
– viral infections affecting the facial nerve
– skull fracture or injury to the face
– head or neck tumour
– Stroke or brain injury
– chronic middle ear infection or other ear damage
– high blood pressure
– diabetes
– Lyme disease, a bacterial disease transmitted to humans by a tick bite
– Ramsay-Hunt Syndrome, a viral infection of the facial nerve
– autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, which affects the brain and spinal cord, and Guillain-Barre syndrome, which affects the nervous system
– Trauma or injury to the face or head
Birth can cause temporary facial paralysis in some babies. However, 90 percent of babies with this type of injury recover completely without treatment.
You can also have facial paralysis at birth due to certain congenital syndromes, such as Moebius syndrome and Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome.
In some cases, the exact cause is unknown.
Bell’s palsy is a sudden condition that causes weakness or paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face. It happens when the facial nerve (which controls facial movement) becomes inflamed or compressed. Bell’s palsy is the most common cause of facial paralysis and is usually temporary.
Diagnosis is usually based on:
– Medical history and physical examination-
– Neurological assessment
– Imaging tests (such as MRI or CT scans) if needed
– Blood tests in some cases to rule out infection or other conditions
A healthcare professional will determine whether the condition is peripheral (nerve-related) or central (brain-related).
Be sure to discuss all your symptoms with your doctor, and share information about any other conditions or illnesses you may have. Your doctor may also ask you to try to move your facial muscles by lifting your eyebrow, closing your eye, smiling, and frowning. Tests such as electromyography (which checks the health of muscles and the nerves that control them), imaging scans, and blood tests can help your doctor learn why your face is paralyzed.
The American Academy of Otolaryngology estimates that about 85 percent of those with Bell’s palsy will recover on their own, with or without treatment [AAO], although it can take six months or more to recover from Bell’s palsy, most people will recover completely, with or without treatment.
Unfortunately, even with surgery, some cases of facial paralysis may never completely go away.
For these patients, physical therapy and eye care can help prevent any further damage and improve quality of life.
Studies have shown that taking oral steroids (such as prednisone) and antiviral medications immediately can help boost your chances of complete recovery. Physical therapy can also help strengthen your muscles and prevent permanent damage.
For those patients who don’t recover fully, cosmetic surgery can help correct eyelids that won’t fully close or a crooked smile.
Facial paralysis due to other causes may benefit from surgery to repair or replace damaged nerves or muscles, or to remove tumors. Small weights may also be surgically placed inside the upper eyelid to help it close.
Some patients may experience uncontrolled muscle movements in addition to paralysis.
Botox injections that freeze the muscles, as well as physical therapy, can help.
The greatest danger of facial paralysis is possible eye damage. Facial paralysis often keeps one or both eyelids from closing fully. When the eye can’t blink normally, the cornea may dry out, and particles may enter and damage the eye.
Patients with facial paralysis should use artificial tears throughout the day and apply a lubricant at night. They may also need to wear a special clear plastic moisture chamber to keep the eye moist and protected.