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Facial paralysis

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Illustrations

Ptosis, drooping of the eyelid
Ptosis, drooping of the eyelid
Facial drooping
Facial drooping

Alternative Names    Return to top

Paralysis of the face

Definition    Return to top

Facial paralysis is the total loss of voluntary muscle movement of one side of the face.

Considerations    Return to top

About 75% of all cases of facial paralysis in adults are due to a condition called Bell's palsy, in which the facial nerve becomes inflamed.

Stroke may cause facial paralysis. In this case, the eye on the affected side may be closed and the forehead can be wrinkled. (Persons with Bell's palsy can not do this.) Other muscles on one side of the body may also be involved with a stroke.

Facial paralysis due to a brain tumor generally develops slowly and causes headaches, seizures, or hearing loss.

In newborns, facial paralysis may result from birth trauma.

Causes    Return to top

Home Care    Return to top

Treatment depends on the cause. Follow your health care provider's treatment recommendations. Sometimes steroids and acyclovir may be given depending on the cause.

If the eye cannot be fully closed, the cornea must be protected from drying out with prescription eye drops or gel.

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your doctor if you have weakness or numbness in your face. Seek emergency medical help if these symptoms occur along with a severe headache, seizure, or blindness.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit    Return to top

The doctor will perform a physical exam and ask you questions about your medical history and symptoms, including:

Tests that may be done include:

The doctor may refer you to a physical, speech, or occupational therapist. If facial paralysis from Bell's palsy persists for more than 6 - 12 months, plastic surgery may be recommended to improve eye closure and facial appearance.

Update Date: 3/5/2007

Updated by: Daniel Kantor, M.D., Director of the Comprehensive MS Center, Neuroscience Institute, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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