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Lifespan’s A - Z Health Information Library |
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Facial paralysisDefinitionFacial paralysis is the total loss of voluntary muscle movement of one side of the face. Alternative NamesParalysis of the face ConsiderationsAbout 75% of all adult facial paralysis cases are due to Bell's palsy, a condition in which the facial nerve becomes inflamed. Stroke may cause facial paralysis. When stroke is the cause of facial paralysis, the person may still be able to close the eye on the affected side, as well as wrinkle the forehead. People with Bell's palsy cannot do either of these. With a stroke, other muscles on one side of the body may also be involved. 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
Home CareTreatment 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 ProfessionalCall your doctor if you have weakness or numbness in your face. Seek emergency medical help if you experience these symptoms along with a severe headache, seizure, or blindness. What to Expect at Your Office VisitThe 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. ReferencesO'Handley JG, Tobin E, Tagge B. Otorhinolaryngology. In: Rakel RE. Textbook of Family Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 25. Stettler B, Pancioli AM. Brain and cranial nerve disorders. In: Marx, JA, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2006: chap 103. Review Date: 2/1/2009
Reviewed By: Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. The information provided herein should not be used during any
medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical
condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for
diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911
for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for
information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those
other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the
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