Facial paralysis is a condition defined by the total lack of voluntary muscle movement on one side of the face.
Causes of Facial Paralysis
About 75% of facial paralysis is caused by Bell’s Palsy, a condition that causes the nerves in the face to become inflamed. Other common causes of facial paralysis include:
- Stroke
- Brain Tumor
- Sarcoidosis
- Lyme disease
- Infection
- Birth trauma in newborns
Diagnosing Facial Paralysis
Doctors will ask patients with facial paralysis questions in order to determine the cause. The patient will be asked about medical history, current symptoms of the facial paralysis, whether any other symptoms are present, and whether the patient has recently been sick or injured. Tests to confirm the cause may include blood tests, MRI, CT scan, and electromyography.
Treatment for Facial Paralysis
A combination of physical, speech, and occupational therapy is generally used. In some cases, plastic surgery is used to improve the ability of the eye to close, as well as to improve appearance.