Facial paralysis

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Ptosis, drooping of the eyelid

Facial drooping

Overview

Treatment

Facial paralysis

Alternative Names:

Paralysis of the face

Home Care:

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.

Call your health care provider if:

There is any facial paralysis. If it is accompanied by a severe headache, seizure, or blindness it may be an emergency situation!
The muscles in the body are involved.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions you may be asked include:

Are both sides of the face affected?
Is there any recent history of illness or injury?
What other symptoms are also present?
- Is there a facial droop?
- Is there drooling?
- Are there excessive tears from one eye?
- Are there headaches?
- Are there seizures?
- Are there any vision problems?
- Is there weakness or paralysis elsewhere in the body?

The physical examination will include a detailed neurological examination.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

Blood studies such as a blood sugar, CBC, ESR, Lyme test
MRI of the head
CT scan of the head
Electromyography

INTERVENTION

Arrangements may be made for physical therapy, speech therapy, or occupational therapy, if appropriate.

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.

Review Date: 2/15/2005
Reviewed By: Luc Jasmin, MD, PhD, Departments of Anatomy & Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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