FACIAL PARALYSIS ?

What Is Facial Paralysis?

Facial paralysis is loss of facial movement because of nerve damage. Your facial muscles droop or become weak. It usually happens on just one side of the face and is typically caused by:
• infection or inflammation of the facial nerve
• head trauma
• head or neck tumor
• stroke
and also new cases seen that due to Mobile Radiation..
Facial paralysis can come on suddenly (in the case of Bell’s palsy, for example) or can happen gradually over a period of months (in the case of a head or neck tumor). Depending on the cause, the paralysis might last a short or extended period of time.

Facial paralysis can come on suddenly (in the case of Bell’s palsy, for example) or can happen gradually over a period of months (in the case of a head or neck tumor). Depending on the cause, the paralysis might last a short or extended period of time.

What Causes Facial Paralysis?

• skull fracture or injury to the face
• skull fracture or injury to the face
• head or neck tumor
• stroke
• 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. 

 What Are Symptoms of Facial Paralysis?

Facial paralysis has a major impact on a person’s quality of life. You may lose confidence and feel embarrassed. In addition, facial paralysis can cause:
• facial pain
• headaches or dizziness
• earaches, ringing in one or both ears, and sensitivity to sound
• difficulty talking
• inability to express emotion
• difficulty eating or drinking
• drooling
• muscle twitching
• tearing of the eye
• dryness of the eye and mouth
Patients who aren’t able to close their affected eye will need to take extra care to help prevent long-lasting eye damage.

How Is the Cause of Facial Paralysis Diagnosed?

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.

How Is Facial Paralysis Treated?

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]. However, 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.
Other Facial Paralysis
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.
Eye Care
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.