It happens when the facial nerve is damaged.
Bells palsy is the most common cause of isolated facial nerve paralysis when there arent other symptoms.
When it affects one side of the face, it is called unilateral facial paralysis.
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When it affects both sides, it’s called bilateral facial paralysis.
Bilateral facial paralysis is uncommon, occurring in only .3% to 2% of all cases.
The eyelid might appear almost closed, but it often wont fully shut.
Sometimes facial wrinkles look smoother on the affected side.
If you or someone else develops this problem, its crucial to get medical attention right away.
Central facial nerve paralysis is triggered by a problem affecting the brain.
It causes weakness in the lower part of the face.
Peripheral facial nerve paralysis is triggered by a problem affecting the nerve.
It causes weakness in the whole face, including the forehead.
Causes
Thefacial nervesare controlled by the motor regions in the brain.
These regions include the motor strip of the cerebral cortex, as well as areas of the brain stem.
When the nerve is damaged, the corresponding side of the face becomes weak.
There are several medical conditions that can cause facial nerve paralysis.
Causes of facial nerve paralysis include:
Is Bell’s palsy the same as a stroke?
Your healthcare provider will discuss your symptoms and medical history.
They will ask you to open and close your eyes, smile or frown, and raise your eyebrows.
They may also do a comprehensive physical examination, which includes aneurological exam.
Depending on the findings, you might need additional testing.
For example, Bells palsy, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, and migraine are not associated with abnormal diagnostic testing.
Bell’s palsy is the most common cause of facial paralysis.
Treatment
The treatments for facial nerve paralysis vary widely because the right therapy depends on the cause.
This is one of the reasons that diagnosis of the underlying condition is so important.
Occupational therapy can help if you are having trouble with facial expressions and nonverbal communication.
Some cases of facial nerve paralysis can be cured, in that you will experience a complete recovery.
Often, however, there is only partial recovery after facial nerve paralysis.
Muscles can begin to atrophy (shrink) when they arent used.
Rehabilitation can help you rebuild your facial muscle strength after facial nerve paralysis.
These may include:
Surgical
In some cases, surgery may be required.
Recommended surgery depends on the extent of the condition and its cause.
Facial paralysis isn’t due to stress alone, but stress may contribute to the conditions that cause it.
Treatment will be based on the cause.
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