Facial paralysis is medical condition wherein there is loss of movement in the face which may be due to nerve damage. The muscles of the face may appear drooping or weak. It can involve only one or both sides of the face.
Facial paralysis may be due to the following:
Types
Facial paralysis may be due to Bell’s palsy, Ramsay Hunt syndrome or Lyme disease.
Bell’s palsy is the most common form of facial paralysis. There is no known cause and it affects one side of the face.
Ramsay Hunt syndrome is usually caused by a virus that has infected the facial nerve. It is considered to be a more severe form of facial paralysis. There may be blisters on the ears and on the roof of the mouth.
Lyme disease is a form of bacterial infection from an infected tick. There may be a target-shaped rash before symptoms occur such as headaches, fever or body weakness.
Symptoms
Bell’s palsy can have the following symptoms:
Stroke can have the following symptoms:
DIAGNOSIS
The doctor will get a medical history and may do physical examination. Tests such as electromyography may be requested, along with imaging scans and blood tests.
MEDICATIONS/TREATMENT
Bell’s palsy can be treated with oral steroids (such as prednisone) and antiviral medications. Physical therapy can also help.
Cosmetic surgery can correct the eyelids that will not fully close or a crooked smile.
For stroke, the patient needs to be hospitalized and given medicines for the brain.
Other treatments include surgery, Botox injections and physical therapy.
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