Facial Paralysis

Facial paralysis is a condition affecting the muscles and nerves of the face.  The condition can be.

Acquired Facial Paralysis, or Congenital Facial Paralysis.


Acquired facial paralysis is usually the result of the following:

• Traumatic injury
• Brain tumor or facial tumor removal
• Surgery for acoustic neuromas or other malformations
• Stroke
• Infection
• Bell’s Palsy

Symptoms may include:

• 
  
• Drooling
• Facial asymmetry
• Inability to smile
• Depression of eyebrow
• Sagging of lower eyelids
• Decreased tears
• Slurred speech

Our team of physicians considers the following when diagnosing facial paralysis:

• The cause of the paralysis
• Degree or severity of paralysis
• Duration of symptoms
• Patient age
• General state of health

Congenital Facial Paralysis

When facial paralysis is congenital, it is diagnosed as:

Mobius syndrome.  Mobius syndrome is a birth defect that results in the absence of the sixth and seventh facial cranial nerve.  These nerves control eye movements and facial expressions. A Guide to Understanding Moebius Syndrome [PDF] may be helpful for further information.

Non-Mobius syndrome forms of facial paralysis.

Congenital facial paralysis has several treatment options, including rehabilitative therapy and surgery.  A multidisciplinary approach to your facial paralysis may include specialist from:

• Plastic surgeons
• Otolaryngologists
• Neurologists
• Ophthalmologists
• Speech pathologists

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