A Neurosurgeon Discusses Facial Paralysis

Looking for information on facial paralysis? Read on to learn more about how this condition is diagnosed and treated. When the face is unable to function properly, the result may be a number of negative things, such as impaired speech, drooping, and even drooling.

An overview of facial paralysis

The following review covers what facial paralysis is, how a neurosurgeon addresses it, and a few other important things to know:

Symptoms and warning signs

Warning signs of facial paralysis include impaired speech, drooling, drooping of certain areas of the face, and loss of feeling. In addition, when experiencing facial paralysis, it is common to feel numb or like you have no function in the face.

Causes of facial paralysis

Typically, facial paralysis is caused by a health condition that already exists within the body. Some common conditions that cause it include Moebius syndrome, skull trauma, acoustic neuromas, invasive carcinomas, and even viruses such as herpes and EPV.

In other cases, facial paralysis may be a result of a recent surgical procedure within the brain, spine, or mouth. Procedures such as oral surgery, facelifts, skull base surgery, mastoids, or nerve blocking are all known to cause temporary facial paralysis.

Rarer, but still a possibility is the side effects of certain medications. There are many side effects to medications and not everyone reacts the same way.

Treatment

The area of the face that is affected by the paralysis will determine what type of treatment is administered. Outlined below are some of the most common approaches:

• Eyelid correction is often recommended when the eyelids are affected as a result of facial paralysis. Typically, small plates are placed underneath the skin of the upper eye. This helps to reduce drooping or sagging around the eyes
• Nerve grafts are beneficial when the facial nerves have been affected. This procedure involves the transfer of a nerve, typically from a leg muscle. It is then transferred to the healthy or normal part of the face as a way to branch it to the side that is paralyzed
• Tendon transfer can restore movement and feel to the mouth and lips. This procedure is most beneficial to those who experience sagging or drooping in the mouth, a common symptom of facial paralysis
• Injections help to regrow the nerves and restore function in the face after paralysis. Neurosurgeons may recommend certain injections to weaken other areas of the face that are not affected by the paralysis. This will help to restore facial symmetry that may be lost as a result of paralysis
• Contouring may be necessary when surgery leaves the facial area paralyzed. This procedure relies on a transfer of fats and tissues from another part of the body (typically the thigh)

There are various ways to treat facial paralysis, but those that are listed above are the most common.

A neurosurgeon's role

Neurosurgeons spend their days diagnosing, managing, and treating conditions that are directly related to the brain, spine, and nervous system. As far as facial paralysis goes specifically, neurosurgeons will run a series of tests to determine what the cause may be. From there, an appropriate treatment plan will be put into place, which may include a surgical procedure.

The bottom line

When experiencing facial paralysis, it is highly advised to visit a specialist right away. A neurosurgeon will likely be one of the main points of contact as certain treatment measures will have to be explored. To find out more or to get scheduled for an appointment, contact us today.

Get more information here: https://arizonaneurosurgeon.com or call Randall Porter, M.D. at (602) 603-8951

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