Outcomes are likely to be better if treatment is initiated as soon as possible.
Bells Palsy
Bells palsyis the most common cause of a lopsided appearance of the face.
This occurs due to diminished function of the facial nerve on one side.
StÃgur Már Karlsson / Heimsmyndir / Getty Images
It causes severe inability to move one side of the face, including the forehead.
Symptoms develop because the area of the brain thats deprived of blood is permanently damaged.
A lopsided face is one of the effects of a stroke.
Sometimestorticollisis part of a movement disorder.
Injury
Traumatic damage to the face or mouth can cause a lopsided appearance of the face.
The immediate effects may appear very uneven if an injury causes a lot of swelling.
As swelling resolves, the face may look different.
Treatment, such as surgery, may be necessary.
Additionally, having many teeth pulled can cause the face to be uneven.
This can cause asymmetry of the face.
Sometimes a dental procedure or a procedure involving the face can damage a nerve and cause facial asymmetry.
For example, a fever, pain, and swelling are signs of an infection.
Confusion, vision changes, or trouble walking are signs of a stroke.
The treatment depends on the cause.
Treatments may alleviate the problem in some situations.
This can help improve the condition more quickly than it would improve on its own.
Surgical intervention is an option in some cases, and may include a nerve transfer.
This involves facial exercises,speech therapy, andswallow therapy.
Often, makeup can help if it’s applied strategically.
For some men, a beard can make the face look less lopsided.
A diagnosis must be quick, so the treatment can be started immediately if needed.
The treatment and prognosis depend on the cause.
Treatment may include medication, surgery, rehabilitation, speech and swallow therapy, and cosmetic strategies.
you gotta get urgent attention for any health problem that’s causing your face to appear uneven.
You also need to talk to your healthcare provider about concerns you have about your appearance.
you’re free to get complete or partial improvement with treatment.
There are reports of bilateral (both sides) Bells palsy, but this is not common.
Sometimes people notice slight muscle tension in the face before the complete weakness of Bells palsy.
Bells palsy generally improves on its own within weeks or months.
Sometimes mild facial weakness can remain for a year or even longer.
Treatment with oral steroids may speed up recovery.
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2022;59(1):40-46. doi:10.1177/1055665621993284
