This condition completely or partially improves within a few months, and it doesnt cause harm to overall health.
This article will discuss the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of facial nerve palsy.
It can affect the whole side or just part of a side of the face.
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Facial nerve palsy affects only one side of the face.
Facial nerve palsy can cause complications due to the inability to move parts of the face.
Complications are more likely if the condition lasts for a long time and if the weakness is severe.
Causes
Facial nerve palsy can be due to inflammation or damage to the facial nerve.
The most common condition that causes facial nerve palsy is Bells palsy.
Other causes can include trauma or an injury to the facial nerve or one of its branches.
Diagnosis
Facial nerve palsy is diagnosed based on a history of symptoms and a physical examination.
Examination of eye movements and vision can help identify whether othercranial nervesbesides the facial nerve are involved.
Sometimes tests may be needed to help identify the cause of facial nerve palsy.
If facial nerve palsy occurs in association with an inflammatory disorder, anti-inflammatory medication may be prescribed.
Surgery may benefit some people who have facial nerve palsy.
Procedures can include nerve transfer, muscle transfer, or repair of the nerve.
Chemotherapy is an option for people who have facial nerve palsy due to cancer.
This can include speech and swallow therapy, as well as facial exercises.
Summary
Facial nerve palsy is damage or disease of the facial nerve.
It causes weakness of movement on one side of the face.
Bells palsy, a nerve injury, and Ramsay Hunt syndrome are the most common causes.
Other less common causes include an infection, inflammation, cancer, and neuropathy.
The treatment of facial nerve palsy often involves anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy.
Other treatments, such as antibiotics, chemotherapy, or surgery, are specific to the cause.
A Word From Verywell
Coping with facial weakness can be stressful.
Seek medical attention if you develop this symptom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bells palsy is the most common cause of facial nerve palsy.
This condition is not dangerous.
It depends on the cause.
Other causes of facial nerve palsylike nerve damagemay be permanent until they are treated.
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