ENLmedical.com: Conditions And Concerns: Medical Encyclopedia: Facial paralysis

Facial paralysis

Considerations:
Facial paralysis in adults is often due to Bell's palsy . This disorder (probably derived from a virus) is characterized by a drooping mouth, dribbling saliva from the mouth, and problems with tearing from the affected eye. The consequences of Bell's palsy are mostly cosmetic. While the facial distortion usually improves over time, there is often some permanent deformity. Bell's occurs in approximately 5 out of every 10,000 people.

In facial paralysis due to stroke , the eye on the affected side can be closed and the forehead can be wrinkled. This is not possible with Bell's palsy. Other muscles on one side of the body are also often involved with a stroke.

Brain tumor symptoms generally develop gradually with accompanying headaches , seizures , or even blindness (rarely seen in strokes and never in Bell's palsy).

In newborns, facial paralysis may result from birth trauma.

Common Causes:

Bell's palsy
stroke
brain tumor
birth trauma (newborns)

Note: There may be other causes of facial paralysis. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for facial paralysis, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.

Home Care:
Treatment depends on the cause. Follow your health care provider's treatment recommendations.

If the eye cannot fully close, the cornea must be protected from drying out with prescribed lubricating eye drops or gel.

Call Your Healthcare Provider If:

there is any facial paralysis; if it is accompanied by a severe headache , seizure , or blindness it may be an emergency situation!
the muscles in the body are involved

What to Expect:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting facial paralysis in detail include:

Are both sides of the face affected?
Is there any recent history of illness or injury?
What other symptoms are also present?
- Is there a facial droop?
- Is there drooling ?
- Are there excessive tears from one eye?
- Are there headaches ?
- Are there seizures ?
- Are there any vision problems ?
- Is there weakness or paralysis elsewhere in the body?

The physical examination will include a detailed neurological examination.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

blood studies such as a CBC or blood differential
CT scan of the head
electromyography
myelography
X-rays of the head

Intervention:
Arrangements may be made for physical therapy, speech therapy, or occupational therapy, if appropriate.

If facial paralysis from Bell's palsy persists for greater than 6 to 12 months, plastic surgery may be recommended to improve eye closure and facial appearance.

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to facial paralysis to your personal medical record.

Drooping of the eyelid is called ptosis. Ptosis may result from damage to the nerve that controls the muscles of the eyelid, problems with the muscle strength (as in myasthenia gravis), or from swelling of the lid.