Facial Paralysis

Loss of facial movement due to nerve damage is facial paralysis. Your facial muscles may become weak or may appear to droop. It can happen both sides or one side of your face.

Some of the common cause of facial paralysis are:

• Inflammation or infection of the facial nerve
• Head trauma
• Neck or head tumor
• Stroke

Facial paralysis can happen gradually over a period of months or can come suddenly depending on the cause, this paralysis may last for a short period of time or extended period of time.

Symptoms for Facial Paralysis:

Facial paralysis might be often alarming but it does not always mean that you are having a stroke. Bell’s palsy is in fact the most common diagnosis, which includes the symptoms:

• Paralysis of one side of the face
• Losing the control of blinking on the affected side
• Decreased tearing
• Mouth dropping on the affected side
• Drooling
• Slurred speech
• Pain behind or in the ear
• Hypersensitive sound on the affected side
• Difficulty drinking or eating

People often experience the same symptoms associated with Bell’s palsy while experiencing a stoke. However, stoke can cause additional symptoms which are not seen in Bell’s palsy.

The follow are the additional symptoms that can indicate stoke:

• Confusion
• Changes in level of consciousness
• Dizziness
• Loss of coordination
• Seizure
• Changes in vision

People experiencing stroke most of the time will have the ability to blink and move their foreheads on the affected side whereas in Bell’s palsy it is not possible.

Sometimes, it is very hard to distinguish between a stroke and other causes of facial paralysis. It is a good idea to make your loved one do a quick visit to us if you notice any facial paralysis.

Diagnosis for Facial Paralysis:

Make a point to discuss all your symptoms with our doctor, and share relevant information about any other illness or health conditions you may have. Our doctor may ask you to try and move your facial muscles by closing eye, smiling, lifting your eyebrow and frowning.

Tests can be conducted to learn why your face is paralyzed, which includes electromyography, imaging scans and blood tests.

Treatment for Facial Paralysis:

With Bell’s palsy vast majority of people will fully recover on their own with or without treatment. However, by taking prescribed medications can help immediately to boost you chances of complete recovery.

People with facial paralysis are recommended to use artificial tears throughout the day and apply eye lubricant at night.

The facial paralysis which is caused from stoke the treatment is the same as stroke. Other causes facial paralysis may get benefit from surgery to replace or repair damaged muscles or nerve or to remove tumors. Surgically placement of small weights inside the upper eyelid to help it close.

Uncontrolled muscle movement may be experienced by some people in addition to paralysis. Treatments such as physical therapy, botox injections that freeze the muscles can help.

Getting medical attention quickly for people who have had a stroke can greatly improve the possibility of a full recovery with minimum damage in the brain and the body.

We at Dr Neetu Modgil are equipped with the most advanced technology and healthcare facility to treat facial paralysis. With over 15+ years of experience we are here to provide you with the best treatment and aftercare.