Facial paralysis occurs when there is a loss of voluntary muscle movement on one side of the face due to damage to the 7th cranial nerve (also known as the facial nerve), which controls the facial muscles. This condition can lead to a drooping appearance on one side of the face.
One of the most common causes of facial paralysis is a condition called Bell’s Palsy. Bell’s Palsy is a type of facial weakness or paralysis that results from inflammation or damage to the 7th facial nerve. Most cases of Bell’s palsy improve within 2 weeks, and approximately 80% of patients fully recover within 3 months. However, it is recommended that patients receive supervision from an ENT specialist during recovery.
Facial paralysis can result from a variety of causes, many of which are related to ENT conditions. These include:
Bell’s Palsy occurs when there is swelling, compression, or inflammation of the 7th cranial nerve, which controls the muscles of the face. The exact cause is unknown, though viral infections are suspected to play a role.
Bell’s palsy can affect anyone, but it is more common in pregnant women and people with diabetes. It can also occur following viral infections such as the flu, colds, or respiratory illnesses.
To diagnose facial paralysis, the doctor will assess the patient’s facial weakness, checking the forehead, eyelids, cheeks, and lips. A test called electroneuronography (ENoG) may be used to evaluate the extent of nerve damage and predict the likely course of recovery. Additional imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans may be done to rule out any structural causes of pressure on the facial nerve.
Most patients with Bell’s palsy recover facial function within a few weeks, and in many cases, no treatment is necessary. However, if the condition is detected within 2-3 days of onset, doctors may prescribe corticosteroids and/or antiviral medications to speed recovery.
One of the common complications of Bell’s palsy is difficulty blinking, which can lead to eye dryness and irritation. If not treated properly, this can cause corneal damage. Doctors will often recommend eye drops and eye patches to keep the eye moist until the patient can close it fully again.
Surgical intervention is only considered in severe cases where paralysis is total and does not improve. Surgery is a last resort and is generally not needed unless other treatments have failed.