Facial Paralysis
Facial paralysis or weakness is the result of damage to the facial nerve. The facial nerve controls the muscles of the face which give us facial expression eg smile, pout, frown.
Damage to the facial nerve can be caused by virus, trauma or disease all of which can affect the muscles of facial expression.
- Virus – which attacks the facial nerve causing nerve degeneration. The most common conditions include Bells palsy or Ramsay hunt syndrome.
- Trauma – cut to the facial nerve which may partially or fully sever the nerve. Eg sharp instrument, blow
- Disease – tumours in the skull lying close to the facial nerve and which require surgical intervention eg acoustic neuroma. The facial nerve may be traumatised during such a procedure.
Each of these conditions can result in damage to the facial nerve and the corresponding muscles or tissue it supplies. Each condition will benefit from a detailed physiotherapy assessment and appropriate intervention. Response to treatment will depend on the status of the nerve, extent of nerve damage and potential for further recovery.
One of the most well known conditions is “Bells Palsy” which I will describe in more detail here.
