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What is Facial Palsy?

Facial palsy occurs when the nerves that control facial muscles are damaged. This can happen due to injury or illness, such as Bell’s palsy or stroke. When this happens, the affected person will experience paralysis or weakness on one side of their face, resulting in an uneven smile and difficulty speaking and eating.

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Signs and Symptoms of Facial Palsy

The signs and symptoms of facial palsy vary depending on its cause but commonly include muscle weakness or paralysis on one side of the face, eyelid drooping, inability to raise eyebrows normally, difficulty closing eye completely when blinking, asymmetric mouth when smiling/grimacing, unusual blinking patterns due to poor closure of one eye during blinking, inability to keep food/liquids in cheek properly for normal swallowing.

What are the Common Causes of Facial Palsy?

The most common causes of facial palsy include:

  • Stroke
  • Viral infections (such as herpes simplex virus 1 or varicella-zoster virus)
  • Trauma (such as sports injuries)
  • Autoimmune diseases such as sarcoidosis and lupus

It can also be caused by tumors that compress the nerve, though this is rare.

Signs and Symptoms of Facial Palsy

The signs and symptoms of facial palsy vary depending on its cause but commonly include muscle weakness or paralysis on one side of the face, eyelid drooping, inability to raise eyebrows normally, difficulty closing eye completely when blinking, asymmetric mouth when smiling/grimacing, unusual blinking patterns due to poor closure of one eye during blinking, inability to keep food/liquids in cheek properly for normal swallowing.

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How is Facial Palsy Diagnosed?

To diagnose a patient with facial palsy, doctors will perform clinical examinations which involve observing how affected individuals move their face and assessing any impaired sensation or muscle control in the area. A neurological examination may also be performed to check other reflexes. In some cases, a CT scan may be required to detect whether there has been any damage to the brain structures responsible for controlling facial movements. Additionally, MRI scans can help identify any lesions that have impacted areas around nerves associated with movement regulation in the face.

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What Treatments are Available for Facial Palsy? 

Options for our facial palsy treatment in Denver vary depending on its underlying cause; however, many cases improve without requiring medical intervention over time as it resolves itself within a few weeks or months with no long-term effects. Patients may choose physiotherapy treatments such as microcurrent therapy that provides mild electrical stimulation through appropriate exercises that help strengthen weak muscles around the eyes and mouth while increasing blood flow which overall improves appearance by improving symmetry in expressions while speaking or eating. 

Other treatments use injectable pharmaceuticals such as botulinum toxin type A which helps treat spasms related to nerve disorders by relaxing tight muscles and allowing them to recover more quickly however these injections must be repeated every 3-4 months for optimal recovery outcomes. However, if these methods fail then surgical treatment is recommended depending upon the severity and cause of injury/disease causing this condition.

When is Surgery the Best Option for Facial Nerve Treatment, and how is it Performed?

Surgery remains an important option for treating difficult cases where traditional non-surgical treatments fail. There are two types of surgeries available including: 

Decompression surgery

Decompression surgery is a treatment designed to improve nerve function. It involves the release of any pressure that may be impinging on nearby nerves by repositioning tissue and structures such as fat pads located behind the ear lobe or zygomatic process. This could help restore movement along the nerve's anatomical course, providing relief from any associated pain or dysfunction.

Transplantation

Transplantation – also known as nerve transfer surgery or nerve grafting – is a procedure in which the paralyzed side of the body is treated with innervation from an unaffected area. This involves the harvesting of healthy nerve sections which are then grafted into the affected region. This can re-establish communication between areas that were previously not able to send or receive signals. The result of this procedure is often a marked improvement in movement, sensation, and function on the previously affected side.

Muscle Transfer Surgery

Muscle transfer surgery recreates the function of paralyzed muscles by transferring a healthy muscle from another area of the body, such as the thigh or abdomen, to the face. The transferred muscle is then connected to the facial nerve, restoring movement and function to the affected area. Muscle transfer surgery can improve facial symmetry and reduce the appearance of facial droop. The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and requires a period of recovery and rehabilitation.

Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is an option for patients with facial palsy who experience drooping or sagging of the eyelids. The procedure removes excess skin, muscle, and fat from the eyelids to improve their appearance and function. Eyelid surgery can help patients see better by lifting the eyelids and reducing the obstruction of vision. The procedure can also improve the symmetry of the face and enhance the patient's overall appearance. Eyelid surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia.

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Physical Therapy After Facial Palsy Surgery

Both procedures should be planned carefully and tailored to each individual case depending on factors such as severity, cause, and other relevant considerations. Following either type of procedure, intensive post-operative care in the form of physical therapy is necessary to ensure that the best possible outcomes are achieved - such as full restoration of motor functions and the ability to return to natural expressions of symmetry.

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Why Choose Atlas Institute Peripheral Nerve Care for Your Facial Palsy Surgery?

When choosing Atlas Institute Peripheral Nerve Care for facial palsy surgery in Denver, patients can rest assured that they are in the best hands. We use advanced techniques such as electrophysiological tests (EMG and NCV) to help ascertain the extent of damage and create an appropriate treatment plan. Our team of experts consists of skilled surgeons who specialize in treating complex cases involving reconstructive surgeries and microsurgery, making use of state-of-the-art technology to give our patients the best possible outcome with regard to functional recovery and cosmesis that exceed industry standards. Pre-operative counseling combined with our holistic approach to postoperative care ensures comfort throughout the journey, thus delivering the highest quality care available today - making us a leader in the field amongst others.

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