Facial Paralysis Symptoms, Causes & Treatments What causes facial paralysis?
Facial paralysis occurs when nerves in the face become damaged or blocked by disease or injury. It can cause drooping eyelids, difficulty chewing, speaking, smiling, or even breathing.
Learn about the symptoms, causes and treatments available
There are two main types of facial paralysis: Bell's palsy and Ramsay Hunt syndrome. Both result from damage to the seventh cranial nerve (CN7), which controls muscles in the face. In Bell's palsy, the nerve becomes inflamed, causing weakness in one side of the face. In Ramsay Hunt syndrome, the nerve is damaged directly, resulting in swelling and blistering.
What Is Facial Paralysis?
If you think you might have facial paralysis, see your doctor immediately. He or she will perform tests to determine whether the condition is caused by Bell's palsy or Ramsay Hunt syndrome. Treatment depends on the cause.
The Cause of Facial Paralysis
Facial paralysis occurs when nerves in the face become damaged. It usually affects one side of the face at a time. In some cases, both sides of the face may be affected.
Treatment Options for Facial Paralysis
There are several treatment options available for people with facial paralysis. Depending on the cause of the condition, different treatments will work better than others.
Learn about its symptoms, causes and treatments
A facial nerve injury occurs when there is damage to the nerves that control movement in the face. This type of injury can occur as a result of trauma, such as an accident, or because of a medical problem, such as cancer. In some cases, the injury is caused by a viral infection.