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Facial Paralysis Treatment
Facial and eyelid paralysis can happen at any point in life and for a range of reasons. The symptoms can range from changes in your appearance to health risks for your eyes. Dr. Christina Choe offers patients in the Western North Carolina area access to effective treatments for facial paralysis built around their individual situation.
What Is Facial Paralysis?
Facial paralysis (also called Bell palsy) is when the nerve that controls the muscle movements of the face does not work properly. This can happen due to viral infection, compressive lesions or tumors, trauma, or surgical damage. Losing the function of the muscles of the face can affect the eyes in several notable ways, including:
- Drooping of the upper eyelid and brow
- Drooping of the lower eyelid (aka ectropion)
- Inability to close the eyes (aka lagophthalmos)
The inability to close the eyes can cause irritation, dryness, tearing, and redness and potentially lead to eye pain and vision loss. The longer these symptoms persist without treatment, the greater the risk of lasting damage.
Do I Need Facial Paralysis Treatment?
In some cases, facial paralysis may resolve on its own if due to transient causes. However, even if it may resolve on its own, if you have symptoms that place your eyes at risk, you may need treatment. For example, prompt treatment may prove necessary to prevent vision loss. Multiple treatment options can be considered, ranging from conservative options to full procedures. Conservative options include lubricating the eyes with drops and ointments and taping the eyes shut at night. In more severe cases, we may consider surgical options to assist with eye closure. The appropriate path forward will be determined by factors such as:
- The cause of your facial paralysis
- The severity of your symptoms
- Any risks to your eye health
- Personal medical history
Aberrant Regeneration Treatment
In some cases, the facial nerve can recover its function but may “get its wires crossed,” causing a condition called aberrant regeneration. This is a condition where the muscles can twitch uncontrollably or moving one muscle can cause another muscle to also move. For example, when someone smiles, their eyes may close. Patients who develop this condition may require a specialized neurotoxin treatment to control the abnormal muscle movements. When performed by a trained physician, this is a safe and effective way to address muscle nerve abnormalities.
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