Facial nerve palsy
Alternate Names : Neuropathy - facial, Cranial mononeuropathy VII, Seventh cranial nerve palsy
Symptoms & Signs
- Change in the appearance of the face
- Difficulty closing one eye
- Difficulty making expressions, grimacing
- Difficulty with fine movements of the face
- Facial droop
- Paralysis of one side of the face
- Difficulty eating (items fall out of the weak corner of the mouth)
- Face feels pulled to one side
- Face feels stiff
- Headache
- Impairment of taste
- Increased loudness of sound in one ear
- Pain behind the ear (for Bell's palsy)
- Sensitivity to sound (hyperacusis)
Diagnosis & Tests
An examination will show facial drooping on one side of the face or just on the forehead, eyelid, or mouth. Examination of the eardrum may show fluid-filled sacs (vesicles).
A blood test may be done to check for Lyme disease. Other tests may include:
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