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Facial Paralysis
Alternate Names : Paralysis of the Face
Definition Facial paralysis is the total loss of voluntary muscle movement of one side of the face.
Pictures & Images
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Overview & Considerations
Facial paralysis in adults is often due to Bell's palsy. This disorder (probably derived from a virus) usually affects one side of the face causing a drooping mouth, drooling, and excessive tearing from one eye. While the facial distortion usually improves over time, there may be some permanent deformity. Sometimes there is loss of taste on the affected side of the face. Sound may also be louder on the affected side.
In facial paralysis due to stroke, the eye on the affected side can be closed and the forehead can be wrinkled. This is not possible with Bell's palsy. Other muscles on one side of the body may also be involved with a stroke.
Facial paralysis due to a brain tumor generally develops gradually with accompanying headaches, seizures, or hearing loss.
In newborns, facial paralysis may result from birth trauma.
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Jump to another section
• Definition
• Facial Paralysis: Overview & Considerations
• Facial Paralysis: Common Causes
• Facial Paralysis: Home Care & Treatment
• Call your Health Care Provider if
• What to Expect at your Health Care Provider's Office
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Bell's Palsy
• Facial Nerve Palsy due to Birth Trauma
• Lyme Disease
• Primary Brain Tumor
• Sarcoidosis
• Stroke
Tests & Exams
• CBC
• Cranial CT Scan
• Electromyography
• MRI of the Head
Other Topics
• Blindness
• Drooling
• Headache
• Muscle Function Loss
• Physical Examination
• Seizures
• Tearing - Increased
• Vision Problems
• Weakness
Review Date : 5/8/2003
Reviewed By : Elaine T. Kiriakopoulos, M.D., M.Sc., Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard University, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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