Alternate Names: Paralysis of the face

Considerations: Facial paralysis in adults is often due to Bell’s palsy. This disorder (probably derived from a virus) is characterized by a drooping mouth, dribbling saliva from the mouth, and problems with tearing from the affected eye. The consequences of Bell’s palsy are mostly cosmetic. While the facial distortion usually improves over time, there is often some permanent deformity. Sometimes there is loss of taste on the same side of the tongue which the face is affected. 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 are also often involved with a stroke.

Brain tumor symptoms generally develop gradually with accompanying headaches, seizures, or hearing loss.

In newborns, facial paralysis may result from birth trauma.

Common Causes:

• Bell’s palsy
• Stroke
• Brain tumor
• Sarcoidosis
• Lyme disease
• Infection
• Birth trauma (newborns)

Home Care: Treatment depends on the cause. Follow your health care provider’s treatment recommendations. Sometimes steroids and acyclovir may be given depending on the cause.

If the eye cannot fully close, the cornea must be protected from drying out with prescribed lubricating eye drops or gel.

Call If:

• There is any facial paralysis. If it is accompanied by a severe headache, seizure, or blindness it may be an emergency situation!
• The muscles in the body are involved.

What To Expect: The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting facial paralysis in detail include:

• Are both sides of the face affected?
• Is there any recent history of illness or injury?
• What other symptoms are also present?
  • Is there a facial droop?
  • Is there drooling?
  • Are there excessive tears from one eye?
  • Are there headaches?
  • Are there seizures?
  • Are there any vision problems?
  • Is there weakness or paralysis elsewhere in the body?

• Blood studies such as a CBC, ESR, Lyme test
• CT scan of the head
• Electromyography