Facial Paralysis

The facial nerve is the nerve that controls movement of the muscles of the face. It is divided into five main branches which are responsible for important facial functions such as lifting of the eyebrows, eye closure and smiling. Paralysis results in severe impairment of the function and appearance of the face. In addition, taste sensation to the front of the tongue and tear production can be affected. 

The facial nerve originates in the brain and exits the skull below the ear, passing through the parotid salivary gland as it divides into branches that enter the facial muscles.

Facial paralysis can thus occur for a variety of reasons when the nerve is injured or interrupted along its course. These include salivary gland tumours, brain tumours, trauma or infections. It can also occur in children due to congenital abnormal development of the facial nerve. 

Even after recovery from facial paralysis, disorganised regeneration of the nerve can lead to troubling sequelae such as unwanted co-contractions of the muscles. 

We provide a specialised facial nerve clinic to diagnose and treat facial nerve conditions in adults and children. Our plastic surgeon sub-specialising in facial nerve disorders has undergone intensive fellowship training in this area and is able to offer an individualised treatment plan to suit your specific needs. 

Bell’s palsy is the leading cause of facial paralysis. The nerve becomes inflamed and swollen within its tight canal and is unable to function. This may be caused by a virus. There is some evidence that the culprit is often herpes simplex virus (HSV), the same virus that causes cold sores and genital herpes. Other viruses may also cause the condition, including herpes zoster virus, cytomegalovirus, and Epstein-Barr virus. Both genders and all races are affected equally; however diabetes and pregnancy increase the risk of developing Bell’s palsy.

Patients generally report being suddenly unable to move their face, with symptom onset over 48-72 hours.