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Facial nerve palsy

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Neuropathy - facial; Cranial mononeuropathy VII; Seventh cranial nerve palsy

Treatment:

Identification and treatment of the underlying cause (if it can be identified) may relieve symptoms for some people. The disorder may disappear on its own depending on the severity of damage to the nerve.

Corticosteroids may reduce swelling and relieve pressure on the facial nerve. Acyclovir, an antiviral agent, is used in conjunction with steroids. Lubricating eye drops or eye ointments may be recommended to protect the eye if it cannot be closed completely.

The eye may need to be patched during sleep to protect it.

Surgery to decompress the facial nerve may be recommended if a tumor is identified.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome varies. Some patients recover completely; others experience a permanent loss of facial movement.

Complications:

• Disfigurement from loss of facial movement
• Damage to the eye ( corneal ulcers and infections )
• Chronic spasm of face muscles or eyelids
• Chronic taste abnormalities
• Aberrant regeneration (nerves grow back to the wrong structures -- for example, smiling causes the eye to close)

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if facial drooping or other symptoms of cranial mononeuropathy VII occur.

• Review Date: 9/26/2006
• Reviewed By: Kenneth Gross, M.D., Neurology, North Miami, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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