Facial Nerve Paralysis

A lack of control or movement of the face due to paralysis may be due to many causes. In some cases surgery can restore some control. It may allow a person who has suddenly or gradually lost the ability to speak or to move part of his face to function normally. It may also alleviate spontaneous movement triggered by nerve damage.

This procedure usually involves nerve repair, nerve substitution and muscle transfer. Surgery is not performed unless a full diagnosis is made, so the source of the paralysis is known. Depending on the type of damage or injury patients can sometimes recover over time without surgical intervention.

In cases where the cause is known (accident or injury) surgery can be done as soon as possible and may involve replacing damaged muscle or nerves with those from other body areas or reconnecting nerves from elsewhere on the face. In cases where there is clearly permanent damage, it’s important to have procedure before two years have passed. The procedure carries with it all the normal risks of surgery as well as the expectations of scars in more extensive operations. Recovery time depends on the individual case and physical, speech and occupational therapy may be needed.