Facial paralysis is a loss of facial movement resulting from a damaged facial nerve. Facial paralysis may make it difficult to talk, blink, smile, or swallow. Facial paralysis will normally occur on one side of the face. The causes of facial paralysis could include infection or inflammation of the facial nerve; head trauma; head or neck tumor; or stroke. Facial paralysis could be temporary or permanent depending on the cause. There are major nerves that will impact the facial muscles and damage to these nerves could change the facial appearance and function resulting in facial paralysis.
The most common cause of facial paralysis is Bell’s palsy. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bell’s palsy affects 40,000 Americans each year both men and women between the ages of 15 and 60. Bell’s palsy is more likely to happen for people with an upper respiratory infection, have diabetes, and women in their third trimester of pregnancy or the first week after giving birth. Exposure to viral infections has been linked to cause Bell’s palsy as well. Bell’s palsy occurs when the nerve that controls the facial muscle become swollen, inflamed, or compressed. The result is facial weakness or paralysis.
The symptoms for Bell’s palsy vary per person but could include:
- Facial twitching
- Drooping of the eyelid and corner of the mouth
- Drooling
- Paralysis or weakness on one side of the face
- Excessive dryness or tearing in one eye
- Trouble chewing
Although Bell’s palsy is temporary, symptoms present themselves within 48 hours and last a couple of weeks or longer. Depending on the severity, Bell’s palsy can be treated with corticosteroids, antiviral drugs, Botox, and surgery. Dr. Gary Linkov at City Facial Plastics offers treatment options to treat facial nerve damage from Bell’s palsy.
City Facial Plastics also treat muscle spasms and facial twitching. Facial or hemifacial spasm is a nervous system disorder where the muscles on one side of the face involuntarily twitch. Hemifacial spasms usually start near the eye and over time may reach to the mouth and neck area on the same side. These muscles spasms are brief but occur repetitively fast. Facial spasm could be caused by a blood vessel pressing on the facial nerve, tumor, or an injury to the facial nerve. Depending on the severity of the spasms and twitching, injection therapy like Botox is the most effective treatment.
Dr. Gary Linkov at City Facial Plastics in New York understands the complexities of the face including the muscles and nerves that can cause facial paralysis. Dr. Linkov has the knowledge and expertise to diagnose and treat Bell’s palsy, facial twitching, and muscles spasms in the face. He uses advanced techniques to improve the symptoms caused by nerve damage and will go over the options for treatment. Because each patient is unique, the treatment plan is based on determining the cause and severity of the nerve damage.
Call Dr. Linkov at City Facial Plastics to schedule a consultation today, if you are suffering from muscle spasms, facial twitching, or facial paralysis and are ready for some relief.