Facial Paralysis in Tarzana
Facial Paralysis
Facial paralysis is a situation where you are unable to move one or more muscles in your face due to nerve damage. The facial muscles weaken and appear to droop.
Facial paralysis caused by Bell's Palsy tends to happen suddenly. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke claims that Bell's Palsy is the biggest cause of facial paralysis. Once the facial nerve becomes inflamed, it causes the facial muscles on one side to droop. Although the cause of the condition is unknown, most patients recover completely in about 6 months.
Depending on the cause, it can also occur gradually over a long period due to:
- Head or neck tumor
- Brain tumor
- High blood pressure
- Brain infection
- Diabetes
- Stroke
- Physical trauma - skull fracture
- Multiple sclerosis
- Lyme disease
- Sarcoidosis
- Trauma during childbirth
Professional help for facial paralysis
In some cases, facial paralysis can disappear on its own without any treatment. This is usually the case with childbirth-related paralysis. But if the paralysis does not improve, improves partially, or appears to be progressive, you should see your physician.
Some of the symptoms that indicate danger include:
- Inability to close your eye
- Inability to smile
- Drooling
- Forehead paralysis
- Impaired speech
- Difficulty breathing from the nose
- Difficulty chewing and swallowing
- Facial dyskinesias
If you experience any of these symptoms, Dr. Cohen will diagnose and treat your case of facial paralysis depending on your age, type and position of the paralysis, duration of the problem, and personal factors. Rehabilitation and preventive measures also vary from patient to patient depending on your unique situation.
It is recommended that you seek medical attention as soon as possible to improve your chances for a full recovery.
