Facial palsy refers to weakness of the facial muscles
Typically caused by either temporary or permanent damage to the facial nerve. When the facial nerve is impaired or absent, the facial muscles do not receive the required signals to function correctly, leading to paralysis in the affected area. This can impact closure of the eye(s), movement of the mouth, and/or other regions of the face. Facial palsy can vary in severity: it may affect just the lower half of the face, one entire side of the face, or, in some cases, both sides of the face.
While Bell’s palsy is the most recognized cause of facial palsy, there are many different conditions that can lead to a facial palsy, with treatment and outcomes varying depending on the underlying cause. Some of the primary causes of facial palsy include:
- Bell’s palsy
- Viral infections such as Ramsay Hunt syndrome
- Surgical causes: For instance, during the removal of an acoustic neuroma or facial nerve tumour, or surgery on the parotid gland
- Bacterial infections like Lyme disease or infections following a middle ear issue
- Neurological conditions such as neurofibromatosis type 2 or Guillain-Barré syndrome.
- Trauma resulting from fractures to the brain, skull, or face
- Birth-related trauma: For example, from the use of forceps or a facial presentation during delivery.
- Congenital conditions such as abnormal development of the facial nerve or muscles during foetal development
- Rare genetic syndromes including Moebius syndrome or CHARGE syndrome
Stroke: While a stroke can cause facial palsy, the facial weakness occurs not from direct facial nerve damage but due to brain damage that affects the proper transmission of signals to the facial nerve.
