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Disorders of the Facial Nerve (Bells
Palsy)
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Twitching,
weakness, paralysis of the face, dryness of the eyes
or mouth and disturbance of taste are symptoms of facial
nerve problems. Abnormal movement or paralysis
of the face can result from infection, injury, or tumors,
the most common cause of facial weakness which comes
on suddenly is referred to as “Bell’s Palsy.” This
disorder is probably due to the body’s response
to a virus: in reaction to the virus the facial nerve
within the ear (temporal) bone swells, and this pressure
on the nerve in the bony canal causes damage. In order
to be sure that this is the cause of the facial weakness
we perform a series of test. The most common test are: |
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- Hearing test: Determines if the cause
of damage to the nerve has involved the hearing nerve, inner
ear, or delicate hearing mechanism.
- Balance test: Evaluated balance nerve
involvement.
- Tear test: Measures the eye’s ability
to produce tears. Eye drops may be necessary to prevent drying
of the surface of the eye.
- Imaging: A CT Scan (computerized tomography)
or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) determine if there is
infection, tumor, bone fracture, or other abnormality in
the are of the facial nerve.
- Electrical Test: Stimulates the facial
nerve to assess how badly the nerve is damaged. This test
may have to be repeated at frequent intervals to see if the
disease is progressing.
The results of the diagnostic testing will determine treatment. If infection is the cause, then an antibiotic to fight bacteria or antiviral agents may be used. If simple swelling is believed to be responsible for the facial nerve disorder, then steroids are often prescribed. In certain circumstances, surgical removal of the bone around the nerve may be appropriate. Disorders of the facial nerve, including paralysis, are not rare and have a variety of causes. The appropriate diagnosis and treatment are very important to achieving the best possible recovery of facial nerve function. |
Back to Otolaryngology
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