Patient Information
Many people suffering from facial nerve disorders do not realize that UPMC’s Facial Paralysis Center might be able to help. There are several symptoms people may not see as serious and could be a sign of a facial nerve disorder. Many people think these symptoms can not be treated and give up. There are many conditions that UPMC’s Facial Paralysis Center team diagnoses and treats, but the first step toward diagnosis and treatment is making an appointment. The Facial Paralysis Center has treated patients from all over the world, many of whom thought they had no other options until they came to UPMC.
Our Experts
Barry Schaitkin, MD, FACS
Grant S. Gillman, MD, FRCS
Symptoms of Facial Paralysis
Facial nerves control the muscles in the face. The following are possible symptoms that may mean you have a facial nerve disorder :
- difficulty smiling
- difficulty closing eyes
- difficulty or unable to wrinkle nose
- difficulty or unable to move eyebrows
- difficulty or strain moving any other parts of the face
- unwanted facial movement
- hemi-facial spasms
- Bell's palsy
- synkinesis
Diagnosis and Treatments
Many patients come for consultation believing they know their diagnosis and are just seeking treatment, but the process always begins with a detailed history and review of the medical records and x-rays to first make sure the diagnosis is correct. Because facial paralysis is not as common as something like high blood pressure or diabetes, the general medical specialist may only have experience with a small number of patients who have experienced facial paralysis and generally with only the most common diagnostic possibilities. UPMC’s Facial Paralysis Center’s team has evaluated more than 4000 patients with facial paralysis. All patients are offered the opportunity to be part of the research database we create to continuously strive to improve our care.
Medical and surgical treatment does not begin until after a discussion about the diagnosis, risks, benefits and alternatives occurs between the facial paralysis team and the patient. To determine the best treatment your doctor will not only consider the cause of your paralysis, but the prognosis, age, previous care, and other deficits. Other specialists are sometimes required to assist in the patients’ treatment. These specialists include:
- neurosurgeons
- otologists
- plastic surgeons
- physical therapists
- ophthalmologists
There are several ways to treat facial paralysis and some procedures may need to be used in conjunction with one another. The following are examples of some of the more common treatments:
- medications
- physical therapy
- Botox
- several surgical options:
- facial reanimation (a procedure that attempts to restore some of the patients’ lost facial function)
- procedures to allow for better eye closure
- eyebrow procedures
- lower face procedures
The doctors will discuss with you the range of results that can be expected from all of these treatments. Each patient must be considered on an individual basis because facial paralysis conditions are unique to each patient and the same results can not be guaranteed for everyone. The facial paralysis team will discuss the possible range of facial movement that will return with each possible treatment helping you to decide which treatment is best for you.
We understand that one’s facial appearance is a very personal and emotional subject. It is often helpful to bring a family member for the initial consultation.