Treatments for Facial Paralysis and Nerve Disorders

Medical and surgical treatment does not begin until the care team at UPMC's Facial Nerve Center talks with you about your diagnosis and treatment risks, benefits, and options.

To decide on the best treatment, your doctor will not only consider the cause of your paralysis, but:

• The prognosis
• Your age
• Prior treatments
• Any other deficits

To provide the best possible care, we may work with other UPMC specialists such as:

• Neurosurgeons
• Otologists
• Plastic surgeons
• Physical therapists
• Ophthalmologists

Facial Paralysis Treatment Options

At the Facial Nerve Center, we offer many treatment options.

Because facial paralysis conditions are unique to each patient, we consider your individual case when developing a treatment plan.

Some of the more common treatments for facial nerve disorders and paralysis include:

• Medications
• Physical therapy
• Botox
• Surgery

Surgical options include:

• Facial reanimation — to try to restore some of your lost facial function
• Eye — to allow for better eye closure
• Eyebrow
• Lower face

We may use a combination of treatments for the best possible results.

The doctors will discuss with you the possible range of facial movement that will return with each treatment option.

We're here to answer your questions and help you decide which treatment is best for you.

Make an Appointment at the UPMC Facial Nerve Center

To make an appointment, call 412-621-0123 or 412-647-2100.

Because one's facial appearance is a sensitive subject, we suggest bringing a family member or friend to your first consultation.