Conditions Treated

We first ensure you have received an accurate diagnosis for what is causing your facial dysfunction. In certain cases, additional evaluation may be needed to determine the cause before starting treatment. See a list here of many of the conditions we have treated in the past - from common reasons (Bell’s Palsy) to rare causes (cancer).

  • Also known as Acute Idiopathic Facial Paralysis. This is the most common condition we see. Although the exact cause is unknown, it is believed to be caused by a reactivation of a type of Herpes virus in the facial nerve. While some people recover in a matter of days, it takes other people months to recover. It is estimated that 20-30% of patients with Bell’s Palsy do not recover full facial function long-term. It is never to early or late to seek treatment for your Bell’s Palsy. We have seen and treated people who have been suffering with Bell’s Palsy for 50+ years.

  • Ramsay Hunt Syndrome is from the reactivation of the Varicella-Zoster (or Chicken Pox/Shingles) virus in the facial nerve causing temporary weakness of the face. In some people this weakness last only days, but it may take others to start to recover. Ramsay Hunt Syndrome is often associated with ear/face pain, a rash, and other symptoms including hearing loss and vertigo. It is estimated that up to 40% of people that get Ramsay Hunt may not have a full recovery. It is never too late to seek treatment for Ramsay Hunt Syndrome.

  • Like Bell’s Palsy and Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, it is believed that the COVID virus can cause a similar inflammation in the facial nerve resulting in facial weakness. While many people fully recover with time, there are some that never regain full facial function.

  • Some people are born with a syndrome or trauma that causes facial paralysis. We have treatment options to all patients regardless of how long you have been suffering with facial paralysis.

  • Also known as Iatrogenic Facial Paralysis. The facial nerve may become injured during a surgical procedure. If the nerve is just stretched or irritated, it may recover on its own with time. But if the nerve was cut during surgery, it will not recover on its own and requires prompt treatment. We see a wide range of surgeries that cause facial paralysis including parotid surgery, facelifts, ear surgery, cancer surgery, and different types of neurosurgical procedures. The type of treatment depends on the timing of when the surgery happened and what type of surgery you had.

  • Both blunt trauma (like a car wrecks or fall) or penetrating trauma (like a gun shot or knife wounds) can cause facial paralysis. The treatment types vary significantly depending on the timing and type of trauma.

  • These are relatively rare types of benign neurologic masses that are close to the facial nerve and can sometimes cause facial weakness. Some patients require treatment of these masses depending on their symptoms and size and the treatment itself (such as surgery or radiation) can also cause facial weakness. There are many treatments we can provide depending on where you are at in this process.

  • Rarely do we see a variety of cancers that can invade and injure the facial nerve. Some of these cancers include aggressive types of skin cancers, parotid cancer, brain cancers, and many others. We work with an extensive team of cancer specialist in these cases to make sure you get the best possible care along with treating your facial weakness.

  • There are a wide variety of autoimmune and neurologic conditions including but not limited to Guillain-Barre Syndrome, Myasthenia Gravis, Multiple Sclerosis, Sarcoidosis, Sjogren’s syndrome, Lupus, and many others that can cause facial paralysis. The treatment depends on the diagnosis. We often will partner with Neurologist or Rheumatologist in these situations to ensure you are getting the best care for your specific condition.

  • This list includes only the most common things that we see, but there are many other rare situations and conditions that we have seen including other types of infections or diseases.