Have you ever seen a person with a drooping corner of their mouth? Or one that cannot close one eye, because the eyelids refuse to obey? Or maybe you have even experienced it on your own skin after a flu or bacterial infection? Probably it was facial nerve paralysis! What is it and where does it come from?
The facial nerve is the seventh of cranial nerves and responds, among others for innervating the facial muscles. Despite the fact that its paralysis is most often associated with stroke, it also occurs for many other reasons, such as:
- Lyme disease;
- Shingles;
- Diabetes;
- Multiple sclerosis;
- Cancer;
- Head injuries;
- Active infections and others
Unfortunately, it is often difficult to determine the cause, then the so-called idiopathic facial nerve paralysis is diagnosed. Most often it occurs unilaterally and can be divided into two types – peripheral and central.
In peripheral nerve paralysis, the symptoms concern the entire half of the face on the side of the lesion, and in the central part only on the lower side of the face on the opposite side.
It then occurs mainly the dysfunction of facial muscles, as a consequence of which there is difficulty with closing the eye, wrinkling of the forehead, raising eyebrows, grinning or whistling.
If something like this happened to you – do not worry! The physiotherapist will show you exercises that can help you regain your lost functions. Do not wait and come and get the help needed.
