Facial paralysis
Facial Paralysis
Facial paralysis (/ˈfeɪʃəl pəˈrælɪsɪs/) is a loss of facial muscle control resulting in an inability to move the face on one or both sides. It can occur due to a variety of causes, including stroke, Bell's palsy, Lyme disease, or tumors.
Etymology
The term "facial paralysis" is derived from the Latin facialis meaning "of the face" and the Greek paralysis meaning "loosening or disabling".
Causes
Facial paralysis can be caused by several factors, including:
- Stroke: A stroke can damage the part of the brain that controls facial muscles, leading to paralysis.
- Bell's palsy: This condition causes sudden, temporary weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles.
- Lyme disease: This is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which can lead to facial paralysis in some cases.
- Tumors: Tumors in the brain or along the facial nerves can cause facial paralysis.
Symptoms
Symptoms of facial paralysis can vary depending on the cause, but may include:
- Inability to move the face
- Drooping of the mouth or eye on one side of the face
- Difficulty speaking, eating, or drinking
- Loss of sensation in the face
Treatment
Treatment for facial paralysis depends on the underlying cause. It may include:
- Physical therapy: This can help improve muscle strength and coordination.
- Medication: Certain medications can help reduce inflammation or fight infection.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be needed to remove a tumor or to repair damaged nerves.
Related Terms
- Hemiplegia: Paralysis of one side of the body.
- Dysarthria: Difficulty articulating words due to muscle weakness.
- Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Facial paralysis
- Wikipedia's article - Facial paralysis
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