Facial Nerve Palsy

Facial nerve palsy can be caused by inflammation or damage to the facial nerve. The most common condition that causes facial nerve palsy is Bell’s palsy. It is considered idiopathic (without a known specific cause or trigger) and is believed to result from inflammation.

Other causes include trauma or an injury to the facial nerve or one of its branches. This may occur due to an accident or as a result of a procedure, such as the removal of a tumor that has grown near the facial nerve. Facial nerve function can be impaired congenitally as well. Various reconstructive options are available to manage the deficits encountered with facial nerve paralysis. It includes, direct nerve repair, nerve grafts, nerve transfers and local or free functional muscle transfers for facial and smile reanimation. Less invasive procedures are exercised in situations where prolonged and complicated surgery is either unwarranted, or the patient desires a simpler procedure.

Congenital [By birth] Right sided facial nerve palsy in a young boy. Note the lack of bulk and movement on the affected side.

Cross facial nerve grafting was done in the first stage.After a period of 02 years free functional [Gracilis muscle] transfer was done on the right side for smile.

After satisfactory recovery. Note the bulk and facial symmetry on repose.

Post Traumatic (fracture base of skull) Left sided facial nerve palsy. Pre Op pictures.

Recovery of smile after masseteric nerve to facial nerve transfer.

Restoration of upper Eyelid function with Gold Implant.