Causes of Facial Paralysis

Facial Paralysis is considered a rare disorder. It can be caused by a wide variety of conditions, the most common of which are listed below. Click on the links for detailed information on each.

Stages of recovery

The stages of recovery can be summarized as follow and will be detailed in the next section. The retraining techniques are different for each stage.

Flaccid Paralysis — The face is completely paralyzed with no movement present. The affected side may droop. The eye does not close.

Paresis — Small facial movements begin as the nerve heals and signals reconnect to the muscles. Movement can return so slowly it is often difficult to detect.

Synkinesis — Synkinesis is defined as uncoordinated, unsynchronized facial movements that occur during voluntary or spontaneous movements. Movements are present but abnormal movements occur. The facial muscles can become hyper-contracted, and the face may become tight and uncomfortable.