The Anatomy of a Smile and Facial Synkinesis Diagram of Facial Synkinesis Take a look at the diagram below to learn about how facial synkinesis can affect key smile muscles: The anatomy of facial expression is complex. But, Dr. Babak Azizzadeh of The Facial Paralysis Institute offers insights into facial muscle anatomy. That way, individuals can learn about facial synkinesis and other facial paralysis conditions. And, if necessary, anyone coping with these conditions can explore appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Azizzadeh is a globally recognized facial plastic and reconstructive surge ..read more

What Is Facial Paralysis Rehabilitation? While many people with facial nerve palsy eventually recover most of their facial movement, facial nerve palsy lingers for many weeks or months in some situations. In serious instances, the paralysis can become permanent.  As this condition can affect people differently, developing a clear understanding of facial paralysis is key. If an individual understands their facial paralysis symptoms, he or she can, with the help of a medical professional, identify the root cause of the symptoms and receive appropriate treatment. From here, this individual c ..read more

Synkinesis refers to simultaneous facial movement that happens after a patient experiences Bell’s palsy. Or, synkinesis can occur after a patient undergoes a surgical procedure in which the facial nerve was previously cut and reconnected. In this instance, facial nerve wires can be linked to the incorrect nerve group, leading to unwanted facial muscle movement patterns. Neuromuscular retraining, also referred to as physical therapy, is one of the most common treatments to correct linked facial movements, facial coordination issues, and other synkinesis symptoms. A physical therapy program is t ..read more

How Can Lyme Disease Cause Facial Paralysis There is a direct correlation between Lyme disease and facial paralysis, and people coping with Lyme disease can experience Bell’s palsy and other forms of facial paralysis. But, with proper diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease and facial paralysis, patients can safely and effectively address both conditions at the same time.   What Is Lyme Disease? Lyme disease is the leading vector-borne disease in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The disease is caused by bacteria transmitted via an ..read more

What Are the Symptoms of Moebius Syndrome? People can experience facial paralysis that results in speech difficulties and problems opening and closing the eyes. In these instances, people should undergo a medical evaluation. Because they may be coping with Moebius syndrome. Moebius Syndrome: An In-Depth Look at the History of the Disorder To understand Moebius syndrome and its impact on patients, it is important to first consider the history of the disorder. The syndrome was initially identified by German physician Paul Julius Möbius in the late 1880s. At this time, Möbius encountered a man wh ..read more

Bell’s Palsy Is The Leading Cause of Facial Paralysis Bell’s Palsy: One of the Leading Facial Paralysis Causes  Bell’s palsy is a neurological disorder that can lead to facial paralysis or weakness on one side of the face. It is also one of the primary facial paralysis causes in the United States. What Causes Facial Paralysis and Bell’s Palsy? Facial paralysis causes vary. An individual can experience facial paralysis symptoms due to facial nerve damage relating to any of the following issues: Congenital condition Disease Trauma Bell’s palsy is a disease that causes facial paralysis sy ..read more

Bell’s palsy is a leading cause of facial paralysis in the United States. Its exact cause is unknown, and the condition can cause symptoms that range in terms of severity. Fortunately, the symptoms of Bell’s palsy typically disappear on their own. And, in these instances, patients do not experience any long-lasting side effects.  Dr. Babak Azizzadeh of The Facial Paralysis Institute is a globally recognized facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon. He possesses comprehensive expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of Bell’s palsy and other forms of facial paralysis.  How to Diagno ..read more

Bell’s palsy is a medical condition that results in immediate facial paralysis on one side of the face. The paralysis can cause people to experience facial drooping and impact their sense of taste. Bell’s palsy can also make it difficult for patients to create saliva and tears. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NIH) points out that Bell’s palsy impacts approximately 40,000 Americans annually. However, many Bell’s palsy myths persist that cause people to forgo treatment. At The Facial Paralysis Institute, we’re here to educate individuals about Bell’s palsy and it’s ..read more

What To Do if You Wake Up With Facial Paralysis Waking up with one side of the face drooping and numb can be a terrifying experience. Whether the affected person has just awoken from surgery or a normal night of sleep, it is important to go to a doctor for testing. That way, the doctor can evaluate what may be causing the patient’s facial weakness. There are several facial paralysis causes, some of which are more serious than others, but only a medical professional can distinguish the cause and prescribe treatment. I Can’t Open My Mouth All the Way — What Should I Do Next?  If someone wa ..read more

Lagophthalmos is a medical condition that can make it difficult to fully close the eyes. If left unaddressed, lagophthalmos can leave the eyes vulnerable to serious damage. Or, the condition may indicate that other eye problems are present.  Lagophthalmos Definition Lagophthalmos is commonly associated with incomplete eye closure when blinking or sleeping. The condition can affect people at any age. However, adults are more prone to incomplete eye closure than children. This is due to the fact that people produce fewer tears as they get older.  People can experience lagophthalmos dur ..read more