Facial Paralysis

Facial paralysis is a relatively common disorder.  Perhaps as many as 1 in 10,000 persons will experience an episode of facial paralysis in their lifetime.

The facial nerve (also called the seventh cranial nerve) is a very complex nerve.  The main function of the seventh nerve is controlling the facial muscles on the same side of the face.  Additionally, the facial nerve controls accessory muscles of chewing (the stapedius muscle and the anterior belly of the digastric muscle); sensation from the ear canal; special sensation from the tongue; and the lacrimal (tear) gland and mucus glands in the nose.

Please look at the stapedectomy steps presentation to see photomicrographs of the the stapedius muscle and the chorda tympani nerve.

Since the facial nerve has so many different functions, patients with facial paralysis might have problems with some or all of these functions.

The major function of the facial nerve, though, is controlling the muscles of facial expression.  The weakness or paralysis of these muscles is the usual reason that prompts patients to seek our help.  

The facial nerve has a complex anatomy, part of the nerve is fully encased in the temporal bone - the bone that houses the ear.  Problems at any point along the course of the nerve can cause weakness or paralysis of some or all of the facial muscles.  Your physician will ask about symptoms that you're having and carefully evaluate your ear, hearing, head and neck to determine the cause of your facial paralysis.