Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Review
. 2021 Aug 1;29(4):265-270.
doi: 10.1097/MOO.0000000000000727.

Facial paralysis: timing of repair and management of the nonflaccidly paralyzed face

Anthony Sanchez  1 , Jaibir Pannu, Jennifer C Fuller
Affiliations
Review

Facial paralysis: timing of repair and management of the nonflaccidly paralyzed face

Anthony Sanchez et al. Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. .

Abstract

Purpose of review: To explore recent advances in therapeutic interventions for nonflaccid facial paralysis (NFFP), including new evidence for surgical and nonsurgical treatments. Timing of treatment is also discussed, along with possible future treatments.

Recent findings: NFFP remains a difficult disease to treat. Chemodenervation with botulinum toxin remains a first-line treatment to suppress aberrant and antagonistic movements during voluntary use of muscles. More permanent treatments such as selective neurectomy, myectomy, and nerve and muscle transfers have been shown to offer promising results for the nonflaccidly paralyzed face.

Summary: NFFP is commonly seen in patients who have incomplete recovery from facial paralysis, and carries high psychosocial morbidity. A large array of treatments have been described in the literature, both procedural and nonprocedural. Both treatment type and timing are important in optimal patient recovery.

PubMed Disclaimer

References

    1. Gordon T. Peripheral nerve regeneration and muscle reinnervation. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:8652.
    1. Kiziltan ME, Gunduz A. Reorganization of sensory input at brainstem in hemifacial spasm and postparalytic facial syndrome. Neurol Sci 2018; 39:313–319.
    1. Ma J, Hua XY, Zheng MX, et al. Structural remodeling secondary to functional remodeling in advanced-stage peripheral facial neuritis. Neurol Sci 2020; 41:2453–2460.
    1. Azuma T, Nakamura K, Takahashi M, et al. Electroneurography cannot predict when facial synkinesis develops in patients with facial palsy. J Med Invest 2020; 67:87–89.
    1. Bylund N, Jensson D, Enghag S, et al. Synkinesis in Bell's palsy in a randomised controlled trial. Clin Otolaryngol 2017; 42:673–680.

Substances

LinkOut - more resources