Facial paralysis occurs when a child cannot move the muscles in their face. It can affect one or both sides of the face and can be temporary or permanent.
In most cases, babies are born with facial paralysis. But paralysis can also occur after birth.
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What are the signs and symptoms of facial paralysis?
- Drooping on one side of the face
- Drooping around the eyelids or problems closing an eyelid
- Drooling
- Problems speaking
- Having a hard time drinking or eating
- An asymmetrical smile
What causes facial paralysis?
Facial paralysis can have many causes. These can include:
- The position of the baby inside the uterus
- A difficult birth or trauma during birth
- Head injury
- Bell’s palsy, an unexplained, temporary facial paralysis or weakness
- A tumor pressing on a facial nerve
- Moebius syndrome, a type of facial muscle weakness a baby is born with
- Surgery of the ear, brain or jaw
How is facial paralysis treated?
Treatment for facial paralysis will depend on the cause and the muscles affected. Treatments may include both surgical and non-surgical options.
- Physical therapy or speech therapy can help with facial movements
- Steroids can help reduce inflammation
- Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections can help relax the muscles
- Muscle transfer surgery to move a muscle from another part of the body to the face
- Surgery to insert a small weight into the upper eyelid to help it close
- A nerve graft to move a nerve from another part of the face or the body
Doctors at Connecticut Children’s can determine the right plan if your child requires treatment for facial paralysis.