Facial Paralysis

About the Symptom

Facial paralysis occurs when a person is cannot move some or all of the muscles on one (or both sides) of the face.

When to See a Doctor

Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms

• Can't move face

Possible Causes

Generally, Facial paralysis can be related to:

• Cheilitis Granulomatosa (Granulomatous Cheilitis)

  Cheilitis granulomatosa is a rare condition, characterized by painless but persistent inflammatory swelling of the lip. The cause is unknown, but could be due to factors like foreign body reactions, infections, and other inflammatory conditions.

• Porphyria

  Porphyrias are a group of inherited or acquired disorders caused by a buildup of natural chemicals that produce porphyrin in the body. Porphyrins are necessary for hemoglobin function. Common triggers include drugs (birth control pills, sedatives, etc.), fasting, smoking, drinking alcohol, infections, emotional and physical stress, hormonal imbalance, and sun exposure.

• Tolosa Hunt Syndrome

  Tolosa-Hunt Syndrome is a rare condition characterized by severe headaches behind the eyes, decreased and painful eye movements typically in just one eye. The exact cause is unknown, but it may be related to inflammation in certain areas behind the eye.

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Related Serious Diseases

Sometimes, Facial paralysis may be related to these serious diseases:

• Bell's Palsy

  Characterized by sudden weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles, Bell's palsy is usually temporary and occurs on one side of the face. The exact cause is unknown but is believed to be due to swelling and inflammation of the nerve controlling the facial muscles or viral infection. Anyone can be affected by this condition, but pregnant women, those with lung infections, and those with a family history of the condition are at higher risk.

• Vertebral Artery Dissection
• Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)
• Encephalitis / Encephalopathy
• Cerebellar Hemorrhage / Infarction
• Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

Doctor's Diagnostic Questions

Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:

• Do you have difficulty moving your facial muscles?
• Which of the following best describes how your difficulty moving facial muscles appeared?
• Is it hard to raise one corner of your mouth when you smile?
• Is it hard for you to frown on one side?
• Are you unable to blink one eye?

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