Facial Paralysis - Potential for Recovery? (photo)

I've been diagnosed with AN (2.9 mm) august 2011. Before the operation didn't have any symptoms besides rapid hearing loss on the tumor side, right side of the lip was numb. During the operation the anatomic function of the facial nerve has been preserved, sensitivity came back. However it's been a year after the operation and the facial weakness haven't resolved, incomplete eye closure still there, eye dryness. Is there potential for recovery with no surgical interference? Thank you for reply!

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dry eyes paralysis non surgical

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8 Doctor Answers | Asked by Maya in LA

Doctor Answers (8)
Community Comments (1)

Acoustic Neuroma and Facial Nerve Function Recovery

At 12 months following an injury of this nature, you shold probably seek out a specialized facial nerve center comfortable with static slings, dynamic slings, nerve grafts including cross facial nerve grafts, and free innervated muscle grafts. Waiting may be appropriate for a few more months, but you need specialists to guide you for the best recovery possible. UCLA is a good place to start.

Facial nerve weakness

Dear Maya, Starting with some nerve studies (EMG and ENoG) will give prognostic information (how likely the nerve will recover on its own) Based on the results of these studies you can see if you would be a candidate for nerve surgery to fix it, or whether you should wait a little longer Best regards, Nima Shemirani

Return of facial function after resection of acoustic neuroma may take many months.

There is a good chance function will continue to return to your face even after 18 months. This can be monitored with various tests. There may be a role using electrical stimulation of muscles. If this falls short, there are operations to assist the weak areas of the face.

Facial Paralysis #facialparalysis

I have taken care of many patients when I was in residency and performed many static and dynamic slings for this problem. The nerve can take at least 12-18 months to return so it would be very important to know if there has been any return of function over the past year. There are so many complex issues that are involved with facial nerve paralysis including dry eyes, drooping of the mouth leading to oral incompetence and many other issues I am sure you are well aware of. It is so important... more

Nerve injury

Sorry to hear about your problem. Fist, you should be aware that there are an entirely different group,of nerves that supple sensation from those which provide movement. So the fact that sensation returned without motor function makes sense and is not an indication that motor function will return. Re-animation of the paralyzed face is a narrow sub-specialty within plastic surgery. there are many things that can be done from the simple to the complex.Dryness of the eye... more

AN / Facial paralysis

Maya, there is always a chance that the facial weakness will recover but the longer it takes, the less likely it will fully recover. It can take up to 12-18months to regain function. Has there been any improvement during the year? There are a couple of ways facial weakness is addressed including surgical and non-surgical options. The eye dryness should be addressed sooner than later with a gold or platinum weight that can be removed at a later time if/when the... more

Facial and eyelid paralysis

The typical recovery happens in the first year, although it is possible for some recovery to occur after that. It would a good idea for you to see a facial plastic and an oculoplastic surgeon, with facial/eyelid paralysis expertise, for possible dynamic and static surgical options in the meantime, besides keeping your eyes lubricated. Dr. Azzizadeh and Dr. Nabili are expert facial plastic surgeons with this expertise in Los Angeles, who will work with an... more

Facial nerve paralysis

It can take upto 18 months sometimes for nerve function to recover. You should be seeing a center or a surgeon who deals with this regularly. I recommend that you discuss this with your otologic surgeon. If the nerve function does not return, there are surgical interventions that can be performed that will improve the situation. There are diagnostic tests that can also be done to test nerve function. The best advice I can give you is to be enrolled in a center or with... more

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Maya in LA 15 Aug 2012

Thank you so very much everybody. Yes, as a matter of fact I started acupuncture (did 8 sessions) a month ago and there's been a tiny bit of improvement. The corner of the mouth moves up a little bit. As well as there's small contraction on the lower lid of the affected eye. But since I decided to travel to the US for treatment I haven't finished the acupuncture course. The eye is really something that bothers me. If there is a way to put the golden weight on it and roll it back in case the face rebuilds I guess it is a right thing to do, will make things much easier for me. I actually performed the electromyography. The result shows that the nerve is functioning normally with little discrepancies, the muscles on the affected side also function normally. But still there is no movement...

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