Can synkinesis be triggered by surgical nerve trauma or is this just a result of disease / illness?

Question

I'm thinking about having facial procedures that have potential for nerve injury, and I'm worried that that could potentially lead to synkinesis after recovery, but can synkinesis happen from surgical nerve trauma? Or does it mostly happen just from disease like Bell's palsy?

Jose Telich, MD · Answer

Dear Mikejp,

Thank you for your inquiry. Synkinesis is a term used in medicine to describe an atypical occurrence where muscles move involuntarily in coordination, causing unintended movements. This phenomenon typically arises as a result of facial nerve damage or injury.

Synkinesis can develop following various types of nerve injuries, such as those resulting from different conditions like Bell's palsy, surgical procedures that involve the face, or even fractures of the temporal bones. In essence, it occurs when nerve pathways regenerate incorrectly after injury, leading to abnormal connections between different muscle groups.

The severity of synkinesis can range widely, and its impact on an individual's daily life can vary significantly. It might manifest as unintended facial movements when attempting specific expressions, which can be emotionally distressing and affect one's ability to communicate effectively.

To manage and address synkinesis, it is crucial to seek specialized medical evaluation from a surgeon or medical professional with expertise in facial palsy or peripheral nerve reconstruction. They can provide tailored treatment options, which may include therapies, medications, or surgical interventions to help alleviate the symptoms and improve muscle function.

Can synkinesis be triggered by surgical nerve trauma or is this just a result of disease / illness?

Answers (1)

More Facial Reconstructive Surgery Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (1)

More Facial Reconstructive Surgery Questions

What can I do to prepare and what will recovery look like after my nasal reconstruction surgery? (photos)

Should I remove spray tan before having facial surgery?

Face fascias damaged. What kind of specialist should I see?

Dent in bone & shifted temporal line - can this be fixed? (Photos)

Midface reconstruction-beneath eyelid above mustache? (Photo)

Any way to make a narrow face/small head with short zygomatic length wider?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS