Symptoms of Seventh Nerve Palsy – With Dr. Tarek Amer, Pioneer in Facial Nerve Surgery in the Middle East

Facial Weakness

One of the earliest signs of seventh nerve palsy is weakness or paralysis on one side of the face. This can manifest as:

• Drooping of the mouth corner

• Inability to smile or frown on one side

• Flattening of the nasolabial fold

Eyelid Issues

The facial nerve controls the muscles responsible for closing the eyelids. Damage can lead to:

• Inability to close the eye completely

• Dryness or irritation of the eye

• Excessive tearing

Loss of Taste

Since the facial nerve carries taste sensations, its impairment can result in:

• Loss of taste on the front two-thirds of the tongue

• Altered taste perception

Other Symptoms

Additional signs may include:

• Pain or discomfort behind the ear

• Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)

• Sensitivity to sound (hyperacusis)

Several factors can lead to seventh nerve palsy, including:

• Bell’s Palsy: The most common cause, believed to be due to viral infections.

• Trauma: Physical injury to the facial nerve.

• Infections: Such as herpes zoster (Ramsay Hunt syndrome).

• Tumors: Growths pressing on the facial nerve.

• Neurological Conditions: Like multiple sclerosis.

• Idiopathic: In many cases, the exact cause remains unknown.

Diagnosing seventh nerve palsy involves:

• Clinical Examination: Assessing facial movements and symmetry.

• Imaging Studies: MRI or CT scans to identify structural causes.

• Electromyography (EMG): To evaluate nerve function.

• Blood Tests: To check for underlying infections or conditions.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition:

• Medications: Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.

• Physical Therapy: Exercises to stimulate facial muscles.

• Surgical Interventions: In cases of nerve compression or tumors.

• Supportive Care: Lubricating eye drops for eye protection.

Recovery varies among individuals. Rehabilitation may include:

• Facial Exercises: To improve muscle strength and coordination.

• Biofeedback: To train muscle movements.

• Psychological Support: Counseling to cope with emotional impacts.

Dr. Tarek Amer is a renowned specialist in facial nerve surgery in the Middle East. With over two decades of experience, he has pioneered advanced surgical techniques to treat facial paralysis. His expertise includes:

• Free Functional Muscle Transfer: A groundbreaking procedure for restoring facial movement.

• Nerve Grafting: To repair damaged facial nerves.

• Synkinesis Management: Addressing involuntary muscle movements post-recovery.

At Amer Facial Paralysis Center, we offer comprehensive care for individuals with facial nerve disorders. Our approach includes:

• Multidisciplinary Team: Collaboration among surgeons, therapists, and support staff.

• Personalized Treatment Plans: Tailored to each patient’s needs.

• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Equipped with the latest medical technology.

Learn more at Amer Facial Paralysis Center