Clinical Manifestations
Pain behind the ear that may occur before facial symptoms develop
Preauricular Pain
This cranial nerve, responsible for facial expressions, taste, and tear production, is affected in this condition.
Cranial Nerve VII (Facial Nerve)
A diagnosis when no other cause of facial nerve dysfunction is found
Diagnosis of Exclusion
Surgical procedure used to relieve the pressure on the facial nerve by opening the bony passage that the nerve passes through
Decompression Surgery
The Scottish neurologist and anatomist who wrote On the Nerves: Giving an Account of Some Experiments on Their Structure and Functions, Which Lead to a New Arrangement of the System.
Sir Charles Bell
Increased sensitivity to loud noises in one ear.
hyperacusis
The second intratemporal segment of the facial nerve and the narrowest
Labyrinthine segment
Blood Test ordered if there is a history of tick exposure to rule out an infectious cause
Lyme Disease Serology
A classified in the steroid medication family. Reduces inflammation in your body.
Corticosteroids
The condition is often linked to this type of virus reactivation, which typically remains dormant in the body after the initial infection.
Herpes zoster (shingles virus).
Loss of taste in the front two-thirds of the tongue on the affected side
Anterior tongue taste loss
Inflammation and compression in the myelin sheath.
Demyelination
A test measuring nerve function can assess the severity of muscle involvement
Electromyography (EMG)
A type of drug specifically designed to treat viral infections
Antiviral Drugs
Women in this life stage are at a higher risk of developing this condition, especially during hormonal changes
Pregnancy
Difficulty closing one eye completely, leading to dryness or irritation
Lagophthalmos
Impaired parasympathetic control can alter tear secretion, exacerbating ocular dryness.
Lacrimal Gland Dysfunction
This imaging test might be done to rule out stroke or tumor if other symptoms are atypical
MRI or CT scan
A healthcare approach that utilizes exercise, manual therapy, and other techniques to help people manage pain, improve movement, and regain function.
Physical Therapy
Though the exact cause is unknown, most cases have been associated with reactivation of this common virus, which also causes cold sores
Human herpesvirus 1
Sudden onset of weakness or paralysis on one side of the face
Facial drooping
Abnormal sensations, such as tingling or numbness, may occur in the affected facial region.
Paresthesia
Clinical Diagnosis made based on the rapid onset of unilateral facial paralysis with no other symptoms
Clinical Evaluation
Inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to relieve pain
Acupuncture
The branch of medicine that that studies nerves
Neurology