Facial Palsy (Bell’s Palsy): Protecting Your Eyes
Facial Palsy, also known as Cranial Nerve 7 palsy, typically affects one side of the face and is characterized by sudden weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles. This can result in a drooping appearance, difficulty with facial expressions, and problems with everyday functions like eating, drinking, and blinking. The facial nerve is critical to properly closing the eye and protecting the surface of the eye by blinking.
A stroke, nerve injury from compression or trauma, or an unknown cause known as Bell’s Palsy can cause this. There are also types of facial nerve injuries that can cause both temporary and chronic nerve damage in various cases. In most instances, the illness is transient, leading to a full or near complete recovery within weeks or months.
Learn more about facial palsy at the Mayo Clinic’s‘s site.
Treatment
Facial Palsy treatment focuses on managing symptoms and optimizing eye protection in order to maintain good eye health. Dr Satterfield will tailor the recommendations, which may range from lubricating eye drops to surgical procedures. Heavy brows can be treated with Brow Lifting and eyelid closure can be aided with low profile implanted gold weights. If you are concerned that you have facial palsy or Bell’s palsy and are experiencing ocular problems, contact Dr. Satterfield. Dr. Satterfield will strive to get you looking and feeling yourself with both aesthetics and function in mind.
What to Expect During Your Consultation?
Consultations will take place in the office for local patients, or over a virtual video call for out-of-town patients. During your 30 minute consultation, Dr. Satterfield will review your concerns, perform a thorough exam, and discuss what treatment options are most appropriate, both surgical and non-surgical, that can help you reach your individual goals. Risks, benefits and alternatives to each potential procedure(s) being considered will be discussed and customized to each patient, their anatomy and medical history. Ample time will be allowed for discussion and questions with Dr. Satterfield.