Bell’s palsy is a form of temporary facial paralysis that results from injury or damage to one of the facial nerves and can cause significant facial distortion. Symptoms of Bell’s palsy typically present very suddenly and progress over several days, peaking within 48 hours. Although symptoms vary in type and severity (ranging from mild weakness to total paralysis), the most common symptoms include: weakness, facial paralysis, twitching, drooping eyelid, sagging at the corner of the mouth, dry eye, drooling, taste impairment, dry mouth, and excessive tearing in the eye.
A viral infection (i.e. viral meningitis, herpes simplex 1) in the canal that transmits the facial nerve is thought to be the cause of Bell’s palsy, potentially triggering the disorder when the facial nerve swells and becomes inflamed in response to the infection. Although recovery of the facial nerve occurs partially (or completely) in over 80% of cases, Bell’s palsy can have a detrimental impact on normal eyelid functioning, resulting in severe corneal exposure and drying that necessitates treatment, and, in some cases, surgical correction.
To ensure effective treatment of any facial nerve injury, it is crucially important to select a properly qualified facial surgeon with extensive experience performing reconstructive procedures on the delicate facial structures. You will find such a physician in Dr. Kenneth Steinsapir, world-renowned oculofacial surgeon whose private practice is located in Beverly Hills, CA. Dr. Steinsapir was elected as a Fellow to the prestigious American Society for Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, one of about 500 members worldwide. He is a board certified Ophthalmologist, as well as an Associate Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the prestigious Jules Stein Eye Institute at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Patients travel from all over to consult with Dr. Steinsapir on Bell’s palsy and other facial nerve injuries, in order to benefit from his technical efficiency, surgical excellence, and clinical precision.
