What Causes Facial Paralysis? Risk Factors You Should Know
Facial paralysis is a health issue that affects both aesthetics and function, resulting from the sudden or gradual loss of function of the facial nerve that controls the mimic muscles. There can be many causes for this problem. If you are curious about these causes and want to learn more, you can take a detailed look at our content. We wish you good reading and healthy days.
Viral Origins: Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, Shingles
Ramsay Hunt syndrome, which has a viral origin, is one of the causes of severe facial paralysis. This condition, which occurs when the Varicella-Zoster virus that causes chickenpox reactivates years later, manifests itself with ear pain, rash in the inner ear, and sudden paralysis of the facial muscles. In this context, shingles caused by the virus can also lead to facial paralysis by inflaming nerve tissue during periods of weakened immunity. As a result, the person may experience severe ear pain, a burning sensation, and fluid-filled blisters.
Systemic Conditions: Diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis
Facial paralysis, which occurs when small blood vessels narrow and nerves are not adequately nourished, can also occur due to fluctuations in blood sugar. In this context, the facial nerve weakens, transmission slows down, and symptoms of paralysis may appear. In addition, diabetes-related facial paralysis suppresses the immune system, leading to inflammation in the nerve tissue and prolonging the healing process. On the other hand, in multiple sclerosis, the immune system attacks the myelin sheath of the nerves, disrupting communication between the brain and the facial muscles and causing facial paralysis. As a result, since both diseases are chronic, regular monitoring and treatment are of great importance.
Otitis Media and Chronic Ear Infections
Recurrent middle ear infections can indirectly cause facial paralysis. Ear infections that spread to the narrow bone channels through which the facial nerve passes can weaken the nerve due to pressure and infection, leading to permanent paralysis over time. Chronic ear infections, especially those frequently experienced during childhood, can increase the risk of sudden facial paralysis in adulthood. For this reason, it is necessary to have your ear health checked regularly and treat infections early on.
Facial Paralysis During Pregnancy
During the last three months of pregnancy or in the early postpartum period, some mothers may experience facial paralysis due to hormonal fluctuations. In these and similar cases, sudden changes in blood pressure can also cause edema in the canal through which the facial nerve passes, putting pressure on the nerve. Therefore, if weakness in the facial muscles is noticed during pregnancy, it is necessary to consult a doctor without delay. Otherwise, permanent facial paralysis may occur.
Traumatic Causes: Car Accidents, Sports Injuries
Head injuries, blows to the face, and jaw fractures can cause facial nerve damage or serious injury. Traffic accidents and high-contact sports such as football or boxing are the main causes of these injuries. In this context, paralysis developing after trauma may sometimes be temporary, but nerve rupture can cause permanent consequences. Therefore, if such a situation occurs, you should see a doctor immediately. For more detailed information on this subject, you can review the content “How Car Accidents Can Cause Facial Paralysis: Symptoms and Recovery Options.”
Dental Procedures and Iatrogenic Nerve Damage
Local anesthetics used during tooth extraction, implant, or root canal treatment can sometimes inadvertently damage branches of the facial nerve. Injections made in the area where the nerve passes, especially in lower jaw surgeries, can result in temporary numbness or paralysis. In this case, the patient may experience sudden numbness in the lip, jaw, or cheek area, difficulty speaking, and temporary asymmetry in the facial muscles. Therefore, you should take the necessary precautions to avoid facial paralysis after dental treatments.
Tumors and Acoustic Neuroma-Related Risks
An acoustic neuroma, a benign tumor located between the inner ear and the brain stem, grows and presses on the facial nerve, resulting in facial paralysis. If not treated immediately, this condition caused by acoustic neuroma can continue and lead to permanent facial damage. Early diagnosis and regular check-ups are essential to prevent this and similar conditions.
Surgical Risks: Blepharoplasty, Rhytidectomy, Parotidectomy
During procedures such as eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), facelift (rhytidectomy), and salivary gland surgery (parotidectomy), branches of the facial nerve run very close to the surgical site. Particularly in parotidectomy, the nerve passes directly through the gland, posing a high risk of temporary or permanent facial paralysis. In such cases, the patient may experience facial asymmetry, limited movement of the lips or eyelids, loss of facial expressions, and difficulty speaking or eating after surgery, leading to facial paralysis. Therefore, to avoid facial paralysis after a facelift, you should undergo the procedure with a professional surgeon as much as possible.
