Disorders of the facial (cranial nerve VII) nerve, while far less common than hearing (auditory) and balance (vestibular) disorders, can be serious and can have catastrophic consequences.  Our specialists offer in-depth evaluations to determine the correct diagnosis in order to treat the condition.  Once diagnosis is determined  patient   therapy  may include surgery, medical therapy and rehabilitation.   Explore some  facial nerve topics by clicking an item from the drop down menu:

Surgical care of facial nerve disorders may include facial reanimation through primary nerve repair, static reanimation through static facial suspension, and dynamic facial reanimation through muscle transposition and/or nerve transposition.  

Medical intervention may include treatment with prescribed medicines and rest.  In many cases, exercises and biofeedback are also prescribed in a rehabilitation program described below.

Rehabilitation for facial nerve disorders involves retraining the nerve and affected muscles. Facial nerve retraining is an exercise-based treatment approach utilizing sensitive EMG biofeedback therapy, specific mirror exercises, and other specific training activities.  These techniques are used to promote selective voluntary control of affected muscles and promote automatic facial gestures.  Retraining procedures may involve teaching the patient to relax the uninvolved side of the face, training the involved side to develop slow fine motor control of selective areas, reducing inappropriate or involuntary facial movements, and participating in a home exercise program.

Of possible interest:

Facial Nerve Disorders
A resident lecture by Raghu Athre, MD

Facial Nerve Tests
A resident lecture by Tim Thomason, MD