Semin Plast Surg 2020; 34(04): 277-285
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1721824
Review Article

Modern Management of Facial Nerve Disorders

Tom Shokri
1   Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery Associates, Fort Worth, Texas
,
Babak Azizzadeh
2   Department of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Center for Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery, Beverly Hills, California
3   Division of Head and Neck Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
,
Yadranko Ducic
1   Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery Associates, Fort Worth, Texas
› Author Affiliations

Abstract

Facial paralysis is a devastating condition, encompassing a spectrum of disorders, with resultant psychosocial, functional, and aesthetic sequelae. With this in mind, an individualized treatment approach based on the cause, pattern, and duration of palsy is necessary. Treatment options include pharmacologic agents, corneal protective interventions, physical therapy, and surgical procedures. The use of steroids and antivirals in the setting of idiopathic facial paralysis or virus-associated facial paralysis is well supported. Despite the diversity of surgical interventions described, there is a lack of consensus regarding optimal treatment. This article provides an overview of the current management of facial paralysis. Medical, surgical, and physical treatment options are discussed with a review of the relevant literature.

Disclosure Statement

Dr. Azizzadeh receives royalties from Wiley, Thieme, Elsevier, and Springer. Dr. Ducic and Dr. Shokri have no financial or conflicts of interest to disclose. No funding was received for this article.




Publication History

Article published online:
24 December 2020

© 2020. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.
333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USA

 
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