Bell's Palsy is a form of facial paralysis that results from injury or damage to one of the facial nerves and can cause significant facial distortion. Disorders of the facial nerves, including paralysis, develop from a variety of causes. Abnormal movement or paralysis of the face can result from infection, injury or tumors.
Dr. Monica Tadros has a foundational pedigree in neurosurgical and reconstruction procedures, extensive expertise in managing the full range of facial nerve disorders for her patients, and an array of unique treatment options.
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About Dr. Tadros
Dr. Monica Tadros is a dual board-certified and Ivy-League fellowship trained Facial Plastic Surgeon & Reconstructive Surgeon with offices on Park Avenue in Manhattan and Bergen County, NJ.
Dr. Tadros specializes in rhinoplasty, sinus surgery, plastic surgery and has received numerous awards and accolades for her forward-thinking, teaching, and innovations in Aesthetic Facial Surgery.
FAQs about Bell’s Palsy Treatment
2. How does the facial nerve work?
The anatomy of the facial nerve is very complex. The facial nerve passes through the base of the skull in transit from the brain to the muscles of facial expression. After leaving the brain, the facial nerve enters the bone of the ear (temporal bone) through a small bony tunnel (the internal auditory canal) in a very close association with the hearing and balance nerves. Along its course within the temporal bone, the facial nerve winds around the three middle ear bones, in the back of the eardrum, and then through the mastoid (the bony area behind the part of the ear that is visible). After the facial nerve leaves the mastoid, it passes through the salivary gland in the face (parotid gland) and divides into many branches, which supply the various facial muscles. The facial nerve gives off many branches as it courses through the temporal bone: to the tear gland, to the stapes muscle, to the tongue (for taste sensation), and to the saliva glands.
3. What is the cause of Bell’s Palsy?
The most common cause of facial weakness for patients which develops suddenly is referred to as “Bell’s Palsy.” The etiology of this disorder is unknown, but is probably due to the body’s response to a virus: in reaction to the virus the facial nerve within the ear (temporal) bone swells, and this pressure on the nerve in the bony canal damages it.
In order to diagnose facial nerve disorders and determine the cause of the facial weakness, a special set of questions will be asked. After an examination of the head, neck, and ears, a series of tests may be performed.
