Ask a doctor on the topic of Neurology

Facial paralysis

May 1, 2014 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Christian Welsch

Hello, since 20.02 I have had left-sided facial paralysis. I have already been to the neurologist twice, in the hospital (inpatient), to the ENT, and have also been tested for Lyme disease. All findings were normal (ECG, blood tests, reflexes, hearing test, taste test, MRI, and cortisone have also been administered). Currently, I am doing facial exercises at home. There has been no specific improvement yet, but I have noticed something. My left eye, which was initially always dry, is slowly starting to produce tears on its own but still cannot close. Also, the left corner of my mouth seems to be slightly lifting. But only minimally. Question: Is this a good sign? Kind regards, Kammann

Christian Welsch

Dear questioner, it seems that there is a so-called idiopathic paresis, meaning that no cause could be found. In over 90% of cases, there is a complete recovery, although it can take some time. Please stay in touch with the mentioned doctors and continue with physiotherapy. The fact that partial functions are returning is a good sign. Do you have any questions? Regards, C. Welsch.