As a facial nerve disorder specialist in Utah, Dr. Douglas Henstrom provides an array of surgical and non-surgical treatments to treat common facial nerve disorders in Utah and for patients all around the country. Facial nerve disorders develop one there is damage to the facial nerve which often causes loss of facial movement and function. Here are a list of the more common facial nerve disorders that Dr. Henstrom treats with expert care at Utah Facial Plastics.
1. Bell’s Palsy
Bell’s palsy is the most common cause of facial paralysis attributing to approximately 80% of facial nerve disorders. Of those patients, 15% of them experience partial facial weakness.
2. Facial Trauma
The second most common cause for facial nerve damage blunt or penetrating trauma or injury to the face leading to facial paralysis.
3. Stroke or other central nervous system disorders
A stroke can sometimes lead to facial paralysis when nerves that control facial muscles are damaged in the brain. This either happens by lack of oxygen during the stroke or excess pressure on the brain cells from bleeding. With either situation, those brain cells can be killed within only a few minutes.
4. Head or neck tumor
The most common type of nerve cell tumor of the head and neck are neuromas, which are growths or swellings on nerves. Though approximately 50% of all neuromas occur in the face and neck, it is still extremely rare and most of them are benign.
5. Infection of ear or face
Ear infections (acute or chronic middle ear) can cause swelling or pressure on the nerves leading to weakness of the face. Problems typically subside rather quickly with medication to treat an acute infection but surgery may be needed in chronic situations.
For more information on facial nerve disorders and treatment, call (801)776-2220 to schedule an exam with Dr. Douglas Henstrom in Layton or Draper, Utah.