Blog

Central facial paralysis can be temporary. In many instances, facial paralysis appears without notice and disappears shortly after onset. But, there may be times when facial palsy lingers for many weeks or months. In serious instances, central facial paralysis can become permanent.

A clear understanding of facial paralysis is key. If an individual understands facial paralysis symptoms and how long they can last, he or she can identify these issues before they escalate. Also, this individual can explore appropriate treatment options and determine the best course of action for facial paralysis recovery.

How to Address Central Facial Paralysis

Central facial paralysis can occur for many reasons, including: 

• • Bell’s palsy
  • Acoustic neuroma
  • Parotid cancer

 Regardless of why facial paralysis occurs, it is important to treat the condition in its early stages. Otherwise, facial paralysis can impact an individual’s ability to smile, frown, and produce other natural facial expressions. It can also cause facial asymmetry.

Will Central Facial Paralysis Clear Up on Its Own?

Facial paralysis recovery often begins within about two weeks of symptomatic onset. At this point, an individual starts to regain the ability to move the muscles on the paralyzed side of the face. 

Within about three months, an individual’s facial paralysis symptoms should disappear. From here, an individual can enjoy full facial muscle movement. This individual shows no visible signs of facial paralysis and can produce natural facial expressions without any limitations.

What Happens If Central Facial Paralysis Symptoms Persist?

Treatment options are available if facial synkinesis symptoms linger for many months after onset. By meeting with Dr. Babak Azizzadeh of The Facial Paralysis Institute, an individual can explore a wide range of facial paralysis treatments.    

Dr. Azizzadeh is a Harvard-trained and dual board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with many years of facial paralysis treatment expertise. He recommends patients consult with him if they have been experiencing facial paralysis symptoms for eight months or longer. In these instances, Dr. Azizzadeh can conduct an assessment to evaluate the severity of his patient’s symptoms. He can also identify the root cause of these symptoms and offer a personalized treatment recommendation.

What Is the Best Treatment for Central Facial Paralysis?

Dr. Azizzadeh may recommend Botox for central facial palsy. Patients can receive Botox injections to treat their facial paralysis symptoms. The injections deliver facial paralysis symptom relief that lasts up to four months. 

For patients coping with severe symptoms, Dr. Azizzadeh may recommend central facial paralysis surgery. Some patients may qualify for selective neurolysis, which can be used to treat partial facial paralysis, synkinesis, and Bell’s palsy. Other patients may be good candidates for other surgical procedures. 

A patient can meet with Dr. Azizzadeh to determine if Botox or surgery is the optimal treatment for central facial palsy symptoms. Dr. Azizzadeh offers in-person and virtual consultations to assess his patient’s symptoms. He can then determine what treatment option can help his patient achieve long-lasting symptomatic relief.     

Make a Full Recovery from Central Facial Palsy

No one should be forced to deal with central facial palsy symptoms for an extended period of time. With help from Dr. Azizzadeh, an individual can treat their facial paralysis symptoms and prevent them from recurring. 

Dr. Azizzadeh offers consultations to those who have been dealing with long-term facial paralysis symptoms. To request a consultation, please contact us online or call us today at (310) 340-1205.