Lyme Disease and Facial Paralysis

Lyme disease is a vector-borne disease that occurs due to a bite from an blacklegged tick infected with Borrelia burgdorferi or Borrelia mayonii bacteria. It causes fever, headache, fatigue and other physical symptoms. In some instances, Lyme disease also results in facial weakness or paralysis.

Lyme Disease Facial Paralysis: Here’s What You Need to Know

Research indicates that approximately 5% of patients diagnosed with Lyme disease experience some form of facial weakness on one or both sides of the face. In certain cases, Lyme disease Bell’s palsy occurs and makes it difficult for an individual to smile, frown or make other natural facial expressions.

Lyme disease Bell’s palsy may start to affect an individual within seven to 21 days of initial infection. Fortunately, with proper Lyme disease face paralysis treatment, an individual can quickly and safely address his or her Bell’s palsy symptoms.

Lyme Disease Facial Nerve Palsy Treatment

Lyme disease Bell’s palsy treatment sometimes requires the use of antibiotics. With corticosteroids, antivirals and other antibiotics, an individual may be able to treat acute Lyme disease facial paralysis symptoms before they cause long-lasting harm.

Other treatments that may be used to treat Lyme disease facial palsy include Botox or surgery. To determine the best course of action, it is essential to meet with a doctor. This allows a patient to receive a full medical assessment to find out if he or she is dealing with Lyme disease, then explore various treatment options.

Recovery from Lyme Disease Facial Paralysis

A patient typically regains facial function within about three to four months of Lyme disease facial paralysis treatment. However, some patients require up to 18 months before they begin to see any signs of recovery.

Gradually, a patient coping with facial paralysis due to Lyme disease recovers lost facial tone and movement during recovery. Yet some patients may experience permanent facial muscle tightness, involuntary facial movements or related problems due to Lyme disease. In these instances, additional treatments may be required.

Schedule a Lyme Disease Bell’s Palsy Treatment Consultation with Dr. Azizzadeh

Dr. Babak Azizzadeh of The Facial Paralysis is a globally recognized facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who helps patients dealing with long-term facial paralysis related to Lyme disease. He is happy to explore treatment options to help a Lyme disease patient achieve long-lasting relief from his or her facial paralysis symptoms. To schedule a free consultation with Dr. Azizzadeh, please contact us online or call us today at (310) 657-2203.