Bell's Palsy/Facial Paralysis

Sudden or progressive inability to move the facial muscles of the face on one or both sides can be very debilitating. An ear infection may be the cause because the nerve to the face runs from the brain stem through the bony ear. However, a very common cause is a virus that is termed Bell's Palsy. Bell's Palsy may result in temporary or permanent damage to the facial nerve and subsequent drooping of the involved facial muscles. Brain tumors located at the cerebellopontine angle and internal auditory canal, along with parotid and skin cancer can also cause facial paralysis. Cholesteatomas of the middle ear are another cause of facial palsy/paralysis. Surgery of the middle ear/mastoid and parotid also has a risk of facial palsy/paralysis.

Possible Testing

• Audiogram
• Tympanogram
• MRI brain/CPA
• Electroneuronography (ENOG)
• EMG
• Tear test
• ENG/Balance test if experiencing dizziness
• Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) titre
• Lyme titre

Fact Sheets

• Bell's Palsy