Protect the eyes – If blinking is not possible in the affected area of facial paralysis, protect/cover the eye.

Thorough documentation – If the patient is exhibiting early signs/symptoms of facial palsy, general anesthesia may increase the severity of those symptoms. Make sure to document thoroughly.

This condition is characterized by rapid weakness/paralysis of the facial nerve. This is assumed to be caused by inflammation of the facial nerve. Viruses such as herpes are thought to be the cause. Incidence increases with pregnancy.

Incidence – 15-30 patients per 100,000 per year

Duration of paralysis/weakness – can last up to 3 months. If the duration lasts longer, the condition is probably due to something else.

Diagnosis – made if the patient exhibits weakness of the muscles on one side of the face and inability to close the affected eyelids totally

Pain – most often treated with PO prednisone

Symptoms – facial drooping, loss of taste over the anterior 2/3 of the tongue, diminished salivation and lacrimation