• A disorder characterized by involvement of the facial nerve (seventh cranial nerve).
  • A non-neoplastic or neoplastic disorder affecting the facial nerve (seventh cranial nerve).
  • A syndrome characterized by the acute onset of unilateral facial paralysis which progresses over a 2-5 day period. Weakness of the orbicularis oculi muscle and resulting incomplete eye closure may be associated with corneal injury. Pain behind the ear often precedes the onset of paralysis. This condition may be associated with herpesvirus 1, human infection of the facial nerve. (Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p1376)
  • Diseases of the facial nerve or nuclei. Pontine disorders may affect the facial nuclei or nerve fascicle. The nerve may be involved intracranially, along its course through the petrous portion of the temporal bone, or along its extracranial course. Clinical manifestations include facial muscle weakness, loss of taste from the anterior tongue, hyperacusis, and decreased lacrimation.
  • If you have bell's palsy, the muscles in your face become temporarily paralyzed. It usually affects just one side of the face. Symptoms appear suddenly - you can't shut your eye and your mouth droops. Symptoms are usually worst about 48 hours after they start. Scientists think that a viral infection makes the facial nerve swell or become inflamed. You are most likely to get bell's palsy if you are pregnant, diabetic or sick with a cold or flu.three in four patients improve without treatment. With or without treatment, most people begin to get better within 2 weeks and most recover completely within 3 to 6 months.
  • Temporary facial paralysis resulting from damage