What it is
A short, honest summary.
- —Sudden, unexplained weakness of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII), causing drooping of one side of the face.
- —Often linked to viral inflammation. Onset is rapid, often noticed on waking.
- —Roughly 70% recover completely; physiotherapy supports the remainder.
What families notice
The signals worth taking seriously.
- 01Inability to fully close one eye
- 02Drooping at the corner of the mouth
- 03Loss of forehead wrinkling on one side
- 04Altered taste, drooling, or dribbling fluids
- 05Discomfort or pain behind the ear at onset
My approach
How the work is structured.
- —Gentle facial neuromuscular re-education — not random exercises, but specific patterning.
- —Eye protection counselling: lubrication, taping at night.
- —Avoiding the well-meaning but harmful 'work it hard' approach that drives synkinesis.
- —Mirror feedback work, EMG biofeedback where available.
What recovery looks like
A plain-language picture.
“Most see substantial recovery in 3 to 6 months. Targeted physiotherapy reduces the risk of long-term asymmetry and synkinesis (involuntary co-movement).”
FAQ
Common questions, answered briefly.
- Should I do facial exercises immediately?
- Gentle, specific work yes — vigorous facial workouts no. Over-driving the nerve too early can cause permanent miswiring.
- Will I have lasting asymmetry?
- Most don't. For those who do, targeted neuromuscular work over months meaningfully improves it.