The assessment and treatment of facial paralysis.

A facial paralysis is a major cosmetic handicap and can be an emotional and occupational disaster. There are, in addition, problems with speech and the eye. These problems are more severe if the facial paralysis is combined with other cranial nerve palsies. This discussion will be limited to lower motor neurone paralysis. Every patient with a facial paralysis can be helped to some degree and, in some, facial function can be restored to near normality. It is important that the underlying condition be diagnosed early to ensure a good prognosis.