Facial Paralysis

Congenital facial paralysis is present right from the time of birth and its frequency is about two out of every 1000 newborns. About 8-14% of all pediatric cases of facial paralysis fall under the category of congenital type. The most common unilateral syndromic condition associated with facial paralysis is Hemifacial microsomia. Möbius syndrome on the other hand is an example of a facial paralysis due to developmental cause with a frequency of 1 per 50,000 births. Common problems faced by the newborns suffering from congenital facial paralysis are difficulty with nursing and incomplete eye closure. This condition needs to be addressed at an early stage of life, otherwise the child’s future speech might be affected, which in turn might affect their self esteem. The symptoms of congenital facial paralysis in children tend be to more conspicuous with increasing age. A traumatic injury or developmental deformities of the brain can affect the functioning of the cranial nerves VI and VII leading to congenital facial paralysis. These nerves control movement of the eyes and various facial expressions. The cranial nerves originate in the brain and innervate the muscles on both sides of the face creating facial expressions. The cranial nerves are also important to protect the eyes, pronounce words properly, and keep food and liquids in the mouth. Congenital Facial Paralysis: Vijaya Krishna Varanasi

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Last date updated on January, 2025