We use cookies and similar tools to give you the best website experience. By using our site, you accept our digital privacy statement. We are still requiring masks and temperature checks at all NYU Langone locations. If facial nerve paralysis occurs suddenly—within hours or days—the cause may be a virus, such as herpes simplex, which causes cold sores, or herpes zoster, also called shingles.

Our Board-Certified FPRS surgeons, dedicated to the restoration of congenital or acquired defects of the head and face, offer a broad spectrum of services. Facial paralysis involves either partial or complete weakness of the muscles of the face. This can affect all age groups for a large variety of reasons. At times the paralysis will only affect one portion of the face, while others have one entire half of the face affected, and rarely both sides can be paralyzed. This can be a very challenging condition for many people because it impacts facial movement, appearance, emotional expression, social interactions, and critical functions like blinking, breathing through the nose, speaking, and eating. Whenever facial paralysis is present, a very careful search for the cause should be undertaken because the treatment recommendations may vary significantly based on the cause of the paralysis. Live 5 News interview with Dr.

Kofi Boahene, M. It may appear after a cold sore or other viral illness such as the flu or a cold. You might notice a headache and pain, or twitching or weakness in one side of your face. Over the next 48 hours or so, one half of your face may start to droop.

An inability to move the muscles of the face on one or both sides is known as facial paralysis. The problem can affect one or both sides of the face, with noticeable drooping of the features and problems with speaking, blinking, swallowing saliva, eating or communicating through natural facial expressions. Paralysis of the face may be temporary or permanent.