Facial paralysis

What it means

Complete loss of ability to move facial muscles innervated by the facial nerve (i.e., the seventh cranial nerve).

Facial paralysis can be caused by compression of the facial nerve.The main difference between facial paralysis and Palsy is cause for the paralysis can be identified, be it a tumor, infection, or nerve damage. Facial paralysis, in most cases, also appears more permanent than Bell's Palsy, with cases lasting for years to life if a patient doesn't seek treatment.

Rare diseases that can present with this5

The range is how often this sign appears among people diagnosed with each disease — it is not a probability of having any of them. Many of these signs also occur in common, non-rare conditions. A sign on this page is a conversation to have with a clinician, not a conclusion.

Part of the broader category

Also called: Facial paresis