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

Severe or complete loss of facial muscle motor function. This condition may result from central or peripheral lesions. Damage to CNS motor pathways from the cerebral cortex to the facial nuclei in the pons leads to facial weakness that generally spares the forehead muscles. FACIAL NERVE DISEASES generally results in generalized hemifacial weakness. NEUROMUSCULAR JUNCTION DISEASES and MUSCULAR DISEASES may also cause facial paralysis or paresis.

(facial nerve palsy) A condition characterized by reduced or absent movement of the ipsilateral face as a consequence of an injury to the seventh cranial nerve.

(facial nerve palsy) Partial or complete paralysis of the facial muscles of one side of a person's face. It is caused by damage to the seventh cranial nerve. It is usually temporary but it may recur.

Facial nerve (7th cranial nerve) palsy is often idiopathic (formerly called Bell palsy). Idiopathic facial nerve palsy is sudden, unilateral peripheral facial nerve palsy. Symptoms of facial nerve palsy are hemifacial paresis of the upper and lower face. Tests (eg, chest x-ray, serum angiotensin-converting enzyme [ACE] level, tests for...

Because speech, mastication, and expression of moods and emotions are based on the ability to move facial musculature�be it voluntary or involuntary�successful treatment of facial nerve paralysis is a vital concern. This article informs the reader about the extracranial etiology of facial nerve paralysis and its current reconstructive...