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How Can Lyme Disease Cause Facial Paralysis

There is a direct correlation between Lyme disease and facial paralysis, and people coping with Lyme disease can experience Bell’s palsy and other forms of facial paralysis. But, with proper diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease and facial paralysis, patients can safely and effectively address both conditions at the same time.  

What Is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is the leading vector-borne disease in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The disease is caused by bacteria transmitted via an infected blacklegged tick and can lead to fever, nausea, and other physical symptoms. In addition, research indicates that Lyme disease can result in facial paralysis.

If Lyme disease goes untreated, the side effects can be significant. The disease can impact the joints, heart, and nervous system, as well as cause extreme fatigue and eye and liver inflammation. Thus, people who experience symptoms of Lyme disease should seek immediate medical treatment.

Can Lyme Disease Cause Facial Paralysis That Disappears on Its Own?

For many Lyme disease patients who experience facial paralysis, the problem disappears on its own shortly after onset. As soon as facial paralysis symptoms appear, meet with a doctor. Then, appropriate testing can be performed to determine the root cause of these symptoms. If a doctor finds the symptoms are related to Lyme disease, multiple treatment options can be explored.

Is Facial Paralysis from Lyme Disease Permanent?

Facial paralysis from Lyme disease is rarely permanent. However, Lyme disease that goes untreated can cause serious facial paralysis symptoms. If left untreated, the disease can results in permanent facial tightness and other long-term health issues. 

When it comes to Lyme disease, it is better to err on the side of caution. Anyone who may be dealing with the disease should consult with a doctor right away. From here, the doctor can find out if their patient is coping with Lyme disease and treat the condition accordingly. 

How to Diagnose and Treat Lyme Disease and Facial Paralysis

Facial paralysis caused by Lyme disease can occur within days to months after a bite from an infected tick, CDC notes. To determine if Lyme disease and facial paralysis are happening in combination with each other, a two-step blood test is used for proper diagnosis. First, a blood test is performed to determine if a patient is dealing with Lyme disease. If the test reveals negative results, additional testing is not usually required. On the other hand, if the test comes back positive or indeterminate, a second blood test is used to verify the initial test’s results.

For those who experience Lyme disease and facial paralysis, antibiotics like doxycycline, amoxicillin, or cefuroxime axetil are commonly used to treat these conditions, CDC states. However, if facial paralysis symptoms associated with Lyme disease persist for eight months or longer following treatment, a consultation with Dr. Babak Azizzadeh of The Facial Paralysis Institute can be beneficial.  

Can Facial Paralysis from Lyme Disease Be Cured?

Most patients coping with Lyme disease and facial paralysis respond well to antibiotics. But, there is no guarantee that antibiotics or other medications can be used to correct Lyme disease and facial palsy. Fortunately, alternative treatment options are available.

For example, a Lyme disease patient may use antibiotics to treat their symptoms over the course of several weeks. The antibiotics may help the patient address many of their symptoms, except for facial paralysis that occurred in conjunction with Lyme disease.

At this point, a patient can receive additional testing to find out why their facial paralysis symptoms persist. If necessary, surgery may be performed to relieve these symptoms.

Dr. Azizzadeh may recommend selective neurolysis to help patients dealing with Bell’s palsy, synkinesis, and other forms of facial paralysis. The surgery provides a permanent treatment that allows facial paralysis patients to smile, frown, and make other facial expressions once again.

Comparatively, Dr. Azizzadeh may recommend Botox for facial paralysis. With Botox, a patient can relax unwanted muscle movements on the non-paralyzed side of their face and reduce tension in areas that are hyperactive.

Regardless of treatment, Dr. Azizzadeh takes precautions to ensure his patient can achieve the best-possible results. Dr. Azizzadeh tailors every facial paralysis treatment to his patient. And, he works diligently to perform the treatment with precision and care. That way, the patient can undergo a treatment that helps him or her overcome their facial paralysis symptoms.

Dealing with Long-Lasting Facial Paralysis Symptoms? Schedule a Treatment Consultation with Dr. AzizzadehDr. Azizzadeh is a globally recognized facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who understands how to treat facial paralysis caused by Lyme disease. He meets with patients to evaluate the severity of their facial paralysis and determine appropriate treatment options. To learn more or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Azizzadeh, please contact the CENTER online or call us today at (310) 657-2203.