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Study Examines Societies View of Facial Paralysis

In a recent study published in the Laryngoscope online medical library, research surrounding the negative view that society has toward people suffering from both facial paralysis and Bell’s palsy has been made public.

Moebius Syndrome: A Congenital Neurological Disorder

Moebius (Moebius) Syndrome is a rare, congenital neurological disorder that presents a variety of complications and visible symptoms. Because the condition is caused by the underdevelopment or absence of the 6th and 7th cranial nerves, the main sign of Moebius Syndrome is the inability to control facial expressions and eye movement.

How Young Can Children Have Surgery To Correct Facial Paralysis?

In light of a recent article profiling a one-year old boy suffering from Moebius Syndrome causing complete facial paralysis, Dr. Azizzadeh, Director of the Facial Paralysis Institute in Los Angeles, would like to address a question that presents itself from time to time; How young can children have surgery to correct facial paralysis?

Singer Carnie Wilson Diagnosed With Bell’s Palsy

Just over one week ago, nineties singer Carnie Wilson of the trio Wilson Phillips took to her twitter account to announce to the world that she has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis that is temporary in 90% of cases. This is actually Carnie’s second bout of Bell’s palsy, with a previous diagnosis taking place several years ago in which she was left without any permanent side effects. To help her overcome Bell’s palsy this time, Carnie has turned to acupuncture, an ancient treatment that relies on inserting thin needles into various pressure points of the body to relieve stress and pain.

When Should Medical Professionals Refer Facial Paralysis Patients To Experts?

When a person is dealing with overcoming facial paralysis, it can be an extremely stressful and trying time. It’s very common for individuals to suffer from a form of facial paralysis and not be completely aware that there are treatments that can help promote facial reanimation.

Dr. Azizzadeh Describes Transformation of Facial Paralysis Treatments Over Last Decade

In a world of constant technological advancements, it’s no wonder that the field of medicine is in a mode of continual development with non-stop trials and ever-progressing procedures.

Revolutionary Facial Paralysis Treatments Offered At The Facial Paralysis Institute

With smiles being the most recognized symbol of happiness, welcome, or excitement around the world, it’s no wonder why Dr. Azizzadeh works to bring his patients the most advanced facial paralysis treatments to promote facial symmetry and facial reanimation.

Actor Develops Bell’s Palsy

Our face is the first thing that people notice about us. It helps us to convey emotions, both happy and sad. Sometimes, our jobs even depend on the use of our face, especially if you’re in the entertainment business. So, what if one day, you awoke without the ability to move half of your face? For Noah Harpster, an American television and commercial actor, this story is all very real.

Improving Facial Symmetry With A Bell’s Palsy Facelift

At the Facial Paralysis Institute in Beverly Hills, director Babak Azizzadeh, MD, FACS, understands the importance of continuing to improve treatment methods to better facial symmetry for individuals suffering from Bell’s palsy or facial paralysis, which is why we at the Facial Paralysis Institute are pleased to announce the success of a procedure known as the Bell’s palsy facelift.

Famous Painter Suffers From Bell’s Palsy

In a recent report by techyville.com, famed painter Fiona Hawthorne is a sufferer of permanent Bell’s palsy. Most recently, Fiona gained national attention as being the painter of Barack Obama’s self portrait, which hangs in the Library of Congress.

TV Reporter Develops Bell’s Palsy

If most of us woke up with the inability to move on one side of our face, we’d be pretty scared. However, one television reporter by the name of John Sudworth is making it his mission to educate others about Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis that has temporarily parlayed the left side of his face, and who doesn’t know when, if ever, his facial movement will return.

Steroids May Provide Relief For Sufferers of Bell’s Palsy

A recent study found that steroid therapy has been deemed safe and effective for the treatment of Bell’s Palsy. As the study indicates, steroid therapy helps to improve muscle movement in the paralyzed side of a patient’s face.

Improving Quality of Life for Facial paralysis Patients

Whatever the initial injury, facial paralysis is often psychologically devastating to patients. Despite the ever-increasing treatment approaches, misconceptions about treatment options and prognoses still exist. Dr. Azizzadeh vividly recalls seeing one patient who had suffered facial paralysis for almost a year, a man whose primary care physician had told him that there was “nothing we can do.”

Overcoming The Effects of Facial Paralysis

Overcoming the effects of facial paralysis is a long and difficult process, which is why we are doing everything in our power to provide our patients with ways to successfully recover.

Treating Bell’s Palsy

The number one cause of facial paralysis in the United States is Bell’s palsy, but not all patients who have facial paralysis have Bell’s palsy. Bell’s palsy is coined for any type of facial paralysis that does not have any other associated causes, such as tumors, trauma, and salivary gland inflammation. While Bell’s palsy is a very serious condition, please know that 85% of individuals who have Bell’s palsy completely recover from the condition with no noticeable deformity or issue.

Moebius Syndrome

Moebius syndrome is a rare neurological condition that primarily affects the muscles that control facial expressions and eye movement. The signs and symptoms of this condition are present at birth.

The Facial Paralysis & Bell’s Palsy Foundation

The Facial Paralysis & Bell’s Palsy Foundation recently had a well-recieved support group meeting in Los Angeles, and there will be more in the future! The powerful meeting was open to the public, and focused on persons dealing with facial paralysis and their families. During the meeting, Dr. Azizzadeh discussed current treatment options for facial paralysis, and answered several questions from the audience. Many of the attendants also used the time to share their stories and network.

Helpful Exercises for Bell’s Palsy

Bell’s palsy affects an estimated 30,000 – 40,000 Americans every year, and it is most common in persons between the ages of 20 to 40 years, with higher incidences in individuals with diabetes mellitus and pregnant women. Bell’s palsy involves irritation to the seventh cranial nerve. Movement of the muscles of the face are controlled by this nerve, and when irritated could result in weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles. In most cases, only one side is affected, and the occurrence of left or right side palsy is approximately equal and remains equal for recurrences.

Cosmetic Comparison of Gold Weight vs. Platinum Chain

Three renowned doctors at the Corneo Plastic Unit of Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead, United Kingdom recently finished conducting an Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved three-year long facial paralysis treatment study.

What is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is a serious bacterial infection transmitted by ticks to humans, and the most common cause of bilateral facial paralysis. It is transmitted through a bite from a specific type of tick. The animals that most often carry these insects are white-footed field mice, deer, raccoons, opossums, skunks, weasels, foxes, shrews, moles, chipmunks, squirrels, and horses.

Senator Kirk Faces Paralysis After Stroke

After suffering from an ischemic stroke over the weekend, Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) is currently experiencing slight facial paralysis on the left side of his face. As a result of the facial paralysis, Kirk’s speech is slightly slurred. On Monday Kirk underwent surgery to relieve swelling in his brain. Doctors removed a 4-inch by 8-inch part of the senator’s skull. He is recovery quickly, but is expected to stay in intensive care for another 5-7 days.

Jackie Diels visits the Facial Paralysis Institute

Dr Larian, Teresa England, Dr Azizzadeh, Jackie Diels and Dr Massry all had a wonderful week together at the Facial Paralysis Institute! Jackie Diels has worked for 25+ years ONLY on retraining facial muscles. We were so happy to have her in LA with us for the week!

House-Brackmann Grading System and Facial Paralysis

There have been significant advances made in the understanding and treatment of facial paralysis in recent years. Thanks to continued research and testing being conducted in the medical community, facial reconstruction specialists today are not only able to determine the cause of the facial paralysis, but are also able to determine which muscles and nerves have been affected and to what degree. Knowing precisely which nerves and muscles are affected is very important in tailoring a treatment plan or procedure to restore a patient’s facial animation.

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