Introduction
This refers to weakness of the facial muscle on one side, which causes asymmetry of the face, resulting in facial droop or “the face being pulled to one side”, especially when patients are asked to smile.
As facial asymmetry is most commonly caused by Stroke, which is a life-threatening condition, patients who have this symptom are advised to immediately consult the Neurologist.
What are the causes of facial asymmetry?
Stroke
The most common cause of facial asymmetry is Stroke – blockage of the blood vessel in the brain or bleeding in the brain. Patients usually have other symptoms such as headache, vomiting, difficulty in speaking, numbness, dizziness (vertigo) and unsteadiness. The symptoms of Stroke start suddenly, within a few minutes over half an hour.
Brain Tumour / Cancer
Patients who have Brain Tumour / Cancer usually also have headache and vomiting. The symptoms usually start gradually over a few weeks.
Bell's Palsy (BP)
BP is another common cause of facial asymmetry. This neurological disorder is associated with viral infection. Patients with BP generally respond well to treatment. BP is not a life-threatening condition. The recovery period is one to three months.
Myasthenia Gravis and Guillan-Barre syndrome
These neurological disorders result inweakness of both sides of the face. Both are autoimmune disorders that can potentially cause difficulty in breathing and death.
There is specific treatment available for both disorders. As they are life-threatening neurological disorders, patients are advised to seek neurological consultation.
What will the Neurologist do for patients with facial asymmetry or facial droop?
The Neurologist will perform physical examination, blood tests, Nerve conduction study / EMG and MRI scan of the brain.
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