For any given set of symptoms, there may be numerous potential causes that cannot be determined without further investigation. For example, facial paralysis may present in a patient as twitching, facial tightness, facial droop or asymmetry in facial features. The cause of these conditions can be the result of inflammation, infection or an underlying disease. It is imperative for effective treatment that thorough evaluation be done to find the cause of the visible symptoms.
Depending on the nature and cause of your paralysis, it may be necessary to perform more than a basic medical history review and physical exam. Based on your history and story, diagnostic testing may also be needed to determine the cause of the paralysis, including:
- Hearing and balance testing – Audiogram
- Electrical testing: electromyography (EMG), Electroneurography (ENOG)
- Radiographic: CT or MRI of brainstem/cerebellopontine angle, temporal bone, parotid gland
- Imaging of chest (systemic diseases)
- Special and routine laboratory tests
Other testing will include blood tests, such as an ESR to test for inflammation and blood sugar levels for the presence of diabetes in the patient.
Each patient is an individual with unique needs and concerns. New York Facial Paralysis employs a multidisciplinary collaborative team effort to patient care. We believe that a comprehensive approach is the most effective means of treatment, one that ensures every aspect of the patient’s recovery is treated, with dignity and care.