Congenital Facial Paralysis

A congenital disorder is a condition that exists at or before birth, regardless of cause. Congenital facial paralysis can affect children starting at birth, having a significant impact on a child’s life. While there are the obvious physical side effects of this condition, children will also face emotional issues associated with facial paralysis that can affect their self-confidence, relationships, and ability to put themselves in situations where they must connect with others.

If children are born displaying signs of congenital facial paralysis, an immediate diagnosis and treatment are crucial. If congenital facial paralysis symptoms linger, they can cause problems that will continue into adulthood.

Dr. Teresa O focuses on pediatric and adult facial paralysis and vascular anomalies. As a member of several major national and international medical associations and with dual Board certification in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. O is a renowned specialist who can help patients alleviate their symptoms at a young age.

Symptoms of Congenital Facial Paralysis

Congenital facial paralysis symptoms can include:

• Asymmetrical facial appearance
• Drooping of one side of the face
• Excessive drooling
• Inability to fully open or close the eye
• Inability to latch on to the breast or a bottle for feeding

For young children, medical evaluation for congenital facial paralysis is extremely important. This examination will look at the patient’s symptoms, the severity of the symptoms, and whether one or both sides of the face are affected by paralysis. Evaluation can include blood work, X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. An accurate diagnosis is vital for appropriate and effective treatment.

The ideal treatment for congenital facial paralysis in a child depends on the exact factors of the patient’s condition. By meeting with Dr. O, a comprehensive evaluation will yield an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment. Dr. O understands the emotional complications that can occur in children with facial paralysis, and she is dedicated to achieving the best results from treatment.

If your child has displayed signs or symptoms of congenital facial paralysis, schedule a consultation with Dr. O by calling (212) 371-3223 or completing an online form at our “Contact Us” page.