Facial Paralysis
| Discussion in 'All Categories' started by Wilson Nweke Umezurike - Sep 2nd, 2012 6:45 am. | |
Wilson Nweke Umezurike
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Dear Sir, My Name is Wilson Nweke Umezurike; I am 33 years old, Nigeria. I write to inquire from your Hospital the treatment of a health condition called 'Facial Pareses (Paralysis). I was involved in an RTA on the 1st of April, 2011. It was a serious accident. My facial bones were broken, and my left eye was seriously damaged. I received initial treatment in a Government Hospital here in Nigeria. Due to the serious damage of my left eye, the entire eye ball was removed, according to the Doctor; the reason was so that it will not affect the good eye. But just after I was discharged from the Hospital, I started experiencing some pains on my left side face. I discovered that the entire left part of my face is not functioning and my Facial symmetry and profile was also distorted. Other symptoms I observed also include: 1. Inability to move my left eye lid, chin and my jaw. 2. Inability to move/open my mouth well. 3. Inability to Smile well, laugh well and slug talk. 4. Inability to bite or Chew 5. Inability to use my tongue well. 6. Reduced hearing ability with my left side ear. 7. Regular blockage of nose. 8. Lost of senses of Smell and taste. 9. Wrinkle appears only on one side of my face. I went back to the Hospital and after examination, the doctor said I have "facial Pareses' and that I require a corrective surgery but unfortunately; such surgery cannot be carried out locally. This means i have to make inquiry abroad for the surgery. So, I wish to seek professional advice on this condition and what can be done to correct it. Please, if there is any other information you required to assist in analyzing my present condition on this regard; do let me know so that I can supply them to you. I am looking forward to hearing from you as soon as possible. Thank you. Wilson Nweke Umezurike |
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re: Facial Paralysis
by Dr M K Gupta -
Sep 6th, 2012
7:33 am
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Dr M K Gupta
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Dear Wilson We're very sorry for that bad accident which has damaged your facial nerve. Despite improvements in microsurgical techniques and intraoperative facial nerve monitoring, it is often impossible to preserve normal facial nerve function when injury with intrinsic facial nerve involvement. This is especially true for complete injury of nerve. Even though facial nerve is anatomically preserved oftentimes, the function might be completely lost, producing a complete facial paralysis. Within this circumstance, full facial paralysis is usually physiologically and psychologically devastating towards the patient. Associated problems include painful corneal irritation, visual loss, difficulties in eating and speaking and in the worse circumstance, self-imposed social isolation. The successful control over this problem is better accomplished with a multi-disciplinary approach utilizing ihe expertise of neurosurgeons, oculoplastic surgeons, otolaryngologists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and facial reconstructive surgeons. Successful facial reanimation requires cautious of the patient's deficits, appropriate reconstructive procedures, along with a concentrated period of rehabilitation following surgical reconstruction. Although a number of reconstructive methods for the control over facial paralysis have been described, almost all of patients could be successfully managed with some relatively simple and reliable techniques. Patient age, overall health, skin laxity, neurological deficits, and expected nerve recovery must all be taken into consideration. Even under the better of circumstances, it's impossible to restore perfect dynamic facial symmetry. Because of this, it is essential to accurately measure the patient's expectations and counsel them as to reasonable expected results. The use of patient pre- and post-operative video tapes and discussion along with other patients who've undergone similar procedures can be extremely useful. So I will request you to make a trip of India and we will see what maximum we can do but only after thorough investigation and clinical assessment. With regards M.K. Gupta |