Correcting Facial Paralysis Associated with Bell’s Palsy

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D. Guest: Jacob K. Dey, M.D. Bell’s Palsy is the most common cause of 7th cranial nerve dysfunction and clinically, it has a relatively abrupt onset resulting in unilateral facial paralysis. Fortunately, the majority of patients recover completely without treatment. Unfortunately, in some cases, the facial paralysis is persistent, and surgical intervention may be indicated to help restore facial symmetry. When do patients reach maximum improvement in their facial asymmetry? What is facial synkinesis? What are the various surgical options and how is it determined which one is best for the patient? The topic for this podcast is “Correcting Facial Paralysis Associated with Bell’s Palsy” and these are some of the questions I’ll be asking my guest, facial plastic surgeon, Jacob K. Dey, M.D., from the Division of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at the Mayo Clinic. Connect with us and learn more here: https://ce.mayo.edu/online-education/content/mayo-clinic-podcasts