Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery
Facial Nerve Center
The Facial Nerve Center is exclusively dedicated to the treatment of facial nerve disorders, including sudden and long-standing facial paralysis. We provide superior care and compassionate support to patients with difficult-to-manage facial nerve disorders such as Bell’s palsy, facial nerve tumors, or facial paralysis caused by Lyme disease or Ramsay Hunt syndrome, among others.
Overview
Established in 1989, the Facial Nerve Center at Mass Eye and Ear was one of the first centers to open and be solely dedicated to the treatment of facial paralysis. Located in Boston with a highly skilled, multidisciplinary team, we offer a complete spectrum of medical and surgical procedures for facial nerve disorders to both children and adult patients.
Facial paralysis is the loss of facial movement due to nerve malfunction. It can appear suddenly or gradually develop over time, causing weakness, immobility, involuntary movement, or drooping of the facial muscles. Facial paralysis can have many causes, including:
- Bell’s palsy
- Facial nerve tumors or acoustic neuromas (vestibular schwannomas)
- Lyme disease or Ramsay Hunt syndrome
- Ear infections, ear disease, or head trauma
- Brain tumors or their treatment
- Congenital facial paralysis, Mobius syndrome, Goldenhar syndrome
- Facial paralysis from neurofibromatosis, vascular malformations, or parotid surgery
- Surgery in the head and neck area
When any of these occur, we will work closely with you to ensure a proper diagnosis is made and the appropriate treatment is provided.
Meet Our Team
Staffed by surgeons, physical therapists, physician assistants, and other medical specialists skilled in the evaluation and treatment of facial paralysis, our combined medical expertise allows us to help patients improve their appearance, facial function, non-verbal communication, and overall well-being.
