Lip Balm No Petroleum

Shea Butter Lip Balm No Petroleum Jelly Web EzineArticles.com Submit Articles Watch the Video -- Members Login Benefits Recent Articles Expert Authors Experts By Location Read Endorsements Editorial Guidelines Author TOS Terms of Service Ezines / Email Alerts Manage Subscriptions EzineArticles RSS Blog Forums About Us What's New Contact Us Affiliates Link To Us Privacy Policy Site Map Search All Options Search Article IDs Search Article Titles Search Articles Search Expert Authors Search Article Keywords Search Article Summary Advanced Search Email Address: Your Name: Got an Ezine Marketing or Email Newsletter Question? AskChrisKnight.com HOME :: Health-and-Fitness / Beauty Shea Butter Lip Balm No Petroleum Jelly By John McDermott Article Word Count: 529 [ View Summary ] Comments (0) Natural Lip Balm Vs the Other Kind Lip balm has been around for over 100 years. But it took a wrong turn right at the beginning. The inventor of lip balm, Dr. C. D. Fleet, started an unfortunate trend by using petroleum jelly in his Chap Stick lip balm, and it's only become clear in recent years just how ineffective petroleum jelly is as a lip balm. At best, since petroleum jelly isn't absorbed by the skin, it provides only a short-term fix for dry, chapped lips. And since it keeps the skin from breathing, it can -- if used frequently -- actually make your lips more chapped. If youre looking for a lip balm that can actually heal chapped lips you should consider lip balm made with shea butter. Shea butter's effect on the skin is different from that of petroleum jelly. Instead of lying inert on the surface of the lips, it is absorbed by the skin cells. Because it improves the moisture retention capacity of your lips, your lips become dry and chapped much less frequently. Why Shea Butter Lip Balm Works In early adulthood, all of our skin cells -- including those in our lips -- begin to become more porous and less elastic. If shea butter -- a substance that both moisturizes the skin and restores the skin cells' elasticity -- is applied to the lips, then not only are the cells hydrated, but they gradually regain their natural elasticity so that they are better able to keep moisture from escaping. Because unrefined shea butter contains both a high moisturizing fraction and an extraordinarily high healing fraction, it is a wonderful agent for revitalizing our skin cells so that they get back their moisture retention capacity. Why Petroleum-based Lip Balm Doesn't Work Petroleum-based lip balm doesn't pretend to fix the problem that causes dry chapped lips. Instead, it basically acts as a band-aid -- slightly moisturizing the surface of the lips and trapping the moisture there, thus temporarily making the lips less dry. But to keep your lips moist using petroleum-based lip balm, you need to frequently reapply the lip balm. Well you might as well just lick your lips all the time -- that has the same temporary effect, it's a lot cheaper, and it doesn't run the risk that bacteria will be trapped between the greasy lip balm and the skin, causing further irritation and even infection. Cause of Chapped Lips Chapped lips are, of course, the result of our lips being too dry. Everyone experiences dry chapped lips at one time or another, but some of us have a severe and chronic problem. The explanation for severe and chronic dry lips is that our skin has lost its moisture retention capacity. As a consequence, our lips become easily chapped. The chapping further reduces the moisture retention capacity and this vicious circle results in the problem becoming chronic and increasingly severe. Whether you just have occasional chapping or chronic and severe chapping, shea butter lip balm is a good choice since it enhances the skins moisture retention properties. John McDermott provides information about the various uses of shea butter on his website http://www.karitegold.com . And he provides additional details about shea butter lip balm . Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_McDermott Other Recent EzineArticles from the Health-and-Fitness:Beauty Category: What Is Cellulite? What Are the Hair Styles Trends for 2006? Face Lift and Eye Lid Surgery: A Career Investment? Eyebrow POW! Skin Whitening Zeal - The Fight Against Black Enzyme Holistic Skin Care - Regrowing The Garden Of Youth Natural Beauty Tip - Using Vitamin E To Your Advantage Makeup and Skin Care Smile Makeovers Gone Bad Tooth Whitening , Smile Makeovers What is Invisalign? Some Important Facts About the Costs of Cosmetic Surgery Skin Glands and Pores: Their Function and Importance in Maintaining Healthy Skin Why Using a Toner as Part of Your Skin Care Regime is Important The Safety and Effectiveness of Whitening Products Most Viewed EzineArticles in the Health-and-Fitness:Beauty Category Want to Try on That New Hair Style Before You Get It? New Hair Styles for 2005 - Summer Hair Trend 5 Hot Hair Style Trends For 2005 Human Hair Extensions Create Beautiful Long Hair Styles Instantly Japanese Hair Straightening Long Hair and Updo Hairstyles Makeup Tip: Beautiful Eyes Facial Exercises - A New Trend in Non-Surgical Facial Toning How to Remove Dye From Hair Plastic Surgery Gone Wrong Not Just News Fuller Lips Without Injections or Surgery? Hair Styles - How To Get The Most Flattering Hair Style Can We Really Get Rid of Cellulite? Short Hair Style? Make It Stylish, Sexy, and Chic 10 Most Popular Hair Styles for 2006 This article has been viewed 289 time(s). Article Submitted On: December 26, 2005 Please Rate This Article: Select Rating Excellent Very Good Interesting Fair Could Use Improvement Number of ratings: 0 Rating: 0 © EzineArticles.com - All Rights Reserved Worldwide. EzineArticles.com is a Member of the EmailUniverse.com Network

Anti Aging

"Anti-Aging Hormone" Found in Mice; May Help Humans Summary Scientists have engineered mice to live 20 percent longer, and they say the discovery might someday help humans do the same.Earthpulse Category HealthCategory_URI /news/health.html-- Site Index | Subscribe | Shop | Search     TODAY'S BEST NEWS PHOTO Photo in the News: Snow Shuts Down Athens's Acropolis VIDEO IN THE NEWS Video: The Real Jamestown, Beyond "The New World" News Front Page 15 Most Popular News Stories Photos in the News Videos in the News Animals & Nature News Archaeology & Paleontology News Environment News Health News History & Culture News Offbeat News Science & Space News Travel & Adventure News NEWS FEEDS Get our news delivered directly to your desktop—free. How to Use XML or RSS FREE NEWSLETTER Sign up for our free Inside National Geographic newsletter . Every two weeks we'll send you our top stories and photos ( see sample ). CONTACT US Email the News Staff News Front Page > Health "Anti-Aging Hormone" Found in Mice; May Help Humans Brian Handwerk for National Geographic News August 25, 2005 Researchers have dramatically increased the life spans of mice bygenetically engineering them to overproduce a protein called klotho. Notsurprisingly, the discovery has spurred speculation that klotho couldhelp humans live longer. "We overexpressed the klotho gene to suppress aging, and we found that the average life span was 20 to 30 percent longer than in control animals," said pathologist Makoto Kuro-O, of the University of Texas' Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. Email to a Friend RELATED Anti-Aging Drug for Humans Hinted at by Worm Study 102-Year-Old Professor Hailed as Oldest U.S. Worker Burden of Aging Population "Less Than Feared," Study Says Discoveries May Help Unlock Secrets of Long Life The gene regulates production of klotho protein, which the study team says works like an anti-aging hormone. Kotho is involved in the suppression of insulin-signaling pathways—a process that has been shown to increase the life spans of worms and flies. "We concluded that the klotho gene is an aging-suppression gene that can extend life span when overexpressed and accelerate aging when disrupted," said Kuro-O, who was on the study team. Their findings will be published in tomorrow's issue of the journal Science. Benefit to Humans? So, how might this relate to humans? For starters, humans have a klotho gene almost identical to that in mice. Studies have shown that natural alterations of the klotho gene in both humans and mice can cause increased aging-related problems, such as muscular atrophy and hardening of the arteries. "It makes for the intriguing possibility that the things found in mice [both good and bad] will also prove relevant to people," said Hal Dietz, professor of genetics at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore. Now that the new study has shown that boosting klotho can generate longer mouse life spans, could humans benefit as well? "I believe that the klotho gene can also regulate human aging," Kuro-O cautions. "So of course the immediate speculation would be that we could inject humans with klotho protein and extend human life span. "But we just don't know," Kuro-O adds. "It might someday be an option for the treatment of aging. ... " Klotho is likely an important key to how humans age, but not a single regulator. The gene is tied to some age-related afflictions. But it has not been linked to others, such as cancer or Alzheimer's disease. Continued on Next Page >> LATEST VIDEOS IN THE NEWS Video: Steel Drum, Oil's Most Melodic Byproduct Video: Stardust Probe Mission Overview Video: Modern Geisha Keep Tradition Alive More Videos in the News SOURCES AND RELATED WEB SITES U.S. National Institute on Aging Makoto Kuro-O, Southwestern Medical Center Science TODAY'S MOST POPULAR NEWS STORY Moon Is Dragging Continents West, Scientist Says ADVERTISEMENT LATEST PHOTOS IN THE NEWS Photo in the News: Snow Shuts Down Athens's Acropolis Photo in the News: Whale Swims Past London Landmarks Photo in the News: Giant Jellyfish Invade Japan More Photos in the News A California senior citizen keeps fit by climbing ropes. Scientists say a newfound method for lengthening mouse life spans could have potential for helping humans live healthier and longer. Photograph by Karen Kasmauski NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC'S PHOTO OF THE DAY • Today's Photo • Download as Wallpaper SEND NO MONEY NOW Gift Orders >> International Orders >> Offer applies to U.S. and Canadian addresses only. Savings based on annual U.S. newsstand price of $59.40. Canadian price C$20 ($17 U.S.), including GST. Sales tax will be added where applicable. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. While all dues support National Geographic's mission of expanding geographic knowledge, 90 percent is designated for the magazine subscription, and no portion should be considered a charitable contribution. © 1996-2006 National Geographic Society. All rights reserved. Home Site Index Search Free Newsletters Subscriptions Shopping Contact Us Advertise With Us Privacy Policy Press Room

Botox Botulinium Toxin BOTOX®

Botox Procedure - Vancouver cosmetic surgery //-- Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Prostate Health -- Cardiology ENT - Computer Assisted Sinus Surgery Gastroenterology - Colonoscopy Gynaecological Surgery Interventional Pain Management / Pain Blocks Orthopaedic Surgery Neurosurgery - Back Surgery Urology Surgery Vascular Surgery (Veins) General Surgery Procedures All Surgical Procedures Surgery Cost Facelift & Neck Surgery Breast Augmentation - Implants Breast Augmentation - TUBA Breast Lift/Reduction Abdominoplasty Tummy Tuck Ultrasonic Liposuction Surgery of the Nose Facelift & Neck Surgery Eyelid Surgery Endoscopic Forehead Lift Otoplasty (Ear) Laser Skin Resurfacing Obagi Skin Treatment Chemical Peels Collagen Injections Restylane Botox Botulinium Toxin BOTOX® Cosmetic Rejuvenation (Botulinium Toxin) The use of botulinum rejuvenation for cosmetic purposes has increased dramatically over the past few years as more people realize that achieving a fresh, youthful appearance is safe and convenient. Pioneered for cosmetic use in 1987, botulinum toxin is a purified form of one of the world’s most poisonous substances. It is produced by a bacterium, clostridium botulinum and infection with this bacterium is the cause of botulism. However, when carefully injected by cosmetic surgeons in very low doses, botulinum toxin ‘type a’ is a modern tool that can reduce the signs of aging. In its natural form the toxin’s effects are much different than the positive medicinal and cosmetic potentials it has in its purified form. Purified botulinum toxin is the first bacterial toxin to be used as a medicine. Doctors first used botulinum toxin for health conditions and as a muscle relaxant to treat many muscle disorders (E.g. lazy eye and uncontrolled blinking) before realizing its cosmetic potential. The BOTOX® Procedure Botox® is the trade name of botulinum toxin ‘type a’. Botox® rejuvenation is a simple procedure in which cosmetic surgeons carefully inject a low dose of toxin into an individual’s facial muscles, causing temporary relaxation of the injected muscles. Cosmetic uses for Botox® include treating common signs of aging, such as, the horizontal lines on the forehead, vertical lines between the eyebrows and on the bridge of the nose, fine lines or crows feet at the corners of the eyes and the muscle bands often visible on the neck – otherwise known as “turkey neck”. Botox® is an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure since it is non-invasive and features practically no recovery time. During the procedure, which takes only minutes, small doses of Botox ® are injected into affected muscles. Botox® binds to the nerve endings; blocking the release of the chemical acetylcholine and hindering signals for the muscle to contract. Botox® then paralyzes or weakens the injected muscle and leaves surrounding muscles unaffected. The muscle then relaxes, creating a smooth surface that lasts about three to four months before the muscle recovers its original strength. Even after the original effects of Botox® are gone the lines that are left behind are not as deep and don’t return to their original severity. Ideal candidates for Botox® injections are young to middle age men and women who do not have significant sun damage but want to eliminate lines and wrinkles on their face and neck. They have realistic expectations of cosmetic procedures and generally are satisfied having a procedure that might have to be repeated every three or four months in order to maintain results. Botox® can also be combined with other cosmetic procedures to enhance outcomes. It is recommended that patients who anticipate having Botox® rejuvenation treatments avoid taking any kind of aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medications before their treatments because these medications can cause patients to bleed and bruise more easily. To ensure patients can avoid potential hazzards and achieve optimum results Botox® injections are performed in the comfort and privacy of our Centre by trained and experienced medical professionals. This is one of the many cosmetic injectables procedures available at False Creek Surgical Centre. Our trained cosmetic surgeons will review your expectations and recommend the best procedure for your individual needs. FCSC › surgical procedures › Cosmetic Plastic Surgery › Botox False Creek Surgical Centre #600, 555 West 8 Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia, BC, Canada If you have any questions regarding Botulinium Toxin or any of our other procedures, please fill out the form below: name: email address: question regarding procedures: Home Our Facility Our Surgeons Surgical Procedures Patient Response Patient Rights News Faqs Affiliates Disclaimer Contact Sponsors Sitemap

gorgeous skin you once

The Secrets to Youthful Skin  You are here: About > Style > Beauty > Beauty by Age: Teens to 50+ > The Secrets to Youthful Skin Style Beauty Essentials Pics! 10 Styles Sure to Cause Curl Envy Make Eyes Look Bigger How to Get a Hairstyle You Won't Hate Best Celebrity Hair Cellulite: Why You Have It & She Doesn't Topics Hairstyle Photo Galleries Hair Trends & Advice Prom Hairstyles Hair Color Winter Beauty Makeup Tricks & Tips Beauty by Age: Teens to 50+ Skincare Perfect Nails Plastic Surgery Hair Removal Best Perfumes Makeovers Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Top Ten Fragrances for Her Top Ten Fragrances for Him Top Quick Gifts Under $10.00 Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Beauty newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Beauty Stay up to date! Email to a friend Print this page Most Popular Flattering Hair Cuts Long Face Shapes Photo Gallery Wild Updos The Perfect Haircut What's Hot Prom Hair Miss America 2001 short hairstyle Girl Next Door Easy French Twist Related Topics Tattoos / Body Piercings Teen Fashion Weddings Women's Fashion Teen Advice Turn Back Time: Are These Products the Secret to Youthful Skin? From Julyne Derrick , Your Guide to Beauty . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Why Women are Turning to Retinoids & Alpha Hydroxy Acids A few years ago I was in Mexico with a friend shopping when she pulled me into a pharmacy to buy a bunch of Retin-A for cheap. "Why in the world do you need this stuff? You have flawless skin?" I said to her. I had always thought of Retin-A as something found only in the medicine cabinets of pimply teens. "Honey," she said, "This is WHY I have flawless skin." My friend was about a decade older than me -- in her late-30s -- and she wasn't the first flawless-skinned woman I would come to know whose dermatologist prescribed Retin-A as a way to combat fine lines & wrinkles. Now that I'm in the business of beauty & skincare, I know much more about products that really do turn back time, so to say, & reduce lines & wrinkles. The Secret to Youth: Collagen Collagen is the key to healthy skin that tends to age well. The change in the pH level of the skin caused by just a few uses of a retinoid product such as Retin-A or AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) can help generate collagen. "Collagen is the skin's structural fiber," dermatologist Dennis Gross said in the October 2005 issue of O Magazine. "As we get older, it breaks down, creating lines & large pores." The best way to keep collagen from breaking down is avoiding the sun at all costs. Dermatologists warn that up to 90% of wrinkles, dark spots & sun damage are caused by sun exposure. This is why they're always preaching the use of sunscreen . However, if the damage is done, you can try to recoup the gorgeous skin you once had. To find out your best option, read on. Vitamin A Vitamin A really cuts down on the wrinkles, perhaps better than any other type of skin product. However, these can only be prescribed by a doctor. Options include the very popular Retin-A & Renova, which may prove gentler on your skin. But be careful, you can't go out in the sun after using Vitamin A products. Because it's just been treated your skin is very susceptible to skin damage. Retinoids Retinoids are the tamer, non-prescription versions of the vitamin A derivatives listed above. Retinoids contain a less harsh Vitamin A derivative called retinol. These products are less potent & therefore great for weekly upkeep. Alpha & Beta Hydroxy Acids AHAs & BHAs are better options for women who find the Vitamin A products dry out their skin. AHAs are acid extracts that tend to be more moisturizing. You'll want to look for products that include glycolic (an acid extract from sugarcane), lactic (milk) or citric (citrus fruits).   Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2006 About, Inc., A part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About Tips to Losing Weight Guide to Distance Learning How to Travel for Less PHOTOS: Italy PHOTOS: Hybrid Cars What's Hot Prom Hair Miss America 2001 short hairstyle Girl Next Door Easy French Twist

facial nerve Facial Nerve

MEEI-Facial Nerve Find a Disease/Condition | Employment | Contact Us | Site Map | The menu has downgraded. It is at the bottom of this page. home otolaryngology department facial nerve Facial Nerve Disorders Causes of facial nerve problems can include: Bell's Palsy Facial Paralysis After Acoustic Neuroma Removal and Other Skull Base Tumors Facial Palsy from Parotid Tumors Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome Facial Paralysis After Head Trauma Lyme Disease and other Inflammatory/ Infectious / Metabolic Conditions Facial Palsy from Birth Genetic Syndromes Birth Trauma Facial Paralysis with Chronic Ear Disease Synkinesis and Facial Spasms Bell's Palsy Bell's palsy is a rapid onset paralysis ofthe facial musculature on one side of the face, without an apparentcause. It ordinarily affects all branches of the nerve, from theforehead to the neck. A viral illness preceding the paralysis, earpain, changes in taste, facial numbness, and tongue numbness arecommonly associated symptoms. The cause of Bell's palsy is uncertain, asits other name, idiopathic facial paralysis, reflects. There isevidence to suggest a viral cause, with most data pointing toinfection with herpes simplex virus (HSV). While it is difficult toprove this cause and effect relationship conclusively, the factthat Bell's palsy appears to respond to antiviral andanti-inflammatory medications further supports the relationshipbetween HSV and Bell's palsy. Treatment Most cases of Bell's palsy resolvespontaneously, with no noticeable change in facial expression seenafter recovery. However, it has been shown that treatment withsteroids can either improve or speed up complete recovery, and itis very frequently prescribed for this condition. It has also beenshown to cause a decrease in Bell's palsy associated pain. Steroidsdo have some potential side effects. Therefore, in patients withother health problems, steroid use may not be indicated. Among thepotential problems are altered blood sugar levels, stomach ulcers,and mood and personality changes. A large study examining whether the antiviral agent, acyclovir,would improve recovery in Bell's palsy, showed that if themedication is begun within three days of the onset of theparalysis, it appears to improve recovery. However, the beneficialeffect does not appear to be dramatic. There is much controversysurrounding the role for antiviral medication in the treatment ofBell's palsy. Since the evidence points to an inflammatoryprocess causing destruction within the nerve, and since the facialnerve travels in a tight bony canal from where it exits the brainto where it enters the face, attempts have been made to open up thebony canal during the acute inflammatory phase of Bell's palsy. Therationale for this approach is that if the nerve gets inflamed, itswells, and swelling inside a tight canal will then choke off theblood vessels to the nerve, and cause additional damage bydepriving the nerve of its blood supply. The surgical procedure toopen the bony canal is called total facial nervedecompression. A multi-institution study using thistreatment showed that a subset of patients with severe Bell's palsydid benefit from decompression surgery, if it was performed soonenough after the onset of the paralysis.However, to perform totalfacial nerve decompression is a serious undertaking, and is notwithout risks and complications, one of which is inadvertent damageto the facial nerve. Therefore, the decision to proceed withdecompressive surgery is one that needs to be made jointly betweenpatient and surgeon, with a full understanding of potential risksand benefits. For recurrent Bell's palsy, or unsatisfactory/ prolonged recovery, see other options in the Facial Nerve Disorders Treatment Options section. Phases of Recovery The recovery from Bell's palsy tends to followone of two pathways. The majority of patients begin recovery withinthree weeks of the onset of paralysis. These patients tend torecover fully and represent approximately 85% of all Bell's palsypatients. This is known as the "rapid recovery" group. A smallerset of patients experiences delayed or incomplete recovery, andrequires additional therapy to improve outcome. This "delayed /partial recovery" group represents roughly 15% ofpatients. Generally, those patients with return of somefacial nerve function by the third week, or who don't experiencecomplete paralysis, tend to follow the rapid recovery pattern,while those who have complete paralysis extending beyond threeweeks tend to follow the delayed recovery pattern. Facial Paralysis After Acoustic Neuroma and Other Skull Base Surgery Sometimes removal of an acoustic neuroma, orother skull base tumor in a similar location, results inpostoperative facial palsy. This is related to manipulation of thefacial nerve during tumor removal. Nerves are extremely sensitiveto any manipulation, and can be either temporarily or permanentlyaltered by any surgical procedure around them. Tumors are sometimes closely associated withthe facial nerve, and may even be adherent to it. The removal oflarger tumors has a higher probability of causing facial nervedysfunction than the removal of smaller tumors. Occasionally,tumors distort the anatomy so that key structures are difficult orimpossible to identify. Sometimes the degree of function of thefacial nerve or recovery ability cannot be determined. The recovery phases that follow differentdegrees of neural injury are outlined below. These can be followedwhen the status of the nerve is known, though occasionally thestatus of the nerve is not known at the conclusion of surgery,making management of the resulting facial palsydifficult. Recovery Phases There are three recognized phases of recovery. Nerve intact, slightly stretched duringtumor removal. Near complete to complete recovery expected over weeks tomonths. Nerve intact, severely stretched duringtumor removal. Partial recovery expected over months to a year. Nerve cut for tumor removal. Grafted - Partial recovery expected over 1-2years. Not grafted - No spontaneous recoveryexpected. Utilize other methods of facial reanimation. Facial Weakness From Parotid Tumors (Before and After Surgery) Facial Weakness Before Parotid Surgery When facial weakness develops in the presence of a parotidgland tumor, it suggests that the tumor is affecting the functionof the nerve. Tumors tumors that affect function are more likely tobe malignant cancers rather than benign growths. For complete malignant tumor removal withpreoperative facial nerve weakness, a portion of the facial nervemay need to be removed. If this is the case, the nerve is usuallyreconstructed to permit regeneration if possible. Facial Weakness After Parotid Surgery When facial nerve function is abnormal followingparotid surgery, it is important to distinguish the cause of theweakness. The most common cause is nerve stretching that occursduring tumor removal. In that situation, complete recovery islikely. The degree of nerve weakness appears at the time ofrecovery. Complete facial paralysis takes longer to recover fromthan mild facial weakness. Occasionally, and more frequently withmalignant parotid tumors, the facial nerve must be cut toadequately remove the entire tumor. Sometimes it is possible toperform a neural graft at the time of surgery, in order to promoteregeneration from the native facial nerve stump. In situationswhere the tumor extends deeply along the nerve or extensively intothe facial musculature, grafting is not feasible, and delayedfacial paralysis management is employed. Melkersson Rosenthal Syndrome Melkersson Rosenthal syndrome is characterized by a triad of symptoms, including relapsing facialparalysis, facial edema, and a fissured tongue. It appears to havea familial inheritance pattern, though the specific mode ofinheritance has not been established. With repeated episodes offacial palsy,recovery can diminish. For this reason, some doctorsfeel that facial nerve decompression is indicated since it appersto decrease the severity of the facial palsy in subsequentepisodes. This approach is generally reserved for severe cases withimpending long term facial dysfunction, rather than for routinecases. Recovery phases from bouts of facial palsycaused by Melkersson Rosenthal syndrome follow a similar timecourse to recovery from Bell's palsy. Later bouts may recover moreslowly and less completely. Facial Paralysis After Head Trauma Facial paralysis that occurs following headtrauma can be due to several different injuries. Most commonly,fractures of the temporal bone through which the facial nervetravels (These are also called Skull BaseFractures.) , lead to either temporary or permanent damage tothe nerve. Less commonly, direct brainstem injury or a strokerelated to the trauma can lead to central nervous systemmalfunction, so that the facial muscles do not work properly, evenif the nerve itself is intact. Temporal Bone Fractures Temporal bone fractures are classified into either longitudinal ortransverse fractures, depending on their position through thebone. Longitudinal Fractures Longitudinal fractures are the more common ofthe two, and account for 80% of all temporal bone fractures. Theseare usually sustained from a blow to the side of the head. It mayrupture the tympanic membrane (ear drum), and can result inbleeding from the ear. In about 20% of these, the facial nerve isinjured in the temporal bone.More commonly the cause of the facialparalysis is from swelling within the bony canal through which thenerve runs. Since there is no room for swelling to occur, the nervegets "squeezed" within the facial canal. The blood supply getschoked, and the nerve malfunctions as a result. If this is the case, the facial muscles aresometimes seen to be working normally immediately after the injury,but become weak in the ensuing several hours to days, as swellingsets in. When a patient is badly injured with head trauma, thehealth care providers are often occupied in managing the lifethreatening injuries in the first hours after any serious accident,and facial nerve function is not noted until the patient isconscious. Measures to decrease swelling, such asadministration of steroids, can hasten recovery. Another approachto relieve the squeezing phenomenon on the nerve is to perform afacial nerve decompression, though some feel this is a largeoperation for a problem likely to resolve on its own. It isimportant to emphasize that in cases of delayed facial nerveweakness, standard management is eye protection and patience.Regeneration falls along a spectrum, and facial nerve recovery cantake months to a year. Transverse Temporal Bone Fractures Transverse fractures comprise 20% of temporalbone fractures, and usually result from a blow to the front or backof the head. These tend to be more severe injuries, since the forcerequired to fracture the temporal bone in its transverse dimensionis greater than that required for a longitudinal fracture. Thepathway for these fractures may be directly through the inner ear(containing the hearing and balance organs), so hearing loss andvertigo are common. The facial nerve canal is also more commonlydisrupted, and there is a 50% incidence of facialparalysis. The immediate occurrence of facial paralysis with a transverse temporal bonefracture, suggests disruption of the nerve, and may be repairedwhen the patient is medically stable. The complicating factor isthat often other life threatening issues exist, and requireattention before the temporal bone fracture is addressed. Moreover,the best assessment of facial function requires a cooperativepatient, and many patients are comatose following head trauma,making this impossible. Patient with transverse temporal bone fracture, attempting to smile. Patient with transverse temporal bone fracture, attempting to grimace. Infectious / Inflammatory / Metabolic Disorders Many infectious and inflammatory processescan change facial nerve function. This occurs either through directeffects on the nerve, or because generalized inflammation causesswelling in the tight bony canal through which the facial nerveruns. This chokes the nerve of its blood supply, and causes it tomalfunction from lack of nutrition. Some diseases affect the facialnerve in well understood ways, and others are poorly understood.Below some of the diseases whose pathophysiologic effects on thefacial nerve are understood. Lyme Disease Lyme disease is a spirochetal infection caused by the organism Borrelia Burgdorferi.It is ordinarily transmitted through a deertick vector, and is recognized by a characteristic "Bull's Eye"lesion at the site of the tick bite. In the acute phase of thedisease, this round red mark with a pale center can appear, thoughin up to 50% of infected individuals the lesion goes unrecognizedor does not develop at all. The second phase of the disease,presenting 3-6 weeks after infection, is characterized by migratingjoint pains, fatigue, generalized weakness, and cranialneuropathies. It is during this phase that facial palsy may occur.It can be an isolated symptom, or occur in conjunction withdysfunction of the other cranial nerves. A blood test for thedetection of Lyme disease is available, and it is treated withantibiotics. Multiple Sclerosis Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is ademyelinating disease in which the sheaths surrounding myelinatedmotor nerves are broken down, preventing them from conductingsignals appropriately. It can affect any motor nerve, including thefacial nerve. It may wax and wane substantially, so that nervefunction fluctuates according to the activity of the disease.During periods of disease remission, neural function often returnsto normal. Diabetes Mellitus Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a lack of internal control overblood sugar levels, based on failure of the islet cells in thepancreas to produce insulin. Blood sugar levels are critical formaintaining proper homeostasis,* and lack of proper control overthese levels causes many organ systems to develop diseaseprematurely. Among these is the nervous system. Neuropathies arecommon in later stages of DM. The facial nerve, like any othernerve, is susceptible to malfunction on the basis of thisDM-associated neuropathy. Facial Paralysis From Birth There are several causes of congenital facialparalysis. These include genetic problems, in utero problems thatdevelop during pregnancy, or paralysis resulting from trauma atdelivery. It is important to try and identify the cause of theparalysis, since management differs according to etiology. Genetic Syndromes Certain geneticallydetermined syndromes have facial paralysis as a phenotypicfeatures. The best known of these is Mobiius Syndrome, in whichthere is a congenital absence of the facial nerve on both sides.This results in a dense bilateral facial paralysis with nopossibility of spontaneous function of the facialmusculature. Mobiius Syndrome These represent the typical features of Mobiius Syndrome. Goldenhar's Syndrome Goldenhar's Syndrome is a maldevelopment ofthe first and second branchial arches, leading to hemifacial microsomia and facial nerve abnormalities. In some cases, there isevidence pointing to an early in utero problem that contributes to the development of hemifacial microsomia. Birth Trauma When a newborn has completely normal anatomic development, but a facial palsy ispresent at birth, the possibility of birth trauma to the nerve mustbe considered. Cases of facial nerve damage from skull basefractures, from forceps delivery, and from shoulder dystocia have been reported. Injuries arevirtually always crush injuries rather than transection injuries,and the prognosis for spontaneous recovery is good. Facial Paralysis with Chronic Ear Disease Facial nerve dysfunction can be seen inpatients suffering from acute and/or chronic otitis media. Thereare a number of ways that the nerve can be affected. Usually thestate of nerve function and the likelihood of full recovery aredependent on the time of onset of facial nerve symptoms during thecourse of the ear disease, and the facial nerveparalysis. Facial paralysis of sudden onset during anacute ear infection is indicative of an acute inflammation leadingto malfunction. This tends to occur in infants and young children,because infection spreads through small gaps in the bony canalsurrounding the nerve. Ordinarily, prompt treatment of theinfection, including removal of infected material in the middle earvia a temporary hole in the ear drum, will lead to resolution ofthe reversible nerve dysfunction. Facial Paralysis in the Immediate Postoperative Setting Facial paralysis or paresis (partial paralysis) immediatelyfollowing ear surgery can be related to one of several things. The administration of local anesthetic cancause a temporary paralysis, lasting for several hours after theprocedure. Removal of all diseased tissue in the middleear and mastoid surgery necessitates exposing a segment of thefacial nerve in its bony canal. This exposure can result in nerveinflammation which can lead to temporary facial nerve paralysis.This type of injury generally shows recovery within weeks tomonths. It is possible to inadvertently nick orsever the facial nerve during middle ear and mastoid surgery. Thisis characterized by immediate, complete paralysis. If the injurywas unrecognized during the operation, re-exploration fordecompression, assessment of the extent of injury, and possiblerepair or grafting is warranted. Sudden facial paralysis in the setting of chronic ear diseasesuggests compression on the nerve. Pressure on the nerve can occurif the disease involves erosion of bone, as is seen withcholesteatoma. Prompt surgical intervention, with the removal ofdiseased tissue, and nerve decompression may result in fullrecovery of function. Synkinesis, Facial Spasms Synkinesis and facial spasms refer tohyperkinetic facial syndromes, and both involve involuntary musclecontraction. Synkinesis refers to the phenomenon wherebydeliberate movement of one segment of the face results in movementin another segment of the face. The classic example of this is whenintended eye closure results in a turning up of the corner of themouth, and when a spontaneous smile results in unintentional eyeclosure. This occurs following facial nerve damage, when the fibersthat are regenerating are misdirected, ultimately reaching targetmuscles for which they were not intended. Facial spasms refer to involuntary, intermittent or persistentcontractions of the facial musculature. It can involve selectedmuscles (orbicularis oculi in essential blepharospasm, forexample), or the entire hemiface (hemifacial spasm). page updated: 10/06/05 Facial Nerve/Disorders First Consult Research Links Clinical Staff Contact Us Facial Nerve/Treatment Options Need Help with Understanding a Word or Condition? 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