Hello all,
My facial paralysis worsened after the first week of being released from the hospital. Dr. Martuza, my neurosurgeon, recommended I see Dr. Hartlock at Mass Eye and Ear as someone who specializes in facial nerve damage. I did see her and she did a thorough exam of my facial function, explained the facial nerve to me in very clear terms, and recommended I see one of her physical therapists.
The PT worked with some deep massage techniques on my face with instructions to continue them at home. I did. It felt incredibly wonderful to have the muscles move in my face, even though I was manipulating them myself. I had movement in my mouth/smile after a few days. Could close my eye again independently in a week (I had been pushing it closed with my finger up until that point and taping it shut if I needed to). After two weeks, I have almost all of my movement in my face, save a weak left eyebrow and only a slight asymmetry in my smile.
I hadn't heard of a facial nerve specialist before. Now that I have, I wanted to share with you all, as I know some people are frustrated by the slow progress of regaining facial movement.
Miss Molly
Hope this is helpful to someone.
