Paralysie faciale

Facial paralysis results from a lesion on the motor nerve of skin muscles, the facial nerve, cranial nerves VII. Even in case of positive diagnosis with clinical evidence, further investigations are necessary to establish topographic and aetiological diagnosis. Depending on the aetiology, patient's age, and time of onset of the event, surgical treatment may be a simple stitch of the facial nerve, a nerve grafting, an anastomosis with a bordering nerve, or a pediculate or micro-anastomotic muscular transfer. Rehabilitation plays a major role in maintaining muscular functioning. Special attention must be paid to the functional rehabilitation of the palpebral cleft, in order to preserve both the cornea and an aesthetic eye expression. The treatment of facial paralysis represents a real challenge for the surgeon who has to analyse its various aspects prior to implementing any adequate management.