title: Understanding facial nerve paralysis.
abstract: Facial nerve paralysis has many causes and can be acute or chronic. Understanding the signs and symptoms, performing a careful patient evaluation, and obtaining appropriate diagnostic testing can help guide clinicians and improve outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Jaime Matthaeus works in otolaryngology/head and neck surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona. Richard Hayden is chair of otolaryngology/head and neck surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix and a professor of otolaryngology at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in Phoenix. Michael Kim is a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, Oregon. Carrlene Donald works in otolaryngology/head and neck surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix. The authors have indicated no relationships to disclose relating to the content of this article.
authors.forename: Jaime
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Matthaeus
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hayden
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Carrlene
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Donald
mesh_terms: D005154:Facial Nerve; D005158:Facial Paralysis; D006801:Humans; D010808:Physical Examination