Question
Where does facial paralysis usually affect one side of the face?
Answer
Facial paralysis does not have a specific side of the face that is more susceptible to the condition; the onset location is typically random. The neural anatomical structures on both sides of the face are identical, so which side experiences facial paralysis is random. Infection and inflammation are one of the main causes of facial paralysis. When a patient’s head is affected by an infection (such as bacterial or viral infection), these pathogens can also cause damage to the facial nerve. When neural tissue is disturbed, it is more prone to develop hemifacial paralysis. Common causes include acute or chronic otitis media, and if otitis media is not appropriately treated, it may damage the patient’s facial nerve tissue.