Changes observed during the recovery phase of facial paralysis
Facial Synkinesis
Related terms · Simultaneous movement after facial paralysis · Eyes closing when smiling
Facial synkinesis is a condition where facial movements other than the intended ones occur simultaneously during the recovery process of facial nerve palsy, such as the eyes closing when moving the mouth.
Meaning and Distinctions
What is facial synkinesis?
This does not mean there is no recovery; we examine which facial expressions trigger it and how uncomfortable the pulling or spasms are. Facial synkinesis Facial palsyis a condition where unintended facial movements occur simultaneously with intended ones, such as the eye closing when moving the mouth during the recovery process.
- Easily confused terms
- acute facial palsy or hemifacialFacial Spasmspasm differs in terms of onset timing and the range of movement.
- Why this is checked during medical evaluation
- Following eye protection and acute phase treatment, we specifically examine facial function and daily life inconveniences during the recovery stage.
- What to note down for your visit
- Please record a short video of the facial expressions that cause discomfort, such as closing your eyes, smiling, or pursing your lips.
Dizziness, Ear, Head, and Face Glossary
Compare similar terms here
You can check simple definitions before proceeding to detailed explanations.Read More
Check guides where this term is used
- Condition GuideFacial paralysisFacial palsy may appear as a sudden weakness in the movement of one side of the face, causing the eyebrows, eyelids, or corners of the mouth to droop, difficulty smiling or frowning, and an inability to close one eye completely. This may be accompanied by drooling, difficulty speaking, eating or drinking, decreased sense of taste, dry eyes or excessive tearing, pain behind the ear or jaw, and sensitivity to sound. However, if new facial drooping is accompanied by weakness or numbness in one arm or leg, slurred speech or difficulty understanding language, changes in vision or balance, or a sudden severe headache, it should be regarded as a stroke and 119 must be called immediately. Even if only the face appears weak, do not self-diagnose it as Bell's palsy; seek an evaluation on the same day, and if the eye does not close, begin corneal protection immediately.→
- Condition GuideFacial spasmsCommon eyelid myokymia usually appears as a subtle, wave-like trembling of the skin on one side, particularly the lower eyelid. It must be distinguished from simple eyelid twitching if both eyes close strongly against your will or if spasms around one eye spread to the cheek or corner of the mouth on the same side. If the trembling persists, spreads, or worsens, seek an examination from an ophthalmologist or neurologist. If facial drooping, slurred speech, or limb weakness occur suddenly, seek emergency evaluation immediately.→
- Medical Evaluation GuideIf dizziness or tinnitus remains after tests and acute treatmentEven after confirming emergency causes and receiving a canalith repositioning procedure, medication, or rehabilitation, you may still experience instability, dizziness in supermarkets or when looking at screens, tinnitus, and fatigue. Do not view previous treatments as meaningless; instead, note whether the sensation of spinning has decreased, in which movements instability remains, and if there are new changes in hearing, headaches, or heart rate. If the pattern changes, a re-evaluation is the priority.→
- Head, Ear, and Face ColumnWhy the goals of treatment differ between the acute phase and the sequelae phase of facial nerve palsy→
Evidence and Update Information
The following materials were referenced to verify the basis and scope of the definitions and treatment descriptions.