Overview
Paralytic facial malformation is a very rare condition present from birth that involves abnormal development of the face along with paralysis (inability to move) of facial muscles. This condition is sometimes grouped with other congenital facial nerve palsies and craniofacial malformations. Affected individuals typically have weakness or complete lack of movement on one or both sides of the face, which can affect the ability to smile, close the eyes, or make other facial expressions. The facial structure itself may also show asymmetry or underdevelopment of certain bones and soft tissues. Because the facial nerve (the seventh cranial nerve) controls many muscles of the face, paralysis of this nerve during development can lead to difficulties with feeding in infancy, problems with speech, incomplete eye closure that may put vision at risk, and social challenges related to facial appearance. The severity can vary widely from person to person. Treatment is mainly supportive and depends on the specific features present. It may include surgical procedures to improve facial symmetry or function, eye protection measures to prevent corneal damage from incomplete eyelid closure, speech therapy, and physical therapy. In some cases, nerve transfer or muscle transfer surgery may be considered to restore some degree of facial movement. There is currently no cure, and management focuses on improving quality of life and preventing complications.
Key symptoms:
Inability to move one or both sides of the faceFacial asymmetry or lopsided appearanceDifficulty closing one or both eyes completelyFeeding difficulties in infancyDrooling due to poor lip controlSpeech difficultiesUnderdevelopment of facial bones or soft tissuesLack of facial expressions such as smilingDry or irritated eyes from incomplete eye closureHearing problems in some casesDifficulty with chewing or swallowing
Neonatal
Begins at or shortly after birth (first 4 weeks)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Paralytic facial malformation.
View clinical trials →Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for Paralytic facial malformation at this time.
New trials open frequently. Follow this disease to get notified.
Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Paralytic facial malformation.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Paralytic facial malformation.
Community
No community posts yet. Be the first to share your experience with Paralytic facial malformation.
Start the conversation →Latest news about Paralytic facial malformation
No recent news articles for Paralytic facial malformation.
Follow this condition to be notified when news becomes available.
Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What is the extent of my child's facial nerve involvement, and is it one-sided or both sides?,Are there any associated conditions or syndromes we should test for?,What surgical options might help improve facial movement or appearance, and when is the best time for surgery?,How should we protect the eyes if they cannot close fully?,What therapies (speech, feeding, physical) should we start, and how often?,Are there genetic tests that could help us understand the cause and any risk for future children?,What psychological or social support resources are available for our family?
Common questions about Paralytic facial malformation
What is Paralytic facial malformation?
Paralytic facial malformation is a very rare condition present from birth that involves abnormal development of the face along with paralysis (inability to move) of facial muscles. This condition is sometimes grouped with other congenital facial nerve palsies and craniofacial malformations. Affected individuals typically have weakness or complete lack of movement on one or both sides of the face, which can affect the ability to smile, close the eyes, or make other facial expressions. The facial structure itself may also show asymmetry or underdevelopment of certain bones and soft tissues. Bec
At what age does Paralytic facial malformation typically begin?
Typical onset of Paralytic facial malformation is neonatal. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.